Senior researchers lead and advance research programs, turning complex questions into rigorous studies and actionable insights. Browse vetted senior researcher opportunities on Ladders, including roles with salaries of $100,000 or more across industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, academia, and life sciences.
Responsibilities vary by discipline, but senior researchers commonly shape research agendas, design methodologies, analyze and interpret data, and communicate findings to technical and executive audiences. They may mentor research teams, manage projects and budgets, publish or present results, and partner with product, clinical, policy, or business teams to apply discoveries.
Employers often seek deep subject-matter expertise, strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, and a record of conducting high-quality research. Depending on the role, qualifications may include an advanced degree, experience with statistical analysis or specialized laboratory methods, proficiency with relevant research tools, and a history of publications, patents, or successful research programs. Clear writing, collaboration, project leadership, and ethical research practices are valuable across fields.
Compensation depends on industry, location, specialization, education, and scope of responsibility. Senior researcher roles can offer competitive salaries, particularly in sectors where advanced technical knowledge and research leadership are in demand. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates explore opportunities aligned with their expertise.
Search senior researcher jobs by specialty, location, and employer to identify roles that fit your career goals. Review each listing for its responsibilities and requirements, then tailor your application to highlight relevant research outcomes, leadership experience, and measurable impact.
Senior Research Associate, Cohen Center
$74K - $92K *
Lead complex research projects, manage fieldwork, and mentor staff while authoring reports and publications. Collaborate across teams to analyze data and present findings, driving impactful insights i...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Innovate with a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge clinical AI systems. Blend research and engineering to enhance reasoning, evaluation, and data pipelines, driving improvements in healthcare AI per...
2 weeks ago
$228K - $423K *
Unlock your potential in aerospace control systems design, collaborating across disciplines to innovate precision mechanisms and advanced navigation algorithms. Join a dynamic team focused on cutting...
Yesterday
$228K - $423K *
Transform aerospace innovation by designing advanced control systems for precision mechanisms. Collaborate across disciplines to develop cutting-edge guidance and navigation algorithms, ensuring optim...
Yesterday
Research Scientist/Study Director
$80K - $95K *
Lead the planning and execution of non-clinical studies. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), while producing reliable scientific outcomes and interfacing w...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's pioneering original research on offensive security agents. Collaborate closely with leadership to design experiments, build evaluation infrastructure, and translate findings into pr...
6 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Transform scientific decision-making by developing advanced learning methods that leverage historical assay data for improved experimental recommendations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist II, Statistical Genetics
$184K - $215K *
Advance research in statistical genetics to uncover therapeutic targets for cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. Collaborate with diverse cohorts and apply AI/ML methods to translate genetic insights...
1 week ago
Research Scientist, Gemini Post-Training
$174K - $252K *
Explore innovative solutions as a Research Scientist, driving cutting-edge projects in AI and machine learning. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop algorithms and publish findings, imp...
Yesterday
$160K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative research projects in AI and ML, shaping the lab's agenda and culture. Collaborate with engineers and experts to drive impactful solutions and publish findings th...
6 days ago
$81K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-impact market research solutions, managing multiple projects, and fostering client relationships. Coach and elevate team standards while utilizing innovative methodo...
4 days ago
$110K - $204K *
Join a team that's redefining AI engineering practices to build cutting-edge legal AI agents. Leverage your expertise to architect and deliver complex systems, ensuring reliability and performance whi...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy
$112K - $168K *
Join a dynamic team to drive innovative cell therapy research, translating complex data into impactful therapies. Collaborate across disciplines to accelerate clinical progress and enhance patient out...
1 week ago
Senior/Research Associate, mRNA Engineering
$75K - $100K *
Execute mRNA production workflows, collaborating with scientists to optimize processes and maintain rigorous documentation in a fast-paced lab environment, ideal for early-career scientists eager to d...
1 week ago
Staff / Senior Scientist, Assay Research
$123K - $187K *
Empower innovation by designing and executing assays that enhance protein sequencing technology. Collaborate across disciplines to establish workflows and optimize components, driving advancements in...
1 week ago
Senior AI Researcher, On-Device LLM Efficiency
$159K - $238K *
Champion the future of machine learning by driving LLM efficiency research and solutions. Leverage your expertise in AI and deep learning to deliver innovative algorithms and models that enhance perfo...
3 weeks ago
$138K - $165K *
Transform financial services by maintaining and enhancing payments applications and infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless deployment and operational excellence in...
1 week ago
$113K - $120K *
Drive innovative middleware solutions to enhance bank-wide application integration, leveraging expertise in messaging technologies and BI platforms to optimize performance and scalability across diver...
1 week ago
Senior Program Analyst, Laser Technologies
$130K - $150K *
Lead the charge in advancing military communications systems through innovative research and program management, ensuring alignment with operational needs and strategic objectives across multiple conc...
3 weeks ago
Senior Financial Economist (Experienced)
$150K - $220K *
Transform complex financial disputes through advanced quantitative analysis, managing projects that drive impactful insights in securities litigation. Collaborate with clients and mentor teams to enha...
Reposted 2 days ago
Staff Research Scientist, Gemini Research, DeepMind
$207K - $300K *
Transform the future of machine learning by inventing and implementing cutting-edge algorithms and systems. Collaborate across teams to validate AI-generated advancements and drive innovation in next...
1 week ago
Staff Research Scientist, Gemini Research, DeepMind
$207K - $300K *
Drive innovation in machine learning by inventing and implementing advanced algorithms and systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance AI capabilities, ensuring robust evaluation and deployment of ne...
1 week ago
$85K - $110K *
Lead the market research project cycle, from design to delivery, while mentoring junior researchers and fostering client relationships. Drive insights that empower strategic decision-making across div...
Today
Sr. Scientist, Production Development & Innovation
$123K - $140K *
Drive product innovation and formulation excellence in medical foods and dietary supplements, optimizing processes and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver scientifically robust and commerciall...
4 days ago
$67K - $105K *
Unlock potential by driving talent research and market intelligence to enhance executive hiring. Collaborate with recruiters to build proactive pipelines and deliver actionable insights that elevate t...
2 weeks ago
What does a senior researcher do?
A senior researcher plans and leads research, selects appropriate methods, analyzes evidence, and communicates findings. Many also mentor colleagues, manage projects, and collaborate with teams that use research results.
What qualifications are typically required for senior researcher jobs?
Requirements depend on the field. Employers commonly look for substantial research experience, subject expertise, analytical skills, and sometimes a master's degree or PhD. Specialized methods, publications, or team leadership may also be required.
How much do senior researchers earn?
Pay varies by discipline, employer, location, and experience. Ladders features vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, including senior researcher opportunities when available.
Which industries hire senior researchers?
Senior researchers work in areas such as technology, life sciences, healthcare, finance, consulting, government, and academia. Specific job titles and responsibilities differ across industries.
How can I find senior researcher jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse senior researcher listings on Ladders and filter opportunities by relevant criteria such as location and specialty. Compare qualifications and responsibilities, and emphasize measurable research impact in your application.