Explore Senior Researcher Jobs

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.

What Senior Researchers Do

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Senior Researcher Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find Senior Researcher Roles on Ladders

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.

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$68K - $194K *

Contribute to the development of innovative software systems, supporting research tasks through design, implementation, and optimization. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure robust architectures a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $174K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative biomaterials technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance medical devices, ensuring compliance and quality throughout the...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $174K *

Elevate your career by driving innovation in biomaterials R&D. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and test advanced medical devices, ensuring compliance and enhancing patient outcomes...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Engineer innovative data solutions by leveraging AI and machine learning to analyze complex datasets, develop predictive models, and create impactful visualizations that drive business optimization an...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $150K *

Empower data-driven decisions by enhancing automation algorithms and analyzing large datasets. Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to optimize IP Geolocation technology, ensuring accurate i...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $150K *

Empower data-driven decisions by enhancing automation algorithms and analyzing large datasets. Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to improve IP Geolocation technology, delivering impactful...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $150K *

Join a dynamic Data Analytics Team to enhance IP Geolocation technology. Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to improve automation algorithms and leverage big data for accurate insights, im...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $150K *

Unlock potential by driving data insights and automation improvements. Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to enhance IP Geolocation technology, leveraging big data for accurate customer so...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Drive AI innovation by developing advanced reinforcement learning methods for real-world applications. Collaborate with experts to transform industry decision-making, ensuring impactful solutions that...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $145K *

Unlock transformative insights in AI-driven decision-making by leading advanced research in reinforcement learning. Collaborate with experts to deploy solutions that revolutionize critical industries...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$82K - $220K *

Join a team that's dedicated to integrating and testing advanced systems. Lead I&T activities from concept to certification, collaborating across disciplines to ensure robust, reliable solutions while...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $93K *

Join a team that's advancing microbiological research by executing laboratory projects on antibiotic resistance. Utilize genetic methodologies and collaborate with scientists to drive impactful discov...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$165K - $190K *

Engage in comprehensive industrial base analysis to support the Air Force, leading teams to deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations that enhance defense preparedness and resilience i...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Recruiter, managing the full recruitment lifecycle. Collaborate with hiring managers to define talent needs, develop sourcing strategies, and enhance candidate experi...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Drive the full recruitment lifecycle by partnering with hiring managers to define talent needs, develop sourcing strategies, and enhance candidate experiences while building pipelines for critical pos...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Unlock your potential by collaborating with experts to enhance Stata documentation and educational resources. Engage with applied researchers, contribute to publications, and expand your statistical k...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in clinical innovation as a Senior Statistical Programmer, utilizing your SAS expertise to drive data analysis and reporting for Phase I-IV trials. Collaborate with cross-functional te...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead advanced SAS programming efforts to support Phase I-IV clinical trials, ensuring data integrity and compliance with CDISC standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-qualit...

Cambridge, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $189K *

Join a collaborative team to tackle user experience challenges using empirical research. You'll analyze user behavior through innovative methods, informing product strategy and enhancing social impact...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing Joint Force readiness through independent operational assessments of CJADC2 capabilities. Provide analytical leadership to inform strategic decisions and impr...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $90K *

Join us to drive financial reporting and analysis in reinsurance accounting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes, support audits, and deliver insights that inform strategic de...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $130K *

Transform your career by designing and delivering complex full-stack solutions using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with teams to enhance engineering quality and lead technical initiative...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$130K - $232K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in AI and Cyber solutions. Collaborate with sales executives to develop strategies, enhance client engagement, and lead market initiatives while mentoring staff t...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $232K *

Engage with Energy & Industrial Sales teams to drive AI & Cyber project success. Develop market strategies, refine service proposals, and present solutions at key events while mentoring staff and ensu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $232K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with sales teams to drive AI & Cyber projects, develop market strategies, and enhance client solutions. Leverage technical expertise to mentor staff and present innov...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a senior researcher do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.