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.
$106K - $137K *
Shape the future of project management by leading HR initiatives, enhancing team performance, and driving operational excellence through strategic planning and effective resource allocation...
2 weeks ago
Senior Digital Forensics Investigator
$130K - $250K *
Empower investigations by analyzing digital evidence and employing programming skills. Utilize strong communication and analytical abilities to synthesize data from diverse sources while supporting co...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion data-driven solutions by analyzing large datasets, developing ETL workflows, and applying advanced statistical techniques to uncover insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure data acc...
Reposted today
Senior Software Engineer, Information Systems
$196K - $217K *
Innovate by developing mission-critical internal software to streamline operations. Collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency and automate processes, ensuring seamless integration of core systems w...
1 week ago
Research Project Manager, Executive Operations
$75K - $145K *
Empower our leadership team by managing complex operations and enhancing productivity. Collaborate across diverse teams to support high-priority initiatives at the intersection of AI and national secu...
1 week ago
$86K - $129K *
Contribute to innovative R&D efforts by designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and developing new technologies to drive strategic growth and enhance product offerings in priority markets...
3 weeks ago
Research Data Scientist, YouTube Music and Premium
$147K - $210K *
Drive data-driven insights within the YouTube Premium team to enhance user experiences and inform product strategies. Collaborate across teams to model growth dynamics and optimize subscription servic...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive global employment law initiatives, ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration across diverse markets. Embrace challenges in a fast-paced environment while providing strategic legal counsel...
3 weeks ago
$122K - $159K *
Champion risk management excellence by leading compliance initiatives, overseeing enterprise frameworks, and collaborating with global stakeholders to enhance organizational resilience and decision-ma...
1 week ago
Senior Research Scientist - DMPK
$110K - $130K *
Lead innovative DMPK strategies and collaborate with teams on drug metabolism to accelerate early R&D projects. Utilize your expertise in pharmacokinetics to guide candidate selection for successful c...
3 weeks ago
$223K - $372K *
Transform customer-facing growth strategies for Fortune 500 companies, leading innovation portfolios and market penetration efforts. Drive project management, stakeholder engagement, and team developm...
1 week ago
$239K - $372K *
Drive transformative technology solutions for clients, shaping strategies and roadmaps that align with business objectives. Lead teams in vendor assessments and project management while enhancing serv...
2 weeks ago
$290K - $320K *
Lead the development and deployment of advanced robotic systems, translating complex algorithms into production-ready solutions. Drive strategic technology initiatives and foster an agile engineering...
2 weeks ago
Sr Staff Site Reliability Engineer, AI Infrastructure
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing infrastructure reliability and observability across diverse environments, ensuring seamless operations for engineering teams. Take ownership from provisioning...
4 weeks ago
$74K - $118K *
Engage in cutting-edge immuno-oncology research by utilizing molecular biology techniques to develop mRNA-based cancer therapies. Collaborate within a dynamic team to execute experiments and deliver h...
5 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Scientific System of Record
$144K - $240K *
Transform your career by collaborating with a dynamic team to build innovative software solutions that advance scientific research and operational excellence across diverse lab environments...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Clinical Operations Manager, Canada/USA, remote
$110K - $130K *
Transform clinical operations by leading a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality trial management, and driving innovation through technology and AI solutions. Your strategic oversight will enhance perfo...
1 week ago
Senior Analyst - Program Management
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to high-impact aerospace missions by leading program management efforts, overseeing budgets and schedules, and ensuring technical excellence. Foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $145K *
Lead the establishment and management of laboratory operations in a biomanufacturing environment, focusing on microbial culture management and fermentation processes to support scale-up and operationa...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer, Scientific System of Record
$144K - $240K *
Empower scientific innovation by developing full-stack applications and tools that enhance lab workflows, ensuring data accuracy and operational excellence within a collaborative team of experts in te...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced materials solutions for innovative automotive projects. Collaborate with teams to execute R&D initiatives, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and OEM s...
3 days ago
Director, Signal Detection Scientist
$164K - $282K *
Lead signal detection initiatives in pharmacovigilance, ensuring systematic evaluation of safety signals for innovative products. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement data-driven surveillance st...
3 weeks ago
Director, Signal Detection Scientist
$164K - $282K *
Lead the charge in innovative safety surveillance strategies, ensuring proactive signal detection for complex pharmaceutical products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive insights, influe...
3 weeks ago
Director, Signal Detection Scientist
$164K - $282K *
Lead innovative signal detection strategies for post-marketing safety data, enhancing safety surveillance. Collaborate across teams to evaluate emerging safety signals, ensuring high-quality analysis...
3 weeks ago
Senior Study Lead, Biopharmaceuticals (GMP)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing complex routine projects within a GMP laboratory, ensuring compliance and high-quality outputs. Collaborate with teams to drive continuous improvement, mentor staff, and al...
Reposted 3 days 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.