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 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
Sr. Project Manager, Research Support
$88K - $105K *
Lead complex clinical research initiatives, overseeing project management and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to achieve institutional goals while maintai...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in building a robust project management system to enhance cross-functional collaboration and accelerate product development. Drive strategic projects from inception to launch while ens...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Elevate the training program in a pharmaceutical setting, ensuring compliance and effectiveness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop curricula, maintain records, and enhance learning ou...
2 weeks ago
Senior Associate Scientist, Investigations and Compliance Specialist
$68K - $114K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring quality compliance through thorough investigations and audits. Leverage your expertise in microbiology and GMP practices to drive improvements and collaborate...
Yesterday
Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer
$135K - $200K *
Elevate spacecraft performance by leading structural dynamics analysis for mechanisms. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure reliability from launch to orbit, developing finite element...
2 weeks ago
Senior Dynamics Analysis Engineer
$135K - $200K *
Drive structural dynamics analysis for spacecraft mechanisms, ensuring reliability from launch to orbit. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to develop finite element models and translate resul...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Join us to lead the development and optimization of fermentation and downstream processing technologies, driving innovation from lab-scale to commercial production while collaborating with cross-funct...
2 weeks ago
Senior Licensing Associate, Business Development and Licensing
$100K - $120K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on licensing and commercialization. Collaborate with researchers and industry partners to evaluate technologies, manage inquiries, and drive innovative par...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by engaging in actuarial valuation activities with a focus on Individual Disability and Long-Term Care reporting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance accuracy and drive...
Reposted today
Senior Scientist II, Early Pipeline Development
$98K - $183K *
Champion innovative AAV manufacturing processes in gene therapy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance early-stage pipeline candidates through purification and platform development, drivi...
6 days ago
Staff Research Scientist - Foundation & World Models
$320K - $400K *
Elevate research in foundation and world models by driving innovative multimodal learning. Collaborate across teams to translate complex research into scalable solutions, while mentoring peers and set...
2 weeks ago
Staff Research Scientist - Foundation & World Models
$320K - $400K *
Join a team that's advancing research in foundation and world models. Drive large-scale multimodal learning, set technical direction, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate innovativ...
2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist - Therapeutic Modality Assessment for Surface Targets
$127K - $171K *
Elevate therapeutic discovery by evaluating cell-surface targets and proposing innovative modalities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive early validation and guide strategic decisions in...
4 days ago
Staff Research Associate III (Ethnographer)
$70K - $93K *
Support innovative research in music and dementia by conducting in-home ethnographic studies, managing participant interactions, and ensuring data integrity. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Project Manager
$116K - $155K *
Drive innovation in a dynamic environment as you lead cross-functional teams, manage agile projects, and ensure timely delivery of cutting-edge defense technology solutions while aligning with company...
3 weeks ago
Research Analyst (Europe & Eurasia)
$55K - $125K *
Make your mark at a dynamic organization by conducting impactful research and analysis to support international development initiatives in Europe and Eurasia, while collaborating with diverse teams to...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and improving advanced instruments for neutron science. Lead complex engineering projects from concept to commissioning, collaborating with multidisciplinary...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to safeguarding privacy and compliance. As a Senior Privacy Analyst, you will manage privacy-sensitive requests, conduct risk assessments, and support the development of o...
Reposted 1 week ago
$138K - $266K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee global project and program delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Drive excellence in execution, manage complex initiatives, and foster collaboration across...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $200K *
Innovate with us to design and deploy AI-driven software solutions for diverse industries. Lead full-stack engineering efforts, ensuring secure, scalable, and efficient production-ready applications w...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing clinical trial operations, ensuring high-quality outcomes through effective oversight, team development, and strategic resource allocation across diverse clinical programs...
6 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Innovate solutions for cutting-edge volatility modeling and options valuation across asset classes, implementing them in a modern library used by top market participants while making an immediate impa...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Explore innovative approaches in volatility modeling and options valuation, implementing solutions using C++ and Python for diverse asset classes. Join a dynamic team where your research drives impact...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by researching advanced volatility modeling and options valuation. Collaborate with a dynamic team to implement solutions in C++ and Python, impacting sophisticated market participant...
3 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.