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.
$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
$79K - $131K *
Execute laboratory management practices that enhance operational efficiency, maintain equipment, manage inventories, and foster collaboration within R&D, ensuring a safe environment and adherence to q...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Scientist, Quality Control
$66K - $171K *
Join a team that's pioneering advanced therapies by executing assays and supporting new product introductions in a cutting-edge Quality Control laboratory focused on gene therapy and innovative manufa...
4 days ago
Specialist, Education Operations
$66K - $100K *
Optimize educational program delivery by managing logistics, enhancing efficiency, and automating processes. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of training and certification in...
1 week ago
Specialist, Education Operations
$66K - $100K *
Drive the execution of educational programs by managing logistics, enhancing processes, and automating tasks to ensure efficient delivery of learning experiences while collaborating with stakeholders...
1 week ago
Member of Technical Staff (Applied AI Research)
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and evaluation of pioneering AI benchmarks. Collaborate with top labs to shape industry standards, analyze cutting-edge models, and publish influential insigh...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Program Delivery Manager
$110K - $130K *
Transform the delivery of complex executive education programs, leading a team to enhance learner experiences and operational excellence while managing stakeholder relationships and program health at...
2 weeks ago
Senior Analyst, AI-Enabled Strategy & Long-Term Planning
$133K - $212K *
Analyze complex data and emerging opportunities to shape strategic business plans. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making with AI insights, ensuring clear communication of recommendations...
6 days ago
Senior Specialist - Human Resources
$76K - $114K *
Lead impactful HR initiatives by managing leave administration and ADA accommodations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance employee experience while ensuring compliance across a diverse...
5 days ago
Principal Engineer, Technology Development
$120K - $145K *
Lead the development of advanced materials for medical devices, translating research into commercially viable products while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and collaborating across mult...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead geotechnical investigations and design activities, impacting major projects. Collaborate with teams, manage investigations, and provide technical analyses while supervising professionals. Engage...
Yesterday
Senior Operational Excellence and Digital Specialist
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate progress at our pharmaceutical manufacturing site by driving measurable improvements through the Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System. Engage in hands-on problem solving, pro...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in driving product vision and strategy for our core SaaS Operations line. Collaborate across teams to deliver solutions that address customer needs while scaling the business and enhan...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead comprehensive risk management strategies for major projects, enhancing service delivery and stakeholder collaboration while ensuring adherence to policy and frameworks to minimize risk exposure a...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Lead the charge in enhancing risk management strategies, ensuring alignment with best practices and facilitating seamless integration across projects. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to proactiv...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Tackle risk management challenges by leading innovative practices that enhance service delivery, ensure project compliance, and foster collaboration among stakeholders while managing complex projects...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the landscape of risk management by leading proactive initiatives, conducting comprehensive analyses, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure project success and compliance within a d...
Reposted 1 month ago
Staff Software Engineer, Applied AI
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining operational efficiency by architecting robust internal tools and applying AI to real-world challenges. You'll lead technical direction, drive impactful decisions, and enh...
Yesterday
Assoc Research Scientist - qNMR, HPLC, KF
$110K - $115K *
Lead the charge in early-phase drug substance analytical development, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and oversee critical process development activities while ensuring compliance...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Scientist, Genome Sciences & Engineering
$125K - $140K *
Transform gene editing therapies by designing in vitro assays, optimizing genome editor activity, and collaborating across R&D teams to advance innovative solutions in translational and preclinical de...
5 days ago
Consultant, AI Enablement and Work Redesign
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate business transformation by supporting AI and automation initiatives that enhance efficiency and employee effectiveness. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities, implement so...
4 days ago
Senior Research Operations Program Manager
$167K - $201K *
Elevate research operations by designing systems that enhance insights and collaboration across teams. Lead high-impact projects, ensuring researchers have the resources and support needed for effecti...
1 week ago
Quantitative Execution Researcher
$150K - $250K *
Join a team that's pioneering equity execution research by developing and managing advanced models and strategies. Collaborate with trading and technology teams to enhance performance and optimize exe...
3 weeks ago
Senior/Principal R&D Cybersecurity Researcher - Cyber Threat Center, Onsite
$117K - $235K *
Drive innovative cybersecurity research to protect critical systems, conduct threat assessments, and develop advanced protective technologies across diverse platforms, ensuring national security throu...
1 week 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.