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Lead Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking an AI Researcher to lead research in embodied intelligence for autonomous defense systems, focusing on areas such as reinforcement learning and multi-agent coordination.

You will lead research in core areas including reinforcement learning, vision-language-action modeling, sim-to-real transfer, dynamic AI memory, and multi-agent coordination. Your work will be ...

The AI Researcher on the Fury Team will lead research in embodied intelligence, focusing on areas such as reinforcement learning and multi-agent coordination to develop scalable models for defense ...

You will lead research in core areas including reinforcement learning, vision-language-action modeling, sim-to-real transfer, dynamic AI memory, and multi-agent coordination. Your work will be ...

Lead UX Researcher, Growth

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Lead research strategy: Build and drive the research roadmap for Growth product teams, ensuring that research informs product decision making and drives product strategy. * Develop and execute end-to ...

AI Researcher

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $400K/yr

You will lead research in core areas including reinforcement learning, vision-language-action modeling, sim-to-real transfer, dynamic AI memory, and multi-agent coordination. Your work will be ...

Lead Research Scientist Department: Research and Evaluation Reports to: Assistant Vice President ... researcher, evaluator, or comparable scientific contributor. * Experience submitting research ...

Lead Research Scientist Department: Research and Evaluation Reports to: Assistant Vice President ... researcher, evaluator, or comparable scientific contributor. * Experience submitting research ...

As a seasoned researcher, you will design and lead impactful studies across the full customer lifecycle-answering questions about ideal subscriber experiences, purchase confidence, content discovery ...

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Lead Researcher information

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$35K

$168K

How much do lead researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead researcher in the United States is $160,216.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead researcher?

Lead Researchers are experienced professionals who oversee and direct research projects within academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing research methodologies, managing research teams, securing funding, and ensuring that research objectives are met. Lead Researchers analyze data, publish findings, and often collaborate with other experts to advance knowledge in their field. Their leadership and expertise are critical to the success and integrity of research initiatives.

How does a lead researcher typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

As a Lead Researcher, you will frequently coordinate and communicate with professionals from various backgrounds, such as data analysts, subject matter experts, and project managers. This collaboration is essential for integrating diverse perspectives, ensuring methodological rigor, and aligning research outcomes with organizational goals. You'll often facilitate meetings, delegate specific research tasks, and synthesize input from team members to drive the project forward efficiently. Strong interpersonal and project management skills are crucial for navigating differing viewpoints and maintaining progress on shared objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Researcher, you need advanced analytical skills, a deep understanding of research methodologies, and typically a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software, data visualization tools, and research management systems is often required. Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate teams and disseminate findings effectively. These skills are crucial for designing rigorous studies, leading collaborative research efforts, and producing impactful results.

What is the difference between Lead Researcher vs Research Analyst?

AspectLead ResearcherResearch Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field; experience in research leadershipBachelor's or Master's degree; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentLeading research projects, managing teams, strategic planningData collection, analysis, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageResearch firms, academia, corporate R&DMarket research, finance, healthcare, academia

The main difference between a Lead Researcher and a Research Analyst lies in their responsibilities and seniority. Lead Researchers oversee research projects and manage teams, while Research Analysts focus on data analysis and reporting. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and leadership duties.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Researcher jobs?

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The top employers for Lead Researcher jobs are:

What states have the most Lead Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Researcher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lead Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,216 per year, or $77 per hour.

Technology Practice Researcher, Executive Search

Egon Zehnder

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The OpportunityWe are seeking a highly motivated and proactive candidate to join our Research team serving North America. In this fast-paced role, the Researcher will be responsible for leading internal client teams of consultants and other Researchers in the execution of Executive Search, Board, and Advisory projects for multiple clients within an industry or function. Primary responsibilities include project planning, market and candidate research, the production of high-quality client deliverables, business development, and knowledge management.
The Researcher provides specialized market insight, strategic guidance, and client engagement support as a crucial member of the client engagement team. In conjunction with internal consultant stakeholders, you will operate as part of a team that delivers powerful, effective human capital solutions to our clients. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance multiple projects at the same time. This team member would focus on the IT Services Segment.
Practice Team Summary
The technology industry is one of the main drivers of the digital revolution unfolding across the global economy. Egon Zehnder's Technology Practice Team has extensive experience helping organizations navigate leadership challenges in a future focused technological world. Our industry expertise focuses on key segments covering AI, Communications & Connectivity (Telecommunications), Digital, Software, IT Services, IT Systems & Semiconductors to deliver tailored people solutions. With a core number of marquee technology organizations in North America, the practice is uniquely positioned to make a deep and personal impact on our clients.
What You'll Do
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Research & Project Planning
  • Serve as the lead Researcher for multiple simultaneous client projects in collaboration with Consultants and other Researchers
  • Act as a thought partner to the team on all aspects of projects by identifying and developing a rigorous approach and strategy (e.g., priority targets through market research, utilizing data tools, and scoping out parameters to deliver client solutions at scale and scope)
  • Guide the project team throughout the search processes to drive strategy, candidate solutions and supporting client materials with a consistent focus on quality and speed
  • Identify, calibrate and prioritize potential candidates through a thorough research process, the internal Firm network and external resources
  • Conduct information and data synthesis (written and verbal) from interviews, discussions, and working sessions to identify the needs and wants of a diverse set of stakeholders
  • Work broadly across different Firm offerings to continue developing a well-rounded understanding of our solutions to identify the best solutions for individual client needs
  • Create high-quality client documentation (e.g., candidate profiles, role specifications, search strategies, assessment and client progress reports, etc.)

Business Development
  • Partner with client teams to develop pitch presentations and business development materials, adapting deliverables and solutions to address specific client needs
  • Proactively initiate, shape, and drive effective business development activities and other business-related projects, including monitoring relevant market shifts in a segment or function, company updates, and people moves
  • Act as a partner with consultants to build targeted event lists for business development-related dinners, conferences, and other points of connection

Knowledge Management
  • Contribute to the Firm's knowledge management activities by looking for opportunities to share expertise and best practices, developing a network of people within an industry or functional area and recording pertinent information
  • Develop an area of subject matter expertise, providing strategic guidance and high-quality insights on important trends and topics to support client teams

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • A minimum of 3 years' professional work experience (post-undergrad)
  • Demonstrated functional experience of a similar nature (e.g., market research, qualitative or legal research, professional services/consulting, project planning)
  • Previous project-based experience working effectively on multiple mandates simultaneously
  • Ability to effectively operate in a fast-paced, client-driven environment
  • Exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication ability
  • Demonstrates very strong attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications
  • Depth of knowledge or experience in the IT Services industry and ecosystem
  • Strong Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel capabilities
  • Affinity and interest in the executive search or professional services industry
  • Superior engagement management abilities and initiative to lead projects with minimal guidance or supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to push back constructively and offer solutions
  • Forward-thinking, structured, and process-oriented thinker
  • Self-starter mentality with good business judgment

The compensation range for this role is $85,000 - $95,000 annually.
About Egon Zehnder
Egon Zehnder is the world's preeminent leadership advisory firm, inspiring leaders to navigate complex questions with human answers. We help organizations get to the heart of their leadership challenges and offer honest feedback and insights to help leaders realize their true being and purpose.
We are built on a foundation that supports partnership in the truest sense of the word and aligns our interests with the interests of our clients. Our 560 consultants across 64 offices and 36 countries are former industry and functional leaders who collaborate seamlessly across geographies, industries and functions to deliver the full power of the Firm to every client, every time.
We partner closely with public and private corporations, family-owned enterprises, and non-profit and government agencies to provide executive search, leadership solutions, CEO search and succession, and board advisory.
We believe that together we can transform people, organizations and the world through leadership.
Due to high volume, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all of the minimum requirements listed in the job description. Only those applicants who align most closely with our minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. The Recruiting team at Egon Zehnder will retain your application materials and may contact you regarding future opportunities.
The compensation range for this role is $85,000 - $95,000 annually.