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Senior Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Usyd

$156K/yr

Base Salary $156,103 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation About the opportunity The John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research is seeking a Senior Research Fellow to play a key role in the analysis and ...

University of Michigan

RESEARCH FELLOW

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$62K - $64K/yr

... senior graduate students, and undergraduate research trainees who create the vibrant and ... Postdoctoral fellows may also participate in instructional activities, and in mentoring ...

University of Michigan

RESEARCH FELLOW

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Previous postdoctoral fellows trained in the laboratory have become independent faculty members at research universities, senior scientists in pharmaceutical companies and leaders in government ...

Foreign Policy

Events Research Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$27/hr

Foreign Policy (FP) seeks an Events Research Fellow to support the development of our high-level ... senior stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities * Produce concise, well ...

Foreign Policy

Events Research Fellow

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$27/hr

Foreign Policy (FP) seeks an Events Research Fellow to support the development of our high-level ... senior stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities * Produce concise, well ...

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Senior Research Fellow information

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$11K

$86.3K

$188K

How much do senior research fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior research fellow in the United States is $86,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Research Fellow vs Research Associate?

AspectSenior Research FellowResearch Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD, extensive research experienceBachelor's or Master's, entry-level research experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent research, leading projectsSupporting research tasks, assisting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, labs, research organizations

The main difference is that a Senior Research Fellow typically has more experience, higher qualifications, and leads research projects, whereas a Research Associate supports research activities under supervision. Senior Research Fellows often have more responsibilities and independence in their roles.

What is a Senior Research Fellow?

A Senior Research Fellow is an experienced researcher, typically holding a doctoral degree, who leads or supervises advanced research projects in academic, scientific, or industry settings. They often manage research teams, secure funding through grants, and contribute significantly to scholarly publications. Senior Research Fellows are recognized for their expertise and are responsible for mentoring junior staff and collaborating with other institutions. Their work plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and innovation within their field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Research Fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Research Fellow, you generally need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in a relevant field, strong research methodology skills, and a proven publication record. Familiarity with data analysis software, grant management systems, and specialized laboratory or field equipment is often required. Exceptional critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills help drive collaborative projects and mentor junior researchers. These competencies ensure impactful research outcomes, secure funding, and foster innovation within academic or research institutions.

What are the typical responsibilities and collaborative expectations for a Senior Research Fellow within an academic or research institution?

As a Senior Research Fellow, you will typically lead independent research projects while also guiding junior researchers and postgraduate students. Your responsibilities may include drafting grant proposals, publishing research findings, and presenting at conferences. Collaboration is key; you’ll often work with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to departmental meetings, and partner with external institutions or industry stakeholders. This role offers opportunities to develop leadership skills and expand your professional network within the research community.
What cities are hiring for Senior Research Fellow jobs? Cities with the most Senior Research Fellow job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Fellow jobs? The most popular types of Research Fellow jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Research Fellow jobs? The top employers for Senior Research Fellow jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Research Fellow jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Research Fellow jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Research Fellow job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,269 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Senior Research Fellow

Senior Research Fellow

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Senior Research Fellow with Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) Work with The Future of Free Speech Project team to conduct cutting-edge research, contribute to the development of policy recommendations, and engage with stakeholders from academia, civil society, and industry. Contribute to efforts to advance understanding of free speech in the digital age in Europe, the United States, and beyond. Explore the challenges and opportunities for free speech in the rapidly evolving landscape of online communication and digital media.

Conduct empirical research and advocacy on the state of global freedom of expression and how it can be strengthened to empower democracy, tolerance, and rule of law, and how the harms of free expression can be mitigated through non-restrictive measures. Conduct original research on topics related to free speech in the digital age, such as content moderation, online harassment, platform governance, and the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, on free speech. Analyze data and literature and develop insights and recommendations for policy and practice.

Contribute to the development of project reports, policy briefs, and academic publications. Engage with stakeholders from academia, civil society, and industry to share project findings and perspectives. Support project events, such as workshops, conferences, and webinars, by contributing to their planning and execution.

Collaborate with the project team and other research fellows to advance the overall goals of the Project. Position allows for remote work. Must report in-office at least once per quarter.

Job Requirements: Requires a Master’s or PhD in Political Science, Law, Sociology, Public Administration, or related field. Position requires experience (5 years with a Master’s or 2 years with a PhD). Must have some experience in each of the following skills: Legal and policy research to critically analyze, compare, and assess legislation and regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions and in various contexts including European Union law; A portfolio of at least three published reports, white papers, legal opinions, policy briefs, or peer-reviewed articles; Leading and contributing to bilateral and multilateral policy dialogues and consultations with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations; Demonstrated legal and policy drafting abilities, producing high-quality reports, policy briefs, legal opinions, and articles for diverse audiences including legal practitioners, policymakers, and the general public; Organizing and speaking at conferences, workshops, or panel discussions involving large and diverse audiences including developing event agendas, moderating or presenting at expert panels, and delivering remarks on legal and policy issues; Creating and maintaining working relationships in multicultural and international settings, showcasing adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

Vanderbilt University has a strong institutional commitment to recruiting and retaining an academically and culturally diverse community of faculty. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups, in particular, are encouraged to apply. Vanderbilt is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to: ois@vanderbilt.edu #LI-DNI

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