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Senior Research Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Research Software Engineer

Boston, MA

$145K - $191K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead ... Develop, maintain, and support the research and development (R&D) software used by our scientists ...

Microsoft

Senior Research Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$229K/yr

The Microsoft Research Americas Engineering team supports several MSR labs (Redmond, New England, New York City, and Montreal) and seeks an innovative and experienced Senior Research Software ...

IonQ

Senior Research Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead ... Develop, maintain, and support the research and development (R&D) software used by our scientists ...

Quanta Search

Senior Software Engineer (Python)

Houston, TX

$117K - $154K/yr

As a Senior Research Software Engineer based in Houston, TX you'll support quantitative and fundamental research infrastructure, engage in data-intensive analysis and modeling, and impact trading ...

Quanta Search

Senior Software Engineer (Python)

Houston, TX · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

As a Senior Research Software Engineer based in Houston, TX you'll support quantitative and fundamental research infrastructure, engage in data-intensive analysis and modeling, and impact trading ...

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How much do senior research software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior research software engineer in the United States is $143,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Research Software Engineer, you need advanced programming skills, experience in algorithm development, and a strong background in computer science or a related field, often demonstrated by a graduate degree. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud computing platforms, and research-focused tools such as Jupyter or MATLAB is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for driving innovative research, delivering reliable software solutions, and facilitating productive collaboration between engineering and scientific stakeholders.

How do Senior Research Software Engineers balance research objectives with software development best practices?

Senior Research Software Engineers often work at the intersection of scientific research and advanced software engineering. They are challenged to produce robust, maintainable code while supporting fast-paced, evolving research goals. Balancing these demands typically involves close collaboration with scientists to understand their requirements, iteratively developing prototypes, and gradually refining them into production-quality tools. This collaborative and flexible approach ensures that research progress is not hindered, while also maintaining a high standard of software quality and reproducibility.

What is a Senior Research Software Engineer?

A Senior Research Software Engineer (SRSE) is an experienced professional who bridges the gap between scientific research and software development. They work closely with researchers to design, implement, and maintain software tools and systems that support complex scientific studies or experiments. SRSEs not only write code but also help ensure that research software is robust, reproducible, and scalable. Their role often involves mentoring junior engineers, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and staying updated on the latest advancements in technology and research methodologies.

What is the difference between Senior Research Software Engineer vs Research Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Research Software EngineerResearch Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in CS or related field, experience in research environmentsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, less emphasis on extensive experience
Work EnvironmentLeading research projects, mentoring junior staff, developing complex softwareSupporting research teams, developing prototypes, implementing algorithms
Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research labs, tech companies with R&D focusAcademic research, government labs, industry R&D teams

The main difference is that Senior Research Software Engineers typically have more experience, lead projects, and mentor others, while Research Software Engineers focus on supporting research activities and developing software solutions. Both roles require strong programming skills and research understanding, but the senior role involves greater responsibility and leadership.

What cities are hiring for Senior Research Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Research Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Research Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Research Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Research Software Engineer jobs include:
Senior Research Software Engineer jobs near you
Senior Research Software Engineer

Senior Research Software Engineer

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 532 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Req Id: 41778
Job Title: Senior Research Software Engineer
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Senior Research Analyst
Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN
Join a research-facing support team that helps turn bold ideas into powerful computational results.
As a Senior Research Analyst, you'll partner with researchers, campus collaborators, national organizations, and external vendors to expand what's possible in large-scale research computing. In this role, you'll bring creativity, technical depth, and a service mindset to complex data and computation challenges that support Purdue's research enterprise and its broader mission of discovery, learning, and engagement.
What You'll Do
  • Support the use of advanced research computing systems by providing researchers with the tools, expertise, and guidance needed to address complex scientific questions
  • Analyze operational data, diagnose computing issues, and design, code, test, debug, install, document, optimize, and maintain complex programs
  • Streamline data analysis capabilities and help improve workflows that support research productivity
  • Collaborate with internal staff, campus researchers, national partners, and vendors to implement innovative computing and data technologies
  • Lead or support regular training workshops that help researchers use computational tools more effectively
  • Participate in national computing activities, including workshops, conferences, and presentations, to stay connected to emerging ideas and practices

What You Bring
  • Strong experience solving advanced computation and data problems in a research or technical environment
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical solutions for diverse audiences
  • A collaborative, adaptable approach to working across teams and disciplines
  • Curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement
  • Experience developing, testing, and maintaining programs or analytical tools

Why Purdue?
At Purdue, you'll contribute to a culture shaped by unrivaled pride and unlimited potential, with opportunities to work alongside colleagues who value collaboration, growth, and impact. Your work will help support researchers tackling cutting-edge problems while strengthening the computing foundation that makes large-scale discovery possible.
About Us
Purdue University's Rosen Center for Advanced Computing (RCAC) is committed to proving the ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and create opportunities to participate in an environment where persons can grow and thrive professionally.
Purdue's RCAC provides access to leading-edge computational and data storage systems as well as expertise in a broad range of high-performance computing activities. To fulfill our mission, we:
  • provide advanced computational resources and services to support Purdue faculty and staff researchers
  • evaluate, deploy, and support hardware and software for large-scale scientific computing
  • promote effective use of our research computing systems and application software through training and education, consultation, and documentation
  • contribute to the discovery process through algorithm design and development of effective computing techniques

What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, physical or life sciences, computer science, or related field
  • Four (4) years of experience in one or more of the following required:
    • Experience supporting researchers and research teams by analyzing research needs, defining technical requirements, and translating research questions into effective software and computational solutions, including streamlining processes and improving research workflows
    • Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and maintaining computing- and data-driven applications, including libraries, software tools, web applications, and research services that support scholarly workflows
    • Experience with Laravel framework
    • Experience working with workflow management systems and tools to automate, optimize, and scale computational or data-intensive research workflows
    • Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary stakeholders, including faculty, research staff, and students, to improve the usability, reliability, and sustainability of research software and computing environments
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Skills Required:
  • Ability to:
    • work on a team with various backgrounds
    • plan, organize and prioritize tasks, and complete projects with minimal supervision
  • Experience in designing and developing software solutions
  • Knowledge of:
    • Linux operating system
    • scripting languages, i.e. Shell
    • version control software, i.e. GIT
    • of software engineering principles

Preferred:
  • Knowledge of:
    • commercial and public domain software packages and tools
    • web development frameworks, high-performance and high-throughput computing software and tools, or machine learning/deep learning methods and frameworks
  • Good verbal and written English communication skills including the ability to consult with researchers, make presentations, develop and present training material, and develop documentation

Additional Information:
  • Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
  • Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream
Professional 3
  • Pay Band S120
  • Job Code #20003220

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/
The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $80,880 to 85,932 commensurate with the candidate's education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.

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