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Senior Researcher Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Researcher is a professional-level scientific position responsible for providing advanced research expertise and leadership in the design, execution, and management of complex research ...

The Researcher Senior will conduct independent laboratory research investigating the role of centromere dysfunction and chromosome instability in human disease. The position will support projects ...

As a Researcher Senior, you will have expanded responsibilities, overseeing complex research projects and providing strategic direction. This professional-level position involves mentoring junior ...

The Sr. Research Associate 2 will work closely with other members of the research team including research associates 1, research coordinators, the principal investigator, the statistician and the ...

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Senior Researcher information

See Florida salary details

$21.3K

$57.2K

$102.8K

How much do senior researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior researcher in Florida is $57,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,400.00 and $73,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior researcher typically collaborate with junior team members and cross-functional departments?

Senior Researchers often play a mentorship role, guiding junior researchers through project design, data analysis, and publication processes. They frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as product development, data science, or policy groups to align research objectives with organizational goals. This often involves regular meetings, sharing insights, and ensuring research findings are effectively translated into actionable strategies. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for fostering a collaborative, innovative environment.

What is a senior researcher?

Senior Researchers are experienced professionals who lead and oversee research projects within their field of expertise. They are responsible for designing studies, analyzing data, mentoring junior researchers, and publishing findings in academic journals or industry reports. Their work often involves securing funding, collaborating with other experts, and ensuring research meets ethical and methodological standards. Senior Researchers play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and innovation within their organizations or institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior researcher?

To thrive as a Senior Researcher, you need advanced analytical skills, subject matter expertise, and typically a PhD or equivalent experience in your field. Familiarity with specialized research software, statistical analysis tools, and data management systems is often required. Strong critical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills help in managing projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for driving innovative research, securing funding, and generating impactful results.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior researcher?

A PhD is often preferred for senior researcher roles, especially in academia and research institutions, as it demonstrates advanced expertise and research skills. However, some organizations may consider candidates with a master's degree combined with extensive experience and a strong publication record. Relevant skills, such as data analysis, project management, and familiarity with research tools, are also important.

What is the difference between Senior Researcher vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior ResearcherResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, extensive research experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized research skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, corporate, or government labs; leading projectsResearch-focused roles in labs, industry, or academia
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporationsResearch institutions, biotech, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonSenior ResearcherResearch Scientist

The main difference between a Senior Researcher and a Research Scientist lies in experience level and scope of responsibilities. Senior Researchers often lead projects and mentor junior staff, while Research Scientists focus on conducting specialized research. Both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, but Senior Researchers typically have more leadership duties and broader project oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Florida are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Researcher jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Researcher jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Senior Researcher jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Senior Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Researcher job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,248 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

$60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


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Job description

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Neurosurg-Laboratory Research, is in search of a Researcher Senior to join their team. The Senior Researcher is a professional-level scientific position responsible for providing advanced research expertise and leadership in the design, execution, and management of complex research initiatives. This position supports the Department of Neurosurgery's research mission by providing advanced scientific expertise in translational and laboratory-based research. This role oversees multiple research projects, contributes strategic direction to laboratory operations, and ensures the integrity, quality, and successful completion of research objectives. The Senior Researcher will be expected to work independently while collaborating with faculty, trainees, and multidisciplinary research teams to advance ongoing research initiatives. The Senior Researcher serves as a subject matter expert, mentors junior research personnel, manages project resources, and contributes to the dissemination of scientific discoveries through publications, presentations, and intellectual property development. Depending on the research focus, the position may involve interactions with research collaborators, research animals, and/or biological specimens. The role requires the ability to manage complex projects, contribute to scientific publications and grant-related activities, and support the development of innovative research methodologies. Experience working with human specimens, animal models, and regulatory compliance in a research environment may be required depending on project needs.

General Responsibilities

As a Researcher Senior, you will have expanded responsibilities, overseeing complex or multiple research projects and providing strategic direction. This professional-level role involves mentoring junior researchers, managing project budgets, and ensuring the integrity and quality of research outcomes. Your expertise will be critical in guiding experimental design, data interpretation, and contributing to high-impact publications. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

  1. Research Design, Execution, and Scientific Investigation: Independently designs, conducts, and oversees complex theoretical and experimental research projects directed toward the acquisition of new scientific knowledge. Develops and implements research methodologies, experimental protocols, and study designs. Provides scientific leadership and technical expertise to ensure successful project outcomes.

  2. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting: Analyzes complex research data and interprets findings using advanced scientific methods. Prepares comprehensive technical reports, protocols, summaries, quantitative analyses, and research documentation. Ensures the accuracy, integrity, and reproducibility of research results.

  3. Scholarly Publications, Presentations, and Scientific Advancement: Authors and co-authors manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Presents research findings at national and international scientific conferences and professional forums. Documents discoveries and innovations that may lead to patent disclosures, technical advancements, or other intellectual property.

  4. Research Leadership and Project Management: Provides strategic direction for research initiatives and may serve as project or team lead. Coordinates research activities, project timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient project execution. Assists in managing project budgets and research deliverables.

  5. Mentorship, Training, and Collaboration: Mentors and trains junior researchers, laboratory personnel, students, and trainees. Collaborates with internal and external research partners, investigators, and stakeholders to advance research objectives. Facilitates teamwork and knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary research groups.

  6. Process Improvement and Problem Solving: Identifies opportunities to improve research processes, methodologies, and operational efficiency. Solves complex and recurring scientific and technical challenges through innovative approaches and critical analysis.

  7. Regulatory Compliance and Research Support Activities: Ensures compliance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and research protocols. May involve contact with research collaborators, research animals, and/or biological specimens, depending on research focus.

  8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range:   $60,835- $ 98,855

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in a related field OR Master's degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

  • Master's Degree Biochemistry or Chemistry Neuroscience Biomedical Sciences Genetics Laboratory Science or Biotechnology

  • Experience in cancer biology and signaling, animal models for cancer, or related biomedical research

  • Proficiency in wet lab techniques and data analysis

Key Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to manage time effectively, work independently, and troubleshoot experimental issues

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
     

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.


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