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Senior Researcher Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Associate The Senior Research Associate performs laboratory experiments within well-defined guidelines, operates analytical equipment, and supports research projects under direct ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

The LT may take directions from a Technology Leader, Research Scientist, Senior Research Associate, or other team members. The LT will conduct transformation/genome editing experiments according to ...

Senior Advanced AI Research Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

As a Senior Advanced AI Research Engineer, you sit at the boundary between AI systems research and production platform engineering. You investigate hard, open problems in agentic AI - and you close ...

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Senior CRA- Phase I Oncology/Mountain West-IA/UT/CO/KS/NE ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

Senior Accountant

Clive, IA · On-site

$72K - $91K/yr

The Senior Accountant is responsible for supporting the month-end close process, maintaining ... Research and resolve account discrepancies. Month-End Close * Support completion of monthly close ...

Senior Accountant

Clive, IA

$72K - $91K/yr

The Senior Accountant is responsible for supporting the month-end close process, maintaining ... Research and resolve account discrepancies. Month-End Close * Support completion of monthly close ...

Senior Accountant

Clive, IA · On-site

$72K - $91K/yr

The Senior Accountant is responsible for supporting the month-end close process, maintaining ... Research and resolve account discrepancies. Month-End Close * Support completion of monthly close ...

SR SCIENTIST

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$85K - $117K/yr

KENT Worldwide™ is seeking a dynamic Senior Scientist of Innovation, Research & Development to ... This leadership role will drive R&D initiatives, develop and test new ingredients, and mentor a ...

Research markets, assess strategic fit and investment potential, and prioritize the opportunities ... Work with senior leadership and the M&A execution team to move the strongest opportunities through ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Researcher information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$72K

$129.1K

How much do senior researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior researcher in Iowa is $71,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $92,500.00 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Researcher jobs in Iowa? For Senior Researcher jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Researcher jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Researcher job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,954 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist

CPS, Inc. (Food & Beverage Division)

Ames, IA • On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Senior Research ScientistThe responsibilities of the Senior Research Scientist will include:Lead and oversee R&D initiatives focused on enzyme product development and their application in food products.Design, optimize, and validate enzyme formulations for a range of food applications, with particular emphasis on bakery products.Plan and execute experiments, analyze results, and assess the performance and effectiveness of enzyme solutions.Partner with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Production, and Quality Assurance, to support successful product development and commercialization efforts.Monitor emerging trends and advancements in enzyme technology and food science to support ongoing innovation.Develop technical reports, presentations, and publications to communicate research outcomes and project updates.Provide technical expertise and support to internal stakeholders and external customers.Salary$130,000 - $145,000Benefits AvailableQualifications:Education & Experience:Master?s degree I Food Science, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline with 10+ years of experience in the food industry (preferably bakery), specializing in enzyme product development and applications; orPhD in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience in enzyme development and applications within the food sector (preferably bakery).Candidates with lower levels of education and experience may be considered for Scientist or Associate Scientist roles.Technical & Professional Skills:Strong understanding of enzyme chemistry, functionality, and their use in food processing applications.Knowledge of regulatory requirements governing enzyme products in the food industry.Proficiency in experimental design and statistical analysis.Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.Willingness to travel approximately 10-15%.**If you?d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Mike Ribando at mribando cps4jobs.com.JO: 19.26MR#LI-MR1