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Senior Researcher Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

University of New Mexico

Sr Program Manager

Albuquerque, NM

$112K - $112K/yr

The Research Management team within the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) seeks a Senior Program Manager. This position works closely with DFCM Vice Chair for Research to oversee all ...

University of New Mexico

Sr Program Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$112K - $112K/yr

Sr Program Manager Requisition ID req37449 Working Title Sr Program Manager Position Grade 14 ... This position works closely with DFCM Vice Chair for Research to oversee all daily operations of ...

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All JobsResearcher JobsSenior Researcher JobsSenior Researcher Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Senior Researcher information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$26.8K

$72.1K

$129.3K

How much do senior researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior researcher in Rio Rancho, NM is $72,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $92,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Senior Researcher jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Senior Researcher jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Senior Researcher jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Senior Researcher job openings:

Senior Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Researcher job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,057 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Sr Research Scientist 3

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$6.7K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 14 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Sr Research Scientist 3
Requisition ID
req30902
Working Title
Sr Research Scientist 3
Position Grade
16
Position Summary
As an individual researcher or consultant, serves as a recognized leader and authority in a broad area of research or in a narrow but advanced and uniquely specialized field. Makes authoritative decisions and recommendations that have a major impact on extensive scientific research activities. Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive scientific research programs and activities of outstanding novelty and/or importance.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
  • National certification specific to the field of research may be required in some cases.
  • Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.

Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree; at least 9 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A PhD in a relevant subject including but not limited to: mathematics, computer science, or mechanical engineering.
  • Knowledge of thematerial-point method (MPM)
  • Demonstrated ability in high performance computing.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Mathematics Statistics (869A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
One year from date of hire (may be renewed)
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $6,744.40 to $7916.67
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
9/20/2024
Eligible for Remote Work
Yes
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
After a period of time, the new employee may be eligible for a telecommuting/hybrid remote work arrangement under the discretion of their supervisor, business needs, and successful completion of training.
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please attached updated CV/application.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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