ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vigil Markets

Senior Researcher

New York, NY · On-site

$225K - $300K/yr

Founded by customer-obsessed engineers and researchers, we love tackling tough technical challenges. Our small, incredibly strong team thrives on solving impactful problems in a fast-paced ...

General Motors

AI/ML Senior Researcher

Warren, MI · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

AI/ML Senior Researcher - Smart Manufacturing Systems Research Group Who We Are The Materials & Manufacturing Systems Research Lab at the General Motors R&D Center located in Warren, Michigan is ...

General Motors

AI/ML Senior Researcher

Warren, MI · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

AI/ML Senior Researcher - Smart Manufacturing Systems Research Group Who We Are The Materials & Manufacturing Systems Research Lab at the General Motors R&D Center located in Warren, Michigan is ...

General Motors

AI/ML Senior Researcher

Warren, MI

$92K - $117K/yr

AI/ML Senior Researcher - Smart Manufacturing Systems Research Group Who We Are The Materials & Manufacturing Systems Research Lab at the General Motors R&D Center located in Warren, Michigan is ...

Dolby

Senior Researcher, Multimodal

Atlanta, GA · On-site

We are seeking a talented Senior AI Researcher to join the Multimodal Experiences Lab within Dolby's Advanced Technology Group. Our team invents next-generation technologies that power immersive ...

Ducker

Senior Researcher, Strategy Consulting

Troy, MI · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

What You'll Do As a Senior Researcher, you will bridge the gap between primary fieldwork and market analysis to drive actionable project insights. In this role, you will lead high-level qualitative ...

Minnesota Department of Health

$79K - $117K/yr

Senior Researcher - Research Scientist 3 Job Class: Research Scientist 3 Agency: Health Department * Job ID: 94808 * Location: St. Paul * Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 50% * Full/Part Time ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsResearcher JobsSenior Researcher Jobs

Senior Researcher information

See salary details

$28.5K

$76.6K

$137.5K

How much do senior researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior researcher in the United States is $76,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $98,500.00 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.

More about Senior Researcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Researcher job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Researcher jobs?

The top employers for Senior Researcher jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Researcher jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Senior Researcher jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Researcher jobs are:

Senior Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,607 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Lead Researcher OR Senior Researcher- Microbial Biorepository Collaborative Center (HMI)

Thecentermemphis

Memphis, TN • On-site

$60K - $105K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Lead Researcher or Senior Researcher to join the Department of Host‑Microbe Interactions within the Microbial Biorepository Collaborative Center. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in microbiology, with hands‑on experience in the genetic and phenotypic characterization of diverse bacterial species. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with a demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, timely records and manage complex databases. This role involves close collaboration with both basic scientists and clinical laboratories to support a range of daily experimental activities, including but not limited to: microbial strain cultivation, phenotypic characterization, nucleic acid extraction, whole genome sequencing, and coordination of strain imports and investigator requests. The ability to work both independently and part of a collaborative team in a dynamic lab environment is required.

Senior Researcher Job Responsibilities
  • Perform processes/ procedures using established techniques/protocols with increased efficiency and independence.
  • Provide some lab operational support with increased knowledge of the lab environment.
  • Execute/ follow more complex procedures/protocols and provide basic troubleshooting of experiments.
  • Accurately record experimental procedures and data.
  • Prepare and report results/ data leading to posters, presentations, or publications.
  • Provide guidance to less‑experienced team members.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Minimum Education and/or Training
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific area is required.
Minimum Experience
  • Two (2) years of research experience is required with a bachelor's degree.
  • No prior experience is required with a Master’s degree.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of underlying concepts and principles of experimental design.
  • Experience with the most widely used techniques used in the home laboratory.
  • Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role.
Compensation

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $26.00 - $45.50 per hour for the role of Senior Researcher.

Lead Researcher Job Responsibilities
  • Develop and perform procedures using established or modified techniques/protocols
  • Implement new but established protocols without individual training
  • Troubleshoot experiments and identify anomalies in own data
  • Consistently monitors current literature and trends within field
  • Accurately record experimental procedures and data
  • Prepare and report results/ data leading to posters, presentations, or publications
  • Provide guidance to less‑experienced team members
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Minimum Education and/or Training
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
Minimum Experience
  • 5+ years of research experience is required
  • 3+ years of experience is required with a Master’s degree
  • No prior experience required with a PhD
  • Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to techniques being performed
  • Experience in R&D methods and processes in lab setting, and execution of research projects for the laboratory preferred
  • Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role
Compensation

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $60,320 - $105,040 per year for the role of Lead Researcher or Senior Researcher- Microbial Biorepository Collaborative Center (HMI).

Explore our exceptional benefits!

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply