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Senior Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior UX Researcher New York, NY (Hybrid) Contract Compensation: $70 - $85 per hour ABOUT THE ROLE Our client is seeking a Senior UX Researcher for a high-visibility contract position based in New ...

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Senior Researcher information

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$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:

What states have the most Senior Researcher jobs?

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

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.

United States Passenger Vehicle Researcher (multi-levels) - United States, San Francisco and DC

International Council on Clean Transportation

Washington, DC • On-site

$133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an award-winning, independent, global, non-profit research organization that provides data-driven research to policies to reduce the health and environmental impacts of the transportation sector. The ICCT offers a mission-driven and culturally diverse workplace where intelligence, flexibility, transparency, and good humor are highly valued. Join our team of more than 180 talented researchers and operations staff with offices in Washington D.C., San Francisco, Berlin, Beijing, New Delhi, and São Paulo.
The ICCT is looking for an enthusiastic Researcher / Senior Researcher to join the organization's Passenger Vehicles Program team with a focus on the United States. You will contribute to ICCT's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive electrification of the U.S. passenger vehicle fleet. You will lead new technical analyses on combustion and electric vehicle technology and cost to support environmental regulatory policymaking at federal and state levels and grow our wide-ranging research on vehicle technology, charging infrastructure, and associated policies. You will be based in either our San Francisco, CA or Washington, D.C. offices. You will report to our United States Program Director.
Position Levels:
  • Researcher
  • Senior Researcher

You will:
Researcher Level:
  • Lead technical research on conventional and electric light-duty vehicle technology and cost
  • Lead policy-relevant research projects on electrification and passenger vehicle efficiency
  • Collect data and maintain databases on vehicle technology
  • Conduct rigorous data and policy analysis
  • Write reports, blogs, and other materials for publication
  • Organize outreach activities, such as briefings, meetings, and workshops
  • Deliver internal and external presentations
  • Engage directly with policymakers, external stakeholders, and media

Senior Researcher Level:
  • All activities listed under Researcher Level above plus:
  • Develop and lead complex projects, including collaborations with multiple ICCT team members and external partners
  • Lead the development of comprehensive strategies to influence specific policies on passenger vehicles
  • Supervise and mentor ICCT interns, fellows, associate researchers, and researchers
  • Manage other ICCT staff on collaborative projects

Required qualifications:
Researcher Level:
  • B.S. in engineering, environmental science or policy, transportation, or related field.
  • 5+ years of applicable research experience
  • Ability to conduct technical analysis and write concise reports for a variety of audiences
  • Demonstrated skills in data collection, research, analytical methods, and drawing conclusions from analytical research
  • Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Superior proficiency with MS Office and applicable data collection and analysis software

Senior Researcher Level:
  • All qualifications listed under Researcher Level above plus:
  • Demonstrated experience successfully managing multiple large projects
  • Demonstrated experience managing staff

Preferred qualifications:
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering, environmental science or policy, transportation, or related field
  • Proficiency with EPA OMEGA and NHTSA CAFE models

Our Benefits:
This full-time position will be based in our Berlin, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C. office. The starting salary for the Researcher position is $108,600 (San Francisco) or $98,700 (DC). The starting salary for the Senior Researcher position is $133,100 (San Francisco) or $121,000 (DC). We offer an excellent benefits package, including hybrid/remote flexibilities, health insurance, substantial paid vacation, retirement contribution with generous 7% employer contribution, transportation subsidies, and other benefits.
Application:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, two relevant research reports primarily written by the applicant (links to other applicable reports within your resume are also welcome).
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.