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Senior Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Researcher, Systems

New York, NY · On-site +1

$180K - $250K/yr

Candidates with research experience in systems verification, operating systems, multi-core algorithms, or systems architecture, are an ideal match. You will be part of a small, deeply technical team ...

Netflix

Senior Researcher (L5) - Film

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Senior Researcher to represent consumers - the role is responsible for owning genre and title-focused research for our original film slate. Title-focused work could include ...

Fujitsu

Senior Researcher, AI Security

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented research scientist working in machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to join our Security Science ...

Netflix

Senior Researcher - Ads Experiences

The Ads Research team's goal is to lead, uncover, and deliver research and insights that translate directly into product and business impact, guiding the development of advertising experiences and ...

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Senior Researcher information

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$137.5K

How much do senior researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 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 jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Senior Researchers in certain industries, such as technology, finance, or consulting, can earn $10,000 or more monthly through specialized skills, experience, and often advanced certifications. High-paying roles may also include freelance consulting, sales, or entrepreneurial ventures that do not require a formal degree but rely on expertise and network development.

How much do senior researchers get paid?

Senior researchers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and may work in research-intensive environments, with salaries increasing with specialized skills and certifications.

What are Senior Researchers?

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, and why are they important?

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.

What does a senior researcher do?

A senior researcher conducts in-depth investigations and analysis within their field, often leading research projects, designing experiments, and interpreting data. They typically have advanced skills in research methodologies, data analysis tools, and may oversee junior staff or collaborate with other departments to support organizational goals.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Senior researchers in fields such as pharmaceuticals, technology, or finance can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced expertise, leadership roles, or in high-demand industries. High-level positions often require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and extensive experience, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

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.

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Senior Researcher jobs near you
Senior Researcher - AI and Systems Reliability - Microsoft Research

Senior Researcher - AI and Systems Reliability - Microsoft Research

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$158K - $258K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Microsoft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 192 rated software companies

Job description

Overview
Help shape the future of reliable AI systems. At Microsoft Research's AI and Systems Reliability Group (Redmond, WA), we push the boundaries of foundational research and turn ideas into impact across Microsoft and beyond. Our mission is to tackle ambitious challenges that redefine the computing landscape.
We are seeking Senior Researcher - AI and Systems Reliability - Microsoft Research areas such as distributed systems and reliability, formal methods and verification, machine learning for system reliability, and reliability of machine learning systems. As AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies-like large language models-become central to everyday computing, we look for experts who can bring formal rigor and reliability guarantees to AI-powered personal, mobile, and datacenter platforms. If you thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about solving some of the world's most important problems, we want to hear from you.
#MSRR
Responsibilities
As a Senior Researcher - AI and Systems Reliability - Microsoft Research you will define a novel research agenda, driving forward an effective program of basic, fundamental, and applied research. We highly value collaboration and building new ideas with members of the group and others. You have the direct opportunity to realize your ideas in products and services used worldwide.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • PhD (or currently pursuing) in Computer Science or Computer Science Engineering

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A research program demonstrated by journal and conference publications (NeurIPS, SOSP,OSDI)
  • Firm understanding of Distributed Systems and Cloud Systems.
  • Demonstrable ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
  • A PhD that was focused on any one of the following core areas of research: datacenter networking, distributed systems, formal methods and verification, high performance computing, ML Systems, operating systems, programming languages, storage systems, systems reliability, systems security and software engineering.

#MSRR
Research Sciences IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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