Director, Clinical Research Jobs

Explore Director, Clinical Research jobs with organizations advancing medical knowledge and developing new therapies. These senior leaders shape clinical research strategy, oversee trial portfolios, and guide teams responsible for delivering high-quality, compliant studies. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.

What Does a Director of Clinical Research Do?

A Director of Clinical Research leads the planning and execution of clinical studies, from early development through later-stage trials. Responsibilities may include setting research priorities, managing budgets and timelines, overseeing clinical operations and vendors, and collaborating with medical, regulatory, data, and commercial teams. Directors also help ensure studies follow applicable regulations, ethical standards, and Good Clinical Practice requirements.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek extensive experience in clinical research or clinical development, along with a record of leading complex programs and cross-functional teams. Helpful qualifications include knowledge of clinical trial design, regulatory requirements, risk management, research operations, and data review. Strong communication, strategic planning, decision-making, and budget management skills are also important. Requirements vary by employer and therapeutic area.

Where Clinical Research Directors Work

Clinical Research Directors work across biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, medical device organizations, contract research organizations, hospitals, academic medical centers, and other research institutions. Some roles focus on a specific therapeutic area, study phase, or operational function; others oversee broader clinical portfolios.

Explore Director, Clinical Research Opportunities

Find leadership roles that align with your experience, preferred work environment, and career goals. Browse vetted Director, Clinical Research positions on Ladders and discover professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more.

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1
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$199K - $269K *

Shape patient affordability strategies by leading a dynamic team focused on co-pay programs and innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance operations, optimize performance, and dr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by driving business development in clinical research and medical imaging. Build strategic client relationships, identify new opportunities, and contribute to innovative healthcare...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Lead the strategic design and management of comprehensive benefits programs, ensuring alignment with employee needs and company objectives. Drive innovation and compliance while enhancing employee eng...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Take ownership of regulatory support for pharmaceutical programs, managing IND and NDA submissions, health authority interactions, and lifecycle maintenance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Elevate project outcomes by providing expert guidance in Cerner analysis, design, and implementation. Collaborate with clients and teams to address project issues and ensure successful delivery while...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$330K - $390K *

Join a team that's driving enterprise-level strategic statistical leadership across Biostatistics. You'll oversee programs, mentor statisitians, and ensure collaboration for successful drug developmen...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $115K *

Partner with us to enhance client engagement and product success by leveraging your analytical skills and industry insights. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive improvements and support user adopt...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $250K *

Champion growth strategies across HHS, leveraging deep market knowledge and relationships to drive business development, capture, and delivery in a dynamic federal health environment...

Washington, DCRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$195K - $245K *

Champion AI strategy and implementation in healthcare, leading a team to deliver measurable value. Drive business development, client engagement, and practice growth while shaping innovative solutions...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$170K - $195K *

Lead the charge in global regulatory submissions, managing U.S. INDs and ex-U.S. CTAs. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop strategies, ensure compliance, and drive timely approvals in a fast-pac...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion the end-to-end management of complex healthcare programs, ensuring operational readiness and compliance. Collaborate with teams and clients to drive successful implementations while maintaini...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead complex healthcare project initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and operational readiness while maintaining high standards of governance. Foster strong partnerships with clients, manag...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading the Sponsored Programs division to enhance funding levels and proposal output. Oversee financial management, develop policies, and ensure compliance while fostering collabo...

Miami, FLRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$200K - $235K *

Drive product excellence by owning the lifecycle and security of high-performance client SaaS platforms hosted on AWS. Lead a dedicated team to optimize operations, ensure compliance, and deliver seam...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$207K - $277K *

Lead the charge in enhancing global ERP delivery excellence, driving governance, quality, and continuous improvement across teams. Foster collaboration and optimize resource utilization to ensure pred...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Join us to lead strategic initiatives in project and service management, enhancing portfolio visibility and governance across Information Systems. Drive operational excellence and foster collaboration...

Topeka, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$80K - $95K *

Transform eDiscovery management by driving operational excellence, ensuring timely project delivery, and enhancing workflow efficiency. Collaborate with stakeholders to uphold quality standards and fo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $120K *

Drive excellence in clinical operations by providing strategic oversight and support to enhance quality care in senior living communities. Collaborate with leadership to optimize resources, ensure com...

Brentwood, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Empower your career by driving impactful business improvement initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage projects, analyze data, and enhance operational efficiency in a dynamic env...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$255K - $348K *

Champion a high-performing, patient-centric sales organization to drive sustainable growth across specialty areas. Inspire collaboration and accountability while enhancing commercial excellence in com...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $142K *

Join a team that's redefining digital operations by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing customer experiences, and driving growth in a fast-paced environment. Shape the future of MODAL Digital whi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead and execute regulatory strategies for multi-region clinical trials, ensuring compliance and timely submissions. Collaborate with project teams to manage risks and drive operational excellence thr...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$83K - $99K *

Optimize budget development for clinical change orders, collaborating across departments. Drive operational success by managing the budget lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, and resolving issues to support...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$159K - $211K *

Join us in transforming quality operations by leading a robust PACE quality program, ensuring compliance and care excellence while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance participant outcomes and...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $210K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic business development initiatives that connect biopharmaceutical executives with tailored commercial solutions. Drive growth through relationship-building and inno...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Clinical Research do?question toggle

    A Director of Clinical Research sets strategy and oversees clinical studies, teams, budgets, timelines, and research operations. The role also involves cross-functional collaboration and helping ensure trials meet ethical and regulatory requirements.

  • What qualifications are typically required for Director, Clinical Research jobs?question toggle

    Employers typically look for substantial clinical research or clinical development experience and a history of leading teams or complex programs. Knowledge of clinical trial design, regulations, Good Clinical Practice, and research operations is often valuable. Specific requirements vary by organization and role.

  • Where can a Director of Clinical Research work?question toggle

    These professionals work at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, hospitals, academic medical centers, medical device companies, and other research institutions.

  • How much do Director, Clinical Research jobs pay?question toggle

    Compensation varies based on factors such as employer, location, therapeutic area, and scope of responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.

  • How can I find Director, Clinical Research jobs?question toggle

    Browse current Director, Clinical Research listings on Ladders and review each posting for responsibilities, qualifications, location, and compensation details.