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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$190K - $238K *

Transform your career by leading the digital strategy for Medical Affairs. Drive innovation, optimize processes, and enhance scientific communications through emerging technologies while collaborating...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $230K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead engineering efforts to develop an AI Patient Engagement Agent, transforming clinical trials by automating patient interactions and enhancing operational efficiency for...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$132K - $153K *

Join a team that's redefining care management by leading strategic initiatives in utilization and appeals processes. Drive high-quality, cost-effective care while ensuring compliance and fostering a c...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$325K - $447K *

Elevate medical affairs by providing strategic insights for clinical asset development and commercialization. Lead cross-functional teams, execute evidence generation plans, and foster collaboration t...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $180K *

Shape the future of clinical operations by leading a dynamic team, ensuring adherence to SOPs, and driving performance through metrics. Collaborate with leadership to optimize resources and enhance pr...

California, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$182K - $250K *

Champion market development strategies to enhance our presence in CMS and HHS. Leverage your expertise to build relationships, identify opportunities, and drive impactful outcomes in federal health IT...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $240K *

Lead strategic relationships with influential optometrists and ophthalmologists, shaping the Presbyopia ecosystem through education and engagement. Drive insights and collaboration across medical, mar...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in expanding strategic partnerships and driving growth initiatives with autonomy. Collaborate with leadership to assess market trends, enhance client relationships, and achieve sales t...

Raleigh, NCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$222K - $303K *

Champion regulatory excellence by leading CMC strategies for global drug approvals. Collaborate across teams to navigate complex regulations, ensuring compliance and successful product lifecycle manag...

New Jersey, USRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Engage with senior stakeholders to enhance R&D efficiency in life sciences. Drive proposals, develop strategies, and ensure quality oversight while building networks to support business development an...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $135K *

Shape the future of project management in global health by leading teams, ensuring timely delivery, and driving operational excellence across multiple projects while aligning with client and business...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $90K *

Champion project success by managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication. Drive seamless implementation experiences while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver value-dri...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$116K - $157K *

Lead innovative safety strategies in pharmacovigilance, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure patient safety throughout the product lifecycle, from development to post-marketing, while m...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$174K - $197K *

Champion strategic client relationships and lead virtual teams to drive growth in our Health Life Sciences vertical, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and achieving financial targets through i...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $250K *

Lead clinical oversight for musculoskeletal value-based care initiatives, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance quality, patient experience, and cost management across the region. Driv...

Phoenix, AZRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $190K *

Transform the future of enterprise deployment by leading SAP S/4HANA initiatives across multiple regions. Drive strategic alignment, ensure operational readiness, and deliver measurable outcomes while...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Drive total rewards strategy by managing compensation, benefits, and equity programs. Lead initiatives to ensure competitive, fair, and transparent offerings while supporting a growing workforce throu...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$148K - $256K *

Shape the future of data engineering by architecting scalable, cloud-native data platforms on Azure and Databricks. Influence the organization’s data practices to leverage AI-driven insights, driving...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$177K - $221K *

Manage the strategy and execution of access marketing for oncology products, focusing on value propositions for payers and healthcare providers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effec...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Transform global CMC regulatory strategies for biologics and vaccines, ensuring compliance and quality in submissions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence outcomes and enhance patient...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Transform integration testing by collaborating with leads to ensure high-quality, validated solutions. Drive operational testing and develop strategies that meet clinical standards, enhancing client s...

Wellesley, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead multiple client engagements, driving innovative solutions and strategic direction. Foster cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment with a focus on deliver...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $325K *

Champion integrated transaction management across a vast global portfolio, driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence while fostering strong client relationships and leading cross-functi...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $145K *

Shape the future of clinical research by conducting in-depth data reviews for oncology trials, ensuring data integrity and readiness for critical milestones while collaborating with cross-functional t...

Alabama, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Drive client success by leading strategic relationships and enhancing service delivery. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize client experiences and identify growth opportunities within the healt...

Dallas, TXRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 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.