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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Director, Clinical Research Jobs

Average Salary: $131,135

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Top companies hiring for Director, Clinical Research

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc Merck & Co, Inc Worldwide Clinical Trials ICON plc AbbVie Harrison and Star Eli Lilly BristolMyers Squibb Elevance Health IQVIA Pfizer Mass General Brigham NYU Langone Health Biogen ACADIA Pharmaceuticals

Top similar job titles to Director, Clinical Research

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Top cities hiring for Director, Clinical Research

Cambridge, MA jobs Boston, MA jobs New York, NY jobs San Diego, CA jobs Tarrytown, NY jobs Warren, MI jobs South San Francisco, CA jobs Princeton, NJ jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Waltham, MA jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a Director of Clinical Research do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Browse current Director, Clinical Research listings on Ladders and review each posting for responsibilities, qualifications, location, and compensation details.