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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$230K - $250K *

Pioneer innovative regulatory strategies for global clinical development, leading cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance with health authority requirements. Drive submissions and represent the...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$182K - $214K *

Lead the charge in developing impactful scientific content strategies that engage healthcare professionals and internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational objectives w...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$182K - $214K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing scientific communication through impactful content development and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment in healthcare e...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$66K - $105K *

Advance clinical research by delivering safe, high-quality care while managing multiple trial protocols and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure patient advocacy and safety in a fast-paced en...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $117K *

Lead the charge in clinical research coordination, managing complex studies and finances while mentoring staff. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure compliance and enhance patient safet...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$173K - $272K *

Advance data governance and standards in clinical development by leading strategic initiatives, overseeing operations, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance data collection and manag...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$207K - $251K *

Lead strategic initiatives in global medical neuroscience for Mood Disorders, driving medical programs and cross-functional collaboration while engaging with key stakeholders and the scientific commun...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$173K - $272K *

Empower teams to define and uphold clinical data standards, ensuring compliance and innovation. Lead governance initiatives, manage resources, and drive strategic direction across global operations to...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $140K *

Drive impactful cardiovascular and brain health initiatives through strategic industry collaborations, overseeing clinical research and quality improvement projects from inception to completion, while...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$225K - $325K *

Lead the charge in advancing innovative cell therapy programs by developing clinical strategies, protocols, and analyses while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to ensure successful trial execut...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Elevate research operations by leading quality assurance initiatives, overseeing audit programs, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations while collaborating with a team dedicated to enhancing...

Reposted today

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

$100K - $120K *

Transform clinical trial operations by supporting planning, execution, and closeout activities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring timely communication and quality oversight while takin...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $205K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in clinical analytics and consulting. Lead business development and client engagement for pharmaceutical and biotech clients, leveraging advanced analytics and AI...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$153K - $290K *

Transform drug discovery by leading a dynamic team in medicinal chemistry, driving innovative small-molecule candidates from concept to IND-ready status while fostering collaboration across a global n...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$97K - $193K *

Transform clinical research by managing site activities and ensuring compliance throughout the study lifecycle. Collaborate with teams to enhance patient safety and quality while supporting regulatory...

Durham, NCRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $193K *

Engage in impactful clinical research by managing site activities throughout the study lifecycle. Collaborate with sites and teams to ensure compliance, quality, and patient safety while supporting su...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Innovate laboratory operations by leading a team to enhance efficiency, compliance, and strategic alignment. Oversee budget management, quality initiatives, and technological advancements to support c...

3 weeks ago

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

$155K - $194K *

Elevate program management by ensuring effective operations for clinical development teams. Collaborate with leaders to streamline processes, manage timelines, and foster a cohesive team environment...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K *

Join a team that's transforming outpatient care by leading a new substance use disorder program. Balance clinical practice with program leadership, supervision, and community outreach to enhance patie...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $95K *

Shape the future of outpatient substance use treatment by blending hands-on clinical care with program leadership. Lead a dedicated team while establishing workflows and expanding community partnershi...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $275K *

Pioneer innovative CMC strategies for biologics, leading complex antibody programs from candidate selection to IND filing. Collaborate with CROs/CDMOs to ensure quality and efficiency in development...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Champion the strategy and execution of clinical data management, ensuring data integrity and compliance for global marketing applications. Lead a dynamic team, oversee vendor relationships, and drive...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$254K - $308K *

Drive impactful global medical strategy for psychiatry, oversee execution of medical activities, foster cross-functional collaboration, and lead a high-performing team in mood disorder product develop...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$198K - $297K *

Drive comprehensive intellectual property strategies, manage global portfolios, and support cross-functional teams in a dynamic biotech environment. Collaborate on strategic transactions and ensure ro...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$177K - $229K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in analytical services, providing strategic and operational leadership while ensuring timely delivery of analytical data to support critical process development a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.