Director of Research Jobs

Explore Director of Research jobs for experienced professionals ready to lead research programs and turn evidence into organizational strategy. On Ladders, discover vetted opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more across industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, life sciences, and consulting.

What Does a Director of Research Do?

Directors of Research set priorities for research initiatives and guide teams from early questions through analysis and recommendations. Depending on the organization, the role may focus on scientific research, market and consumer insights, investment analysis, policy, or data-driven product development. Common responsibilities include developing research plans, overseeing budgets and timelines, evaluating methods, presenting findings to executives, and ensuring work meets ethical and quality standards.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek a strong background in a relevant research discipline, experience managing complex projects, and a record of leading teams. Important capabilities may include research design, quantitative or qualitative analysis, strategic planning, clear communication, and stakeholder management. Some positions require an advanced degree or specialized industry expertise, while others prioritize leadership experience and the ability to translate findings into practical decisions.

Explore Director of Research Career Opportunities

Director of Research roles vary by company, sector, and scope. Compare job descriptions to understand each position’s research focus, reporting relationships, team responsibilities, and compensation. Ladders helps experienced professionals find vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more and take the next step in research leadership.

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$125K - $150K *

Drive revenue and profitability by leading business development efforts, executing strategic plans, and analyzing market trends to identify growth opportunities. Collaborate with senior leadership to...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $130K *

Optimize research operations by leading cross-team initiatives, establishing effective tracking systems, and maintaining a dynamic evidence repository. Drive efficiency and clarity in processes while...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Elevate strategic R&D initiatives while leading a diverse team across locations. Drive growth opportunities with key defense and intelligence customers by managing contracts and fostering collaboratio...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Advance cutting-edge research in quantum photonics and semiconductor technologies. Lead multidisciplinary teams, drive innovation, and foster partnerships to enhance the Texas A&M Semiconductor Instit...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$198K - $368K *

Build innovative AI-powered search solutions and shape the future of information retrieval by leading a high-performing team that drives effective AI research and product integration across diverse ap...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$198K - $368K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI solutions through strategic leadership in IR research, driving innovation in search and knowledge systems while building and mentoring high-performing teams to deliver impactf...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$172K - $344K *

Lead strategic planning and execution of clinical research programs, managing multiple studies and partnerships with CROs and clinical sites to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and quality out...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Play a key role in market research initiatives by leading diverse healthcare projects, collaborating closely with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure objectives are met and impactful insights...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$179K - $235K *

Support scientific operations across research programs, managing data rooms and IP workflows. Collaborate with leaders to ensure program accuracy and readiness, driving process improvements in a fast...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$193K - $289K *

Join a team that's transforming scientific research by embedding AI into workflows, enhancing drug discovery processes. Lead a focused team to design and deploy innovative agentic systems, driving imp...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $215K *

Shape the future of cell therapy by leading cross-functional teams through early-phase clinical trials. Drive program strategy, manage risks, and foster collaboration to deliver innovative therapies f...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive clinical research operations for a multidisciplinary program focused on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, ensuring rigorous execution of studies while collaborating with diverse teams to tra...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead clinical trials and mentor staff, ensuring compliance and excellence in research. Drive strategic growth while fostering collaboration and innovation in a fast-paced en...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing our clinical research program, driving strategy and execution for microbiome-based studies. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure scientific rigor and regulatory compli...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the establishment and operations of a new clinical research site, ensuring participant safety and data integrity while driving financial and enrollment goals. Collaborate with teams to foster a c...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$350K - $425K *

Champion a high-impact research function that drives product strategy and insights. Lead a mixed-methods team to translate user behaviors into actionable recommendations, collaborating across departme...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead strategic and operational initiatives for a research center, ensuring efficient administration, financial management, and compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance research productivit...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead a dynamic team in delivering insightful commercial real estate research, leveraging complex datasets to drive data-informed decisions and enhance market intelligence through clear communication a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$114K - $240K *

Empower teams by managing complex R&D programs, ensuring alignment with contract scopes, budgets, and schedules while fostering collaboration across technical and executive teams to deliver innovative...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Empower scientific innovation by leading clinical research and education initiatives. Drive product substantiation, manage research partnerships, and enhance training programs to support product claim...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of brain injury rehabilitation research by leading innovative studies, securing funding, and mentoring emerging investigators. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance clinical outc...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Lead and optimize research initiatives, mentor staff, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals while managing financial viability and compliance in a dynamic environment focused on low...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $160K *

Join a team that's advancing clinical research excellence by leading operations, ensuring compliance, and managing a dedicated team. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance research quality a...

1 week ago

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

$84K - $109K *

Lead the management and operations of research programs, ensuring timely execution of deliverables and compliance with budgets. Collaborate with stakeholders to support research priorities and oversee...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$222K - $242K *

Lead the charge in acquiring and securing clinical datasets to enhance the Ceribell EEG platform. Collaborate with researchers and hospitals to drive data integration, ensuring high-quality data for a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Research do?question toggle

    A Director of Research leads research strategy and teams, oversees projects and resources, evaluates findings, and communicates insights to help guide organizational decisions. Responsibilities vary by industry and research specialty.

  • What qualifications are common for Director of Research jobs?question toggle

    Employers commonly look for relevant research experience, team and project leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate findings to decision-makers. Some roles require an advanced degree or specialized expertise.

  • Which industries hire Directors of Research?question toggle

    Directors of Research work in fields including technology, healthcare, life sciences, finance, consulting, education, government, and market research.

  • How much do Director of Research jobs on Ladders pay?question toggle

    Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation for Director of Research positions varies based on industry, location, experience, and role scope.