Director of Research Jobs

Explore Director of Research opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted roles paying $100,000 or more. Directors of Research lead teams and programs that turn complex questions into reliable insights, discoveries, and strategic recommendations. Positions span industries including healthcare, biotechnology, technology, finance, academia, and market research.

What Does a Director of Research Do?

A Director of Research sets priorities and guides the design, execution, and communication of research. Depending on the organization, the role may oversee scientific studies, product research, analytics, customer insights, or policy work. Typical responsibilities include managing research teams and budgets, selecting methods and tools, ensuring data quality and ethical practices, and presenting findings to executive stakeholders.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek substantial experience in a relevant research discipline, a record of leading projects or teams, and strong analytical and communication skills. Many roles require an advanced degree, though expectations vary by field. Familiarity with research methods, statistical analysis, data governance, and relevant industry regulations can also be important.

Career Opportunities and Compensation

Director-level research roles offer opportunities to shape organizational strategy, build high-performing teams, and influence decisions through evidence and innovation. Compensation depends on factors such as industry, location, scope, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates explore research leadership opportunities that match their goals.

Find Director of Research Jobs on Ladders

Search Director of Research jobs on Ladders to discover senior opportunities across organizations and industries. Review role requirements, compare positions, and find a research leadership role aligned with your expertise and career plans.

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$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

$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

$255K - $402K *

Champion innovation in oncology research as you lead clinical trials from design to execution. Collaborate cross-functionally while ensuring scientific integrity and regulatory compliance to propel dr...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$155K - $170K *

Lead complex research initiatives by transforming business questions into actionable insights. Collaborate with clients to design robust studies, ensuring methodological integrity and advancing resear...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $130K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role that involves conducting in-depth research across various topics, delivering actionable insights, and collaborating with a high-performing team to tackle complex q...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining scientific data management in drug discovery. Lead the scientific data team, bridging scientists and engineers to ensure data integrity, quality, and innovative solutions...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$209K - $287K *

Join a team that leads Clinical Pharmacology strategies, driving late-stage development and regulatory interactions for transplant programs to ensure effective drug approval and lifecycle management...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $135K *

Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...

Georgia, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Lead the Vendor Management Office, overseeing vendor governance, lifecycle management, and performance metrics. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure vendor services align with quality, compliance...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $135K *

Elevate user experience by conducting comprehensive UX research that transforms insights into actionable improvements for digital workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline proce...

Denver, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining forensics and collections globally. Lead a skilled team, enhance operational efficiency, and drive client engagement while ensuring compliance and defensibility across re...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$108K - $162K *

Transform client relationships by leveraging insights and strategies that drive growth for Fortune-class companies. Engage with senior executives to uncover needs, provide solutions, and achieve impac...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $150K *

Transform healthcare insights by leading client engagements with real-world data. Drive business development and project delivery while building long-term client relationships in a dynamic, hybrid wor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $210K *

Lead the charge in advancing research for coaching practices, ensuring scientific integrity, guiding educational strategies, and mentoring future research leaders to enhance the Institute's credibilit...

Belmont, MARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$175K - $200K *

Drive impactful change in healthcare consulting by leveraging your expertise in clinical operations and research administration. Collaborate with executive leaders to solve complex challenges and fost...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to the design and execution of clinical studies, ensuring data integrity and quality. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive study activities and support regulatory efforts, while enhancin...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Optimize IT Financial Management by leading benchmarking engagements and guiding C-suite clients. Collaborate across research teams to enhance service delivery while mentoring analysts and implementin...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $170K *

Partner with us to enhance consultant relationships in healthcare. Drive business growth by cultivating partnerships, optimizing engagement strategies, and aligning internal teams to effectively posit...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$354K - $416K *

Elevate your career as a Medical Director, overseeing utilization management with a focus on clinical excellence and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high standards of ca...

West Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $281K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of oncology research! This key role involves designing and leading clinical trials, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating with global experts to advance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $281K *

Explore your career in clinical development as you design and lead innovative oncology studies, ensuring data integrity and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams and cultivating r...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$82K - $87K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through technology. Lead and mentor a talented group of professionals in delivering high-performance computing solutions that support innovative rese...

Indiana, USRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$171K - $202K *

Drive the creation and oversight of a risk framework that balances growth with security. Partner with cross-functional teams to implement risk strategies operationally, while conveying insights to exe...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $140K *

Drive the development of predictive analytics models to enhance digital assessment operations, collaborating across teams to optimize decision-making and reduce costs while supporting strategic goals...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $130K *

Champion innovative methodologies in medical communications, leading Delphi studies and expert panels. Drive strategic insights and deliver scientifically rigorous findings to support clinical develop...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Research do?question toggle

    A Director of Research leads research strategy and execution, manages teams and resources, ensures the quality and integrity of findings, and communicates results to decision-makers. Specific responsibilities vary by industry and organization.

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

    Requirements often include deep experience in a relevant research field and a history of managing projects or teams. An advanced degree is common in some scientific and academic roles, while other employers prioritize equivalent industry expertise.

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

    Pay varies by industry, location, employer, and role scope. Ladders lists vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including eligible Director of Research opportunities.

  • Where can Directors of Research work?question toggle

    Directors of Research work across fields such as biotechnology, healthcare, technology, finance, academia, government, and market research.

  • How can I find Director of Research jobs?question toggle

    Browse Director of Research listings on Ladders, review the qualifications and responsibilities for each position, and apply to roles that fit your experience and career goals.