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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$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

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Transform healthcare sales by leading strategic initiatives across major US health systems. Drive results through consultative selling, tailored business cases, and robust consensus building with C-su...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI safety research by defining impactful agendas, mentoring teams, and driving real-world change through innovative projects and collaborations with governments and AI lab...

Berkeley, CARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $110K *

Analyze diverse research projects to provide actionable insights for leadership. Collaborate with a dynamic team, utilizing AI tools and your curiosity to tackle complex questions and deliver clear, c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Explore your potential as you leverage cutting-edge methodologies in causal inference research within a dynamic finance-focused ML team, driving innovation and collaboration for impactful market predi...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$162K - $243K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through strategic oversight and collaboration. Lead project management efforts globally, ensuring quality, cost, and timeline objectives are m...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through effective contract management and procurement oversight. Lead negotiations, ensure compliance, and support the research community while super...

Lawrence, KSRemote

3 days ago

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

$180K - $240K *

Lead scientific strategy for clinical development of BHB-1893, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance. Drive protocol design, data analysis, and e...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$167K - $200K *

Empower strategic innovation in cybersecurity by leading research initiatives, fostering industry collaborations, and guiding decision-making to enhance organizational impact and reputation in the fie...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$200K - $235K *

Drive product excellence by owning the lifecycle and security of high-performance client SaaS platforms hosted on AWS. Lead a dedicated team to optimize operations, ensure compliance, and deliver seam...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $170K *

Shape the success of enterprise health systems by leading full implementations. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage project lifecycles, mitigate risks, and ensure smooth transitions to customer s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $165K *

Elevate project management excellence by leading complex pharmaceutical marketing campaigns, mentoring teams, and ensuring strategic alignment with client objectives while driving operational success...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $130K *

Lead the charge in clinical trial monitoring, ensuring compliance and quality through oversight, guidance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance site performance and study execution...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $135K *

Shape the future of clinical trials by leading site monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams. Drive quality and efficiency in trial execution while mentoring j...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $130K *

Elevate clinical trial success by overseeing site monitoring, ensuring compliance, and providing leadership. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address site issues, enhance recruitment, and ma...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $130K *

Accelerate clinical trial success by leading site monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance to the CRA team. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve issues and enhance s...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead clinical trial monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address site issues, manage budgets, and provide oversight. Drive successful study e...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$148K - $175K *

Innovate insights into AI's economic impact by synthesizing diverse data sources, collaborating with experts, and shaping industry narratives to drive strategic executive decisions and elevate market...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Transform healthcare insights by leading end-to-end quantitative market research. Collaborate with pharmaceutical teams to design impactful studies, analyze data, and deliver actionable recommendation...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $150K *

Champion effective publication strategies and lead scientific communication initiatives, acting as a strategic partner to clients and teams. Navigate complex medical affairs content to drive impactful...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $145K *

Empower our leadership team by managing complex operations and enhancing productivity. Collaborate across diverse teams to support high-priority initiatives at the intersection of AI and national secu...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

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

$201K - $251K *

Transform workforce intelligence by leading People Analytics, establishing data governance, and driving strategic decision-making in a high-growth environment. Collaborate across functions to enhance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $150K *

Drive impactful market research initiatives by leading client relationships, managing complex projects, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver strategic insights that enhance de...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion operational excellence in clinical trials by leading a team of Clinical Trial Managers. Drive strategic initiatives, ensure compliance, and enhance sponsor relationships while delivering stud...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Engage in pivotal regulatory activities and drive compliance strategies supporting late-stage clinical development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality submissions and navig...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.