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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$130K - $160K *

Oversee the operational planning and execution of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while managing cross-functional teams to meet project timelines, budgets, and quality o...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$104K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving project success in mission-critical environments. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee design and construction phases, manage stakeholder relations, and ensure project profi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$134K - $219K *

Lead clinical laboratory operations for precision medicine projects, ensuring timely deliverables and risk management across therapeutic areas. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support clini...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $135K *

Champion revenue growth by building strategic customer relationships, driving sales through prospecting, expert consultations, and tailored proposals. Collaborate effectively to meet client needs and...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$122K - $177K *

Unlock potential by leading HRIS strategy and optimization, overseeing a team to enhance Workday and UKG systems. Drive transformation and collaboration across HR, Finance, and Operations for impactfu...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in shaping commercial agreements that drive our global luxury lifestyle business. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance contracting practices, ensuring speed, quality, and...

Corte Madera, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$170K - $234K *

Champion a culture of safety by leading initiatives in chemical safety, food toxicology, and analytical chemistry. Collaborate across functions to ensure consumer protection and compliance, driving st...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$140K - $160K *

Drive operational excellence by leading process and manufacturing engineering initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency, product quality, and scalability while fostering a culture of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$173K - $272K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality oversight for contract testing laboratories globally, implementing policies and managing performance to meet regulatory standards while safeguarding patient safety...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving business development across a diverse portfolio, managing accounts, generating leads, and closing sales. You'll engage with clients to deliver customized solutions while ach...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at a remote-first company by leading projects that drive innovation and collaboration across teams, enhancing productivity and ensuring success in dynamic environments...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$175K - $210K *

Champion the execution of a comprehensive medical affairs plan for renal cancer theranostics, driving cross-functional alignment and strategic initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and advance clini...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$233K - $275K *

Elevate the Company’s regulatory strategy by managing environmental and energy compliance, driving policy engagement, and mitigating legal risks. Collaborate across departments to support growth objec...

Menlo Park, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $165K *

Partner with us to drive enterprise growth as you manage strategic relationships with healthcare systems. Your expertise will bridge teams and engage C-suite leaders, enhancing our portfolio value acr...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$144K - $245K *

Lead the design and execution of workforce development programs, ensuring compliance and timely deliverables. Collaborate across teams and stakeholders to create scalable systems that enhance healthca...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Transform enterprise data into valuable insights while leading AI-powered product strategies. Drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver secure, innovative, and measurable data capabilities that...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Deliver leadership and governance for global clinical study management, ensuring projects meet timelines and budgets while fostering collaboration and operational excellence across teams and stakehold...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$215K - $408K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing medical management and quality improvement. Collaborate with clinical teams to optimize patient care, support performance initiatives, and drive effective uti...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$215K - $408K *

Lead the charge in enhancing medical management and quality improvement. Drive utilization review, collaborate with providers, and implement performance initiatives to optimize care quality and cost-e...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$194K - $266K *

Champion patient engagement strategies by leading a dynamic team focused on optimizing recruitment and retention across clinical trials. Drive performance, enhance collaboration, and ensure successful...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $240K *

Shape the future of enterprise security by leading vulnerability management initiatives. Drive strategy, execution, and collaboration across teams to enhance risk reduction and improve security outcom...

Charlotte, NCRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Elevate your career by leading the data and analytics strategy to empower decision-making. Oversee the integration of enterprise applications while developing a talented analytics team focused on deli...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Execute project management strategies to drive research initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration and communication across teams. Manage project life cycles, optimize processes, and enhance outcom...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Transform legal research by enabling AI adoption in law firms. Collaborate with leaders to design effective workflows, enhance vendor partnerships, and build internal AI capabilities, ensuring clients...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by leading clinical research projects and ensuring compliance with timelines and standards. Collaborate with stakeholders and clinical sites to safeguard subjects' rights and data...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.