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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$125K - $155K *

Champion strategic initiatives by connecting breakthrough chemistry with market opportunities. Collaborate across teams to drive government partnerships, proposals, and commercial growth, transforming...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Transform high-risk computerized systems validation by leading initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring GxP compliance throughout the system lifecycle. Utilize expertise to drive str...

CanadaRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of the sales process for self-funded stop-loss cases, evaluating risk, managing proposals, and collaborating with underwriters to enhance case preparation and market success...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Drive growth and innovation by leading commercial strategies in the Media, Entertainment, and Gaming sectors. Collaborate with teams to enhance client relationships, identify new opportunities, and en...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$190K *

Lead our product marketing efforts to drive strategy, market growth, and segmentation for innovative public safety software. Collaborate with teams to translate product features into compelling messag...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $249K *

Champion pharmacy excellence by leading strategic initiatives and operational oversight for a pharmacy benefit management program. Drive quality, compliance, and innovation while collaborating with cr...

Indiana, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$247K - $385K *

Join a team that's redefining operational excellence by leading quality assurance, compliance, and governance initiatives across segments, ensuring standards are met while fostering collaboration and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$158K - $238K *

Transform your expertise into actionable insights by leading analysis and pricing strategies for group disability products. Shape the future of our portfolio through innovative methodologies and colla...

Newark, NJRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$171K - $265K *

Elevate your career by leading the strategy and modernization of data and actuarial technology. Drive operational performance and deliver impactful solutions that enhance data-driven decision-making a...

Richmond, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$112K - $222K *

Manage complex clinical trials from initiation to completion, ensuring project success through effective coordination, communication, and teamwork across diverse functional areas and stakeholders. Dri...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in shaping a robust global talent pipeline through strategic university partnerships and innovative early talent programs. Collaborate closely with leaders to build a sustainable futur...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K *

Elevate channel strategy and partner relationships to drive revenue growth, enhance market positioning, and ensure effective collaboration across teams, while managing negotiations and performance met...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform talent acquisition by leading strategic initiatives that foster growth. Develop and optimize recruitment processes while creating a culture of inclusion and innovation to attract top talent...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$146K - $269K *

Lead the charge in enhancing long-term care management strategies, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective healthcare outcomes while guiding a dedicated team to improve member and provider experiences a...

Indiana, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$119K - $163K *

Shape the future of AI safety by designing advanced systems and conducting rigorous evaluations. Utilize your expertise in AI to lead and innovate within a collaborative team, addressing complex chall...

Evanston, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$141K - $177K *

Drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence by leading technology solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring project success through effective management and innovative proble...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$192K - $336K *

Champion multiple Expert Service engagements, ensuring timely, budget-friendly delivery while driving effective decision-making and risk management. Lead and mentor teams, aligning project objectives...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$192K - $303K *

Empower innovation as you lead the strategy and development of core platform primitives, driving the future of agentic systems and ensuring product teams can rapidly create and deploy advanced agents...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in optimizing clinical supply chain strategies, ensuring seamless material availability for global trials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$185K - $210K *

Engage with clients to drive retention and growth strategies, fostering deep relationships and collaboration across teams. Leverage market insights to enhance product offerings and ensure client succe...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$162K - $213K *

Shape the future of virtual care by driving strategic initiatives and enhancing program performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure operational efficiency and lead the development o...

Tempe, AZRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $236K *

Transform the Virtual Care program by driving strategy and execution of key projects. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance operational efficiency and improve performance metrics while leading a t...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$190K - $225K *

Transform healthcare engagement by leading KOL strategy and insight generation in rare diseases. Collaborate with thought leaders to influence brand strategies and drive educational initiatives in a d...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $187K *

Innovate the future of AI security by designing and implementing robust defenses against adversarial threats, ensuring the integrity of AI systems while fostering innovation and collaboration across c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $220K *

Drive the development of innovative security systems using AI/ML, managing risk across identity and access management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security while maintaining ope...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.