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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$175K - $210K *

Lead the global intellectual property strategy for groundbreaking AI infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect and leverage IP assets, driving innovation and aligning with bus...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$256K - $288K *

Lead the charge in clinical trial oversight and data interpretation, ensuring safety and efficacy of pipeline products through expert collaboration and strategic planning, aligning clinical activities...

Waltham, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$246K - $332K *

Shape the future of health economics and outcomes research by leading strategic initiatives across the nephrology portfolio, ensuring high-quality evidence generation and collaboration with cross-func...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $228K *

Drive enterprise Quality and Regulatory governance for U.S. operations, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and overseeing manufacturing quality in the therapeutic radiopharmaceutical sector whil...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $125K *

Manage a team of medical writers to develop impactful scientific content, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams to drive medical strategies and delivera...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of higher education by leading strategic initiatives and government affairs. Collaborate across teams to drive revenue opportunities and influence policy, ensuring impactful solutions...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $245K *

Champion AI strategy and implementation in healthcare, leading a team to deliver measurable value. Drive business development, client engagement, and practice growth while shaping innovative solutions...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$175K - $210K *

Drive quality excellence in clinical programs by overseeing compliance, risk management, and vendor oversight. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure adherence to GCP regulations and lead inspection...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Oversee and implement integrated scientific communications plans, ensuring compliance and quality across publications, congress activities, and field medical content. Collaborate with cross-functional...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Drive full-cycle sales for global clinical operations, fostering client relationships and developing strategic plans for service growth in alignment with company objectives...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$154K - $181K *

Lead and optimize enterprise data platforms and Salesforce AMS, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security. Collaborate with stakeholders to align systems with organizational goals while managing...

Washington, DCRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$180K - $220K *

Empower global regulatory strategies and drive business growth while leading multidisciplinary collaborations in a fast-paced environment. Leverage your expertise to guide clients through complex regu...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to establishing a robust Quality Management System, ensuring compliance and excellence in global clinical development and commercialization. Lead quality initiatives and f...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee portfolio health, ensuring quality and operational alignment across studies. Drive performance visibility, manage risks, and facilitate client governance while fostering...

Johnson City, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Drive your career forward by leading client engagement and market development in Knowledge & Research Services. Build relationships, shape client needs, and oversee impactful programs while collaborat...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Unlock your potential to lead programmatic strategies, shape best practices, and empower teams to excel in the DSP landscape. Collaborate with stakeholders and transform our approach to digital advert...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Take ownership of transformative initiatives in higher education, serving as a trusted expert and strategic advisor. Drive top-of-funnel growth, enhance institutional partnerships, and elevate academi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

The Regional Director at ModernFi will work closely with the VP of Institution Success and the CRO to enhance client satisfaction and drive product adoption among bank and credit union clients. This r...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of scientific computing and research infrastructure. Lead strategic initiatives, manage high-performance computing resources, and collaborate with diverse teams to...

Madison, WIRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by providing operational leadership for global clinical studies, ensuring timely delivery, compliance, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage vendor relations...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $195K *

Join a dynamic team to lead and manage clinical trials, ensuring timely execution and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional partners and vendors to drive operational success in immunology rese...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $236K *

Analyze and drive commercial analytics strategy, establishing strong insights that empower senior leadership's strategic decisions and enhance business performance across a complex, multi-functional e...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$175K - $225K *

Lead the charge in shaping strategic program management across a diverse client portfolio. Oversee a team of professionals to ensure excellence in execution, governance, and client engagement while dr...

Boston, MARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $245K *

Drive strategic engagement with Key Opinion Leaders in rare neurological diseases, leading a national team. Manage relationships, synthesize insights, and guide thought leader strategies to influence...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining People Operations by leading strategic initiatives in benefits, payroll, and automation. Drive impactful change while managing a high-performing team and collaborating ac...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.