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 - $150K *

Drive revenue and profitability by leading business development efforts, executing strategic plans, and analyzing market trends to identify growth opportunities. Collaborate with senior leadership to...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

3 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Advance cutting-edge research in quantum photonics and semiconductor technologies. Lead multidisciplinary teams, drive innovation, and foster partnerships to enhance the Texas A&M Semiconductor Instit...

3 days ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Elevate strategic R&D initiatives while leading a diverse team across locations. Drive growth opportunities with key defense and intelligence customers by managing contracts and fostering collaboratio...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$198K - $368K *

Build innovative AI-powered search solutions and shape the future of information retrieval by leading a high-performing team that drives effective AI research and product integration across diverse ap...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$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

$172K - $344K *

Lead strategic planning and execution of clinical research programs, managing multiple studies and partnerships with CROs and clinical sites to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and quality out...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Play a key role in market research initiatives by leading diverse healthcare projects, collaborating closely with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure objectives are met and impactful insights...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of philanthropy research. Lead strategic initiatives, foster partnerships, and drive impactful research at a globally recognized institution dedicated to philanth...

Yesterday

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

$179K - $235K *

Support scientific operations across research programs, managing data rooms and IP workflows. Collaborate with leaders to ensure program accuracy and readiness, driving process improvements in a fast...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$193K - $289K *

Join a team that's transforming scientific research by embedding AI into workflows, enhancing drug discovery processes. Lead a focused team to design and deploy innovative agentic systems, driving imp...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $215K *

Shape the future of cell therapy by leading cross-functional teams through early-phase clinical trials. Drive program strategy, manage risks, and foster collaboration to deliver innovative therapies f...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive clinical research operations for a multidisciplinary program focused on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, ensuring rigorous execution of studies while collaborating with diverse teams to tra...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead clinical trials and mentor staff, ensuring compliance and excellence in research. Drive strategic growth while fostering collaboration and innovation in a fast-paced en...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing our clinical research program, driving strategy and execution for microbiome-based studies. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure scientific rigor and regulatory compli...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the establishment and operations of a new clinical research site, ensuring participant safety and data integrity while driving financial and enrollment goals. Collaborate with teams to foster a c...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$350K - $425K *

Champion a high-impact research function that drives product strategy and insights. Lead a mixed-methods team to translate user behaviors into actionable recommendations, collaborating across departme...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$86K - $95K *

Reimagine qualitative research as a Custom Research Director, leading project execution, managing teams, and driving client success through strategic insights and innovative methodologies. Elevate cli...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Lead strategic and operational initiatives for a research center, ensuring efficient administration, financial management, and compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance research productivit...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead a dynamic team in delivering insightful commercial real estate research, leveraging complex datasets to drive data-informed decisions and enhance market intelligence through clear communication a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$114K - $240K *

Empower teams by managing complex R&D programs, ensuring alignment with contract scopes, budgets, and schedules while fostering collaboration across technical and executive teams to deliver innovative...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Empower scientific innovation by leading clinical research and education initiatives. Drive product substantiation, manage research partnerships, and enhance training programs to support product claim...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of brain injury rehabilitation research by leading innovative studies, securing funding, and mentoring emerging investigators. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance clinical outc...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Lead and optimize research initiatives, mentor staff, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals while managing financial viability and compliance in a dynamic environment focused on low...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in research technology and data management. Lead strategic initiatives, optimize research workflows, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance scientific produ...

Today

  •   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.