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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$120K - $163K *

Shape the future of labor relations by directing negotiation, implementation, and administration of labor agreements while ensuring compliance with policies and safety procedures. Lead a dedicated tea...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$260K - $290K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI across the enterprise, driving strategy, governance, and adoption. Your expertise will empower missions and enhance national security through innovative AI...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$89K - $123K *

Innovate operational delivery for early-phase clinical studies by managing vendor collaborations, ensuring compliance, and integrating protocols. Drive project management to deliver high-quality resul...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by managing and promoting clinical and basic research trials across multiple departments. Oversee operations, compliance, and financial management while supporting staff and enhanc...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Oversee a portfolio of clinical studies, ensuring compliance and quality. Lead Project Managers in executing complex trials, driving operational efficiency and client satisfaction while leveraging you...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$139K - $149K *

Drive innovative biomarker strategies by leading image-based analyses and executing preclinical models, collaborating with external partners to advance therapeutic discoveries across multiple disease...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$98K - $101K *

Lead a team to develop and supervise consumer support services, ensuring high-quality care and compliance in an Intensive Rehabilitation Treatment Program focused on empowering individuals with mental...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $225K *

Join our dynamic team and drive bioanalytical strategies for clinical-stage programs. You'll lead collaborations with cross-functional partners and oversee outsourced bioanalysis, ensuring compliance...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Lead the design and implementation of AI-driven workflows to enhance small-molecule drug discovery, fostering collaboration and innovation across teams while shaping the future of experimental science...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$183K - $305K *

Shape the future of external data acquisition and delivery, leading strategic initiatives and cross-functional collaborations to ensure data integrity and compliance across diverse therapeutic areas...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$183K - $305K *

Lead strategic initiatives for external data acquisition and governance, ensuring data quality and compliance across therapeutic areas. Drive innovation in data management and develop a high-performin...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Partner with us to drive strategic healthcare marketing initiatives. Lead client relationships, oversee peer-to-peer programs, and mentor team members to ensure compliance and achieve results while fo...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $220K *

Transform complex customer demands into actionable, multi-year programs. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain, driving scal...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $145K *

Elevate your career by managing laboratory and biospecimen operations for clinical studies. Oversee vendor performance, ensure compliance, and mentor team members while driving project success across...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative drug product development in a dynamic engineering team. Drive processes from concept to commercial readiness, enhancing transformational medicine manufacturing...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$148K - $224K *

Lead and champion complex scientific customer programs, ensuring operational excellence and fostering strong relationships while coordinating diverse teams for successful delivery and growth...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $155K *

Champion groundbreaking in vivo CRISPR screening initiatives and lead innovative genetic research projects that drive therapeutic discoveries through high-throughput functional genomics and advanced t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Manage lab operations and ensure compliance with protocols and SOPs. Oversee sample processing, staff training, and quality metrics while acting as a liaison between sites and sponsors to facilitate s...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of audio perception by leading innovative research in complex sound understanding, applying advanced models to improve emotional and environmental awareness within AI systems...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform laboratory diagnostics by leading innovative clinical testing initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mentoring staff. Drive advancements in endocrine testing and integrate emerging...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $230K *

Inspire and lead our media planning practice, setting strategic standards and driving client success through integrated strategies. Mentor a high-performing team while owning P&L for key accounts and...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$109K - $179K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in oncology clinical research. Oversee complex, multi-site studies, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while collaborating with diverse stakeholders t...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $185K *

Transform the future of translational research by leading non-clinical strategies and safety assessments for innovative therapies while mentoring junior scientists and collaborating across departments...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$116K - $146K *

Champion data-driven decision-making by leading Business Intelligence projects, overseeing data modeling, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance institutional performance and support strateg...

3 days ago

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

$163K - $245K *

Champion the growth of an AI research team by leading full-cycle technical recruiting. Collaborate with leadership to develop strategies for attracting top talent in a fast-paced environment, ensuring...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

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.