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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$185K - $215K *

Transform the future of market research in biotechnology by delivering crucial insights and competitive intelligence that drive strategy for investigational therapies. Collaborate cross-functionally a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $112K *

Drive strategic data initiatives as the lead for institutional research and analytics. Collaborate with leadership to enhance decision-making through innovative data solutions, ensuring compliance and...

Yesterday

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

$201K - $251K *

Join a team that's redefining medical communications in oncology. Lead strategic initiatives, oversee publication planning, and enhance scientific engagement across multiple cancer therapies while col...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $320K *

Take ownership of the Medical Affairs strategy, leading a high-performing team to drive successful oncology product launches, engage with key stakeholders, and oversee strategic initiatives for clinic...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$235K - $329K *

Lead the development strategy for oncology programs, driving cross-functional teams to achieve milestones and align on objectives. Collaborate with executives to prioritize investments and navigate de...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Drive the development and execution of innovative content strategies that enhance brand storytelling, engage diverse audiences, and support organizational missions in healthcare, while leading a high...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$172K - $250K *

Empower the Defense Innovation Unit by providing strategic leadership, overseeing operations, and fostering partnerships. Drive the advancement of defense-related initiatives, aligning innovation capa...

1 month ago

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

$200K - $290K *

Drive your career forward as a strategic leader in diabetes research, leveraging deep scientific expertise to guide innovative programs and enhance the drug discovery portfolio. Collaborate cross-func...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $126K *

Manage and develop LC-MS/MS analytical methods to support pharmacokinetic studies and bioanalysis, ensuring lab operations and data integrity in a collaborative environment with a focus on efficiency...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$230K - $250K *

Elevate market research and competitive intelligence initiatives to drive brand strategy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to uncover insights, manage research projects, and deliver actionable...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $208K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier management for Human Resources and Professional Services. Develop category strategies and coach a team to exceed stakeholder exp...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $208K *

Champion effective sourcing strategies and lead a dynamic team while engaging with senior stakeholders to drive procurement excellence and align business priorities with category management goals...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $208K *

Shape the future of procurement by leading strategic sourcing initiatives, cultivating stakeholder relationships, and driving operational excellence across Human Resources and Professional Services ca...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$78K - $109K *

Join a dynamic team to design and execute innovative projects in protein engineering and cell biology, leveraging your expertise to impact therapeutic development and mentor junior scientists in a col...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$86K - $119K *

Collaborate to drive single-cell proteomics research on Alzheimer's and neurodegeneration. Design and execute experiments, analyze datasets, mentor junior scientists, and prepare manuscripts within an...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic HR initiatives across multiple states, ensuring compliance and efficiency while managing a diverse offshore team to enhance employee experiences and operationa...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Join us to lead innovative evaluations in healthcare, driving quality and access improvements through rigorous research and strategic project management. Collaborate with a diverse team to shape impac...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Champion innovative healthcare research by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse experts to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives for Medicare models, driving strategic growth and fostering collaboration among diverse teams to enha...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Transform healthcare research by leading evaluations for Medicare models. Drive business development, manage complex projects, and provide technical expertise while fostering a diverse team environmen...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Drive impactful healthcare research by leading evaluations and business development for CMS initiatives. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance quality, access, and cost-effectiveness in health se...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing healthcare research by managing complex evaluations, fostering client relationships, and driving strategic growth initiatives within a collaborative team of experts dedica...

2 weeks ago

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

$147K - $175K *

Develop and lead clinical science activities for assigned studies, ensuring cross-functional collaboration and timely issue resolution. Drive protocol development, data review, and regulatory input wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $180K *

Shape the future of product innovation by leading a dynamic research team in the development of cutting-edge hardware and wearables. Foster collaboration, drive research strategy, and champion integri...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $200K *

Lead the charge in delivering complex federal digital services programs, ensuring strategic direction, operational excellence, and strong customer relationships across multidisciplinary teams while ma...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 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.