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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$150K - $175K *

Drive your career with a leadership role that connects undergraduate students to biomedical research opportunities, fostering collaboration between labs and enhancing the scientific community through...

5 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of complex multi-site research projects, coordinating teams and resources to ensure timely execution. Lead project planning, budget management, and oversee staff performance while drivi...

3 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Elevate operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives and financial management across multiple institutions. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive goals, enhance partnerships, and ensu...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $306K *

Lead the charge in integrating AI with scientific workflows, mentoring engineers, and delivering innovative applications that enhance research collaboration. Drive technical strategy and foster a high...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $306K *

Champion groundbreaking solutions by leading engineers who integrate AI with scientific workflows, driving innovation for life-changing breakthroughs in research while fostering a collaborative enviro...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the Vendor Management Office, overseeing vendor governance, lifecycle management, and performance metrics. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure vendor services align with quality, compliance...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the strategic direction and operational oversight of vendor management, ensuring effective governance, performance, and risk management across the vendor ecosystem to support clinical trial succe...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing community health through strategic leadership and program development. Oversee SHARE Network initiatives, manage partnerships, and drive innovative solutions...

3 days ago

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

$120K - $135K *

Lead comprehensive UX research initiatives, transforming insights into strategies that enhance digital experiences, while fostering scalable, repeatable practices across teams...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $135K *

Elevate user experience by conducting comprehensive UX research that transforms insights into actionable improvements for digital workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline proce...

Denver, CORemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $200K *

Drive scientific strategy and lead therapeutic programs in neurobiology, overseeing target validation to preclinical proof-of-concept. Collaborate with teams to identify novel targets and foster partn...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join us in leading the development and execution of comprehensive risk management strategies. Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring organizational r...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing and implementing risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements w...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $349K *

Unlock potential by leading 340B strategies that protect revenue and ensure compliance. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage policy assessments, and drive analytics initiatives to optimize bu...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $90K *

Engage with a dedicated team to coordinate clinical trials, ensuring compliance and quality care for study patients while fostering collaboration and work-life balance in a supportive environment...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of research administration by leading and empowering a dynamic team responsible for managing sponsored programs, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across departments to...

3 weeks ago

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

$85K - $116K *

Join a team that's leading strategic account management efforts, driving a $60M+ portfolio renewal and growth. You'll foster partner relationships, navigate complex negotiations, and guide a team to a...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$76K - $115K *

Engage senior leaders in higher education to shape impactful advancement strategies, deliver expert advisory services, and drive financial and mission-oriented outcomes through innovative research and...

Reposted today

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

$80K - $95K *

Champion research initiatives by coordinating activities and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, while enhancing faculty output and managing funding opportunities for collaborative proje...

Reposted today

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

$160K - $190K *

Elevate your career by leading transformative research agendas that shape policy and enhance medication access. Collaborate with experts to drive evidence-based strategies in a dynamic, impactful envi...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$76K - $115K *

Lead a team in providing expert research advisory services to educational leaders, delivering insights and strategic guidance. Collaborate closely with senior executives to address mission-critical is...

Reposted today

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

$76K - $115K *

Reimagine the future of education by partnering with senior leaders to drive strategic decisions and implement best practices. Leverage your expertise to foster impactful relationships, facilitate tra...

Reposted yesterday

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

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI by leading advanced research in machine learning, focusing on large language models, optimization, and scalable training systems. Collaborate with talented teams, publish impact...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $200K *

Lead the charge in patent analysis and reverse engineering. Oversee strategic investigations, manage client relationships, and drive project success while maintaining operational excellence across var...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Oversee and manage clinical operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency in trials. Drive patient recruitment, budget management, and staff development while maintaining high-quality standards and f...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.