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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$153K - $264K *

Lead the charge in advancing innovative therapeutics for cardiovascular and kidney health. Oversee an in vitro biology lab, mentor scientists, and drive projects from target validation to clinical can...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive compliance excellence by leading a multifaceted team focused on risk assessment, policy implementation, and training. Collaborate across divisions to uphold regulatory standards while fostering...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$270K - $350K *

Champion transformative genome technologies by leading strategic initiatives, fostering collaborations, and driving operational excellence in high-throughput sequencing and innovative research at a pr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Empower project delivery excellence by leading cross-functional teams, enhancing client satisfaction, and driving innovation in project management strategies to achieve organizational goals and improv...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $200K *

Drive the evolution of legal support in capital markets and fintech by building scalable processes, negotiating agreements, and enabling trusted relationships in a fast-paced environment, propelling g...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Strategize and lead the development of multi-year research initiatives, fostering collaborations across disciplines to secure specialized funding. Drive institutional growth through strategic partners...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by providing strategic technical leadership in Process R&D. Drive high-performing teams, ensure project success, and foster cross-department collaboration while aligning capabilities...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $250K *

Champion innovative delta-one strategies by researching and developing systematic futures models. Collaborate with traders to enhance portfolio risk management and optimize execution across global mar...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$157K - $265K *

Lead complex engagements in dispute resolution by mentoring a team, managing client relationships, and directing expert reporting. Drive business growth and maintain high standards while leveraging yo...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$157K - $265K *

Seek a seasoned leader to manage complex disputes, mentor teams, and drive business growth in forensic accounting. Utilize your expertise to enhance client relationships and deliver top-notch consulta...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$157K - $265K *

Champion impactful dispute resolution by leading complex engagements, mentoring talent, and driving business growth with your extensive industry experience and network. Thrive in a dynamic environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading the establishment of a state-of-the-art IVF laboratory, overseeing operations, implementing advanced technologies, and mentoring trainees while contributing to innovative r...

4 weeks ago

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

$246K - $332K *

Lead a dynamic team in shaping clinical development strategies for rare kidney diseases. Collaborate across functions to drive innovative trials, ensuring patient-centered approaches and operational f...

San Diego, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $90K *

Elevate client engagement by crafting strategies and executing projects that drive impactful solutions for Fortune 500, nonprofit, and government organizations, while thriving in a dynamic team enviro...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$146K - $219K *

Support the growth of a dynamic research team by overseeing operations, finance, and hiring. Collaborate closely with leadership to build infrastructure and adapt to evolving needs in a fast-paced env...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of technology project delivery by leading a high-performing team, managing strategic initiatives, and ensuring alignment with business objectives to maximize value and drive organizat...

Indianapolis, INRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in managing a strategic technology project portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Balance people leadership with direct ownership of critical initiatives, fostering a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Lead clinical study operations by supervising staff, ensuring compliance, and managing project execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance research quality and patient safety while o...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing critical technical programs, enhancing research infrastructure while ensuring impactful collaboration across teams. Empower researchers to translate their wor...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Champion technical program management by driving innovative research agendas, optimizing processes, and supporting a dynamic team focused on AI safety and efficiency. Raise our technical standards whi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$75K - $95K *

Transform user experiences by conducting research and creating intuitive wireframes and prototypes. Collaborate with design and engineering teams to enhance digital interfaces for impactful projects...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$78K - $139K *

Lead grant administration efforts by managing proposal submissions, negotiating contracts, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and efficiency in research funding processe...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$230K - $250K *

Architect quality strategies and lead a high-performing Quality Control team overseeing testing, compliance, and laboratory operations. Collaborate across functions to ensure timely product release wh...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$154K - $204K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading innovative risk adjustment programs that enhance provider engagement and improve patient outcomes through proactive, data-driven strategies and seamless EHR i...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Drive revenue growth and strategic partnerships in biometrics services, focusing on client relationships and market strategy. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions and position the or...

Mansfield, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.