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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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

$96K - $101K *

Empower domestic workers by leading impactful research initiatives that inform advocacy and policy development. Drive strategic research agendas, mentor a dedicated team, and collaborate with diverse...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$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

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in providing strategic legal support for R&D and Technical Operations, managing complex agreements and fostering cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic biotech environment...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $95K *

Transform educational outcomes by guiding senior leaders in decision-making, utilizing data-driven insights while providing consultative support & expertise to drive institutional success. Engage with...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Transform clinical research strategies in urology by leading a dynamic team to drive innovation, regulatory success, and market growth. Collaborate across functions to ensure alignment with business o...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$230K - $250K *

Drive impactful research initiatives, collaborate with leaders, mentor analysts, and engage clients through insightful contributions in the Biotech/Pharma sectors to enhance investment strategies...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$190K - $300K *

Drive client success by managing complex intellectual property projects. Guide teams through strategic analysis, ensuring quality outcomes while fostering relationships and mentoring junior staff in a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$190K - $300K *

Unlock potential by leading complex intellectual property projects, serving as a strategic advisor and mentor. Ensure high-quality analyses, effective client relationships, and project execution while...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$190K - $300K *

Shape the future of economic consulting by leading complex intellectual property projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring analytical excellence in deliverables. Collaborate closely with clients...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI research and policy. As a Research Manager, you'll lead interdisciplinary projects, mentor junior researchers, and collaborate with experts to drive impactf...

Yesterday

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

$108K - $241K *

Manage innovative multi-site research initiatives, overseeing operations from proposal to completion. Collaborate with top investigators to enhance scientific discovery and patient care through effect...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$199K - $256K *

Take ownership of global patent strategy in a dynamic biotech environment. Lead IP management, support business transactions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and protec...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$78K - $100K *

Drive collaborative health research partnerships and programs, managing relationships and activities across diverse stakeholders to enhance institutional development goals and outcomes...

Yesterday

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

$204K - $250K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring drug safety and compliance. Lead pharmacovigilance efforts for cardiovascular assets, managing risk assessments and safety reporting while collaborating across...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $130K *

Transform the future of clinical research by leading a dedicated team in managing trials, ensuring compliance, and driving operational excellence across diverse projects while fostering collaboration...

2 weeks ago

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

$167K - $190K *

Shape the future of research ethics by leading our Human Research Protections Program. Oversee compliance, enhance participant welfare, and foster collaboration across teams to ensure integrity and qu...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$192K - $264K *

Oversee the product development lifecycle, leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely and compliant launch of complex diagnostic products, while driving strategic decisions and resolving interdep...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$76K - $86K *

Transform the landscape of data management and research by enabling accurate reporting and compliance. Lead a team in driving strategic data initiatives and maintain robust governance standards to sup...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$90K - $125K *

Champion strategic research initiatives and guide academic leaders by designing impactful projects that address key educational challenges, fostering innovation and best practices in higher education...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading data management initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while enhancing collaboration across teams, and contributing to the successful execution of clini...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead multi-site clinical research operations, driving compliance, team development, and financial performance. Collaborate with C-suite to enhance participant safety and operational standards while fo...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform research compliance by leveraging AI tools to streamline workflows, enhance documentation processes, and support faculty at the HBS AI Institute. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure adh...

Today

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

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining forensics and collections globally. Lead a skilled team, enhance operational efficiency, and drive client engagement while ensuring compliance and defensibility across re...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 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.