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 - $180K *

Shape the future of neuroscience by leveraging AI to enhance research methodologies. Collaborate with experts to define benchmarks, analyze data, and ensure AI agents meet rigorous scientific standard...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $180K *

Elevate neuroscience with AI as you define expert reasoning, design research tasks, and validate agent outputs. Collaborate with engineers to enhance workflows and ensure scientific rigor in AI applic...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $135K *

Collaborate to design a centralized operations portfolio management framework, ensuring alignment across product delivery and operational initiatives. Lead strategic planning to drive efficiency and t...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$175K - $210K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing global regulatory strategies for innovative therapeutics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to navigate regulatory pathways and ensure compliance from...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $273K *

Oversee and drive core People functions for a dynamic, global workforce. Partner with leaders to shape strategic people initiatives, manage employee lifecycle processes, and enhance workplace culture...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$57K - $105K *

Unlock potential by overseeing research projects in genetic disorders. Supervise iPSC maintenance and contribute to grant writing within a multidisciplinary team focused on cutting-edge biomedical adv...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$88K - $135K *

Elevate assessment innovation by leading AI-driven solutions for item development. Collaborate across programs, implement efficient workflows, and ensure quality in educational assessments while drivi...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$186K - $233K *

Join a team that's transforming clinical data management by leading data strategy and ensuring the integrity of trial data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to support the...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$178K - $220K *

Drive strategic growth and operational excellence in compliance services, overseeing Payments, SOC, and Federal practices. Lead client relationships, enhance service delivery, and cultivate a high-per...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $210K *

Shape the future of pharmaceutical engineering excellence by leading a dynamic team in optimizing manufacturing processes, driving capital projects, and implementing innovative technologies to enhance...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$212K - $287K *

Drive innovation by leading complex late-phase clinical development programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design trials, ensure quality analysis, and support regulatory submissions, fos...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's committed to ensuring quality excellence in cell therapy. Oversee integrated project plans, coordinate efforts across departments, and lead initiatives to enhance compliance and ope...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $105K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on innovative cell therapy process development, where you'll design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate to drive impactful results in a fas...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion data-driven strategies to enhance marketing performance, mentor a team, and lead client engagements. Drive analytics, AI, and automation initiatives while ensuring actionable insights and mea...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Transform sales strategies as a leader in the healthcare sector, driving growth and customer partnerships to meet acquisition objectives. Cultivate relationships and leverage insights to exceed target...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $152K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of biomedical research by providing comprehensive pre- and post-award administration. Collaborate with leaders and support investigators managing a diverse portfol...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform biologics drug discovery by leading antibody engineering campaigns, optimizing therapeutic formats, and collaborating across teams to advance innovative solutions from concept to candidate n...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Grow your career with a senior leadership role driving a high-performing project management team, ensuring successful execution of clinical studies while managing resources, performance, and client sa...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $169K *

Lead strategic technology research initiatives, enhancing public-private partnerships through analysis and recommendations, while mentoring a team and engaging with stakeholders to assess trends shapi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$63K - $102K *

Drive the management of multiple clinical research studies, ensuring compliance and quality. Serve as the key liaison among stakeholders, oversee trial initiation, patient recruitment, and budget mana...

3 days ago

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

$63K - $102K *

Lead the charge in managing clinical research projects, overseeing staff, and ensuring compliance with protocols. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance mental health interventions and streamline st...

6 days ago

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

$180K - $250K *

Champion federal engagement by developing strategies that align Axon's mission with law enforcement needs. Leverage relationships and navigate the policy landscape to drive impactful outcomes and ensu...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$255K - $402K *

Unlock potential by leading AI technical strategy in R&D, driving innovation and collaboration across IT and business units to enhance scientific capabilities and streamline processes for impactful ou...

Rahway, NJRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$89K - $143K *

Drive analytical control strategies to optimize large-scale processes for plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA, and enzymes. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance testing efficiency and support regulatory s...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $152K *

Join a team that's advancing biomedical research by expertly managing research administration. In this role, you'll oversee diverse funded awards and collaborate with leaders to ensure compliance and...

4 weeks 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.