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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$200K - $285K *

Shape the future of clinical research by leading early-phase studies. Ensure participant safety, collaborate with diverse teams, and mentor staff while advancing medical knowledge and quality care in...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$89K - $123K *

Empower product safety through signal management, risk evaluation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and support safety surveillance during all development phases...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$91K - $107K *

Engage with us to execute and optimize flow cytometry assays, supporting preclinical and translational science in xenotransplantation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable resul...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$203K - $304K *

Shape the future of clinical trials by leading AI research that enhances decision-making and patient outcomes. Drive innovation at the intersection of AI, clinical methodology, and biomedical science...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Transform operational excellence by guiding strategic initiatives and enhancing service quality. Lead teams to improve financial performance while fostering relationships within the community and ensu...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Grow transformative learning experiences by leading The Data Mine at Purdue Indy. Oversee operations, foster partnerships, and support student success through innovative data-driven initiatives and co...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovation in automated research systems as part of our R&D team. Work with experts on cutting-edge AI capabilities and contribute to impactful publications in a collaborative environment...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$77K - $119K *

Join us to innovate and drive the development of mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines, shaping workflows and pioneering new approaches in a dynamic research environment...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Champion high-throughput protein binder screening by leading a skilled team, optimizing protocols, and ensuring quality data delivery. Drive innovation in molecular cloning and library methods while c...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Explore your engineering expertise in designing custom instrumentation and systems. Collaborate on international projects, applying advanced knowledge in electronics, programming, and circuit design t...

2 weeks ago

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

$195K - $277K *

Champion clinical oncology studies by designing protocols, collaborating with teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Leverage expertise to analyze data, support publications, and maintain re...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Lead the global intellectual property strategy for groundbreaking AI infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect and leverage IP assets, driving innovation and aligning with bus...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$256K - $288K *

Play a key role in clinical trial oversight, design, and execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance in support of our innovative thera...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$256K - $288K *

Lead the charge in clinical trial oversight and data interpretation, ensuring safety and efficacy of pipeline products through expert collaboration and strategic planning, aligning clinical activities...

Waltham, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$255K - $402K *

Join a team that's redefining clinical trial optimization through strategic leadership, innovative processes, and a commitment to quality. Drive impactful change while mentoring senior staff and enhan...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$246K - $332K *

Shape the future of health economics and outcomes research by leading strategic initiatives across the nephrology portfolio, ensuring high-quality evidence generation and collaboration with cross-func...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $250K *

Lead in vivo pharmacology to empower target validation and drug discovery. Manage a nine-member team, design studies, and ensure rigorous experimentation aligns with strategic portfolio decisions in c...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$208K - $242K *

Join a team that's transforming R&D technology strategy into impactful solutions across clinical, regulatory, and operational domains, ensuring readiness for pivotal development and commercial launch...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $91K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research coordination. In this role, you'll manage studies, ensure compliance, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance patient care and...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$117K - $164K *

Lead the charge in executing strategic projects across multiple business units, ensuring operational excellence and fostering team collaboration. Drive process optimization and champion project manage...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$170K - $200K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in medical technology. Lead R&D for next-gen solutions in Acute Care, collaborating across functions to enhance patient outcomes and shape strategic initiatives i...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $260K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic initiatives in enterprise AI and digital collaboration. Drive innovation, optimize user experiences, and manage high-performing teams to enhance technology ado...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Drive strategic leadership in enterprise AI and digital collaboration, overseeing implementation and optimization of platforms like Microsoft 365. Lead teams to enhance user experience and maximize te...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Unlock potential by leading enterprise AI and digital collaboration initiatives. Drive strategy, optimize user experiences, and enhance technology adoption across the organization while managing high...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Drive strategic leadership in enterprise AI and digital collaboration, enhancing user experience and optimizing technology investments. Lead teams to implement and govern innovative solutions that tra...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.