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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$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of higher education by leading strategic initiatives and government affairs. Collaborate across teams to drive revenue opportunities and influence policy, ensuring impactful solutions...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of youth mental health research by leading analytical efforts to innovate data accessibility and deepen insights. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to trans...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in managing complex research projects, ensuring operational excellence and collaboration across teams. Drive resource allocation, oversee project phases, and contribute to research met...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$106K - $138K *

Drive innovation and product development within a collaborative team, leading R&D initiatives to align with market demands and business goals. Lead research teams to create viable solutions, manage re...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$194K - $329K *

Drive transformative real estate strategies as a Senior Director, shaping growth in consulting. Collaborate with clients to enhance performance and lead innovative initiatives in a rapidly evolving in...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $320K *

Champion transformative healthcare by leading care management initiatives, enhancing quality and access across services. Collaborate with leadership to optimize operations, improve patient outcomes, a...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $287K *

Lead the charge in shaping technology product strategy for a Specialty Business Unit, managing end-to-end delivery and building a high-performing team while aligning product goals with overall enterpr...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$174K - $292K *

Lead the charge in clinical pharmacology strategy and execution, influencing drug development through expert guidance and collaboration on integrated plans and regulatory interactions for innovative t...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $170K *

Shape the future of aviation education by leading strategic initiatives, governance, and fundraising for a nonprofit foundation. Drive operational excellence, manage stakeholder relationships, and sup...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $239K *

Transform the landscape of funded research projects by leading teams, managing client relationships, and delivering impactful solutions in the life sciences sector. Drive project success while identif...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $239K *

Drive impactful research projects in life sciences, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business opportunities and enhance public heal...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $239K *

Transform your career by leading complex research projects in life sciences. Drive client satisfaction and identify new business opportunities while collaborating with global teams to deliver impactfu...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $239K *

Join us in leading impactful research projects in life sciences. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee complex initiatives, enhance client relationships, and drive innovative solutions that contribute...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$194K - $305K *

Drive translational and biomarker strategy for immunology programs, integrating drug discovery insights and early clinical development to enhance patient outcomes in immune-driven diseases through rig...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $150K *

Lead a dynamic team in client insights and reporting, ensuring exceptional service through proactive strategies and data-driven solutions. Cultivate relationships, optimize analytics, and drive operat...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$200K - $300K *

Lead a dynamic team of engineers in developing cutting-edge autonomous vehicle navigation solutions. Shape the technical direction, ensuring reliable and safe operations in complex environments throug...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $263K *

Unlock innovative solutions by leveraging your technical expertise to tackle complex challenges in cryptography, high-performance computing, and network defense. Collaborate with researchers and spons...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $135K *

Lead the charge in managing complex projects, ensuring quality and efficiency across teams. Collaborate with account and development teams to oversee timelines, budgets, and resources, driving process...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $135K *

Lead the charge in project management, overseeing brand initiatives and guiding teams to deliver high-impact strategies. Drive operational efficiency, financial management, and team development while...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $135K *

Drive impactful brand initiatives by leading project management teams, overseeing complex projects, and ensuring strategic execution across multiple channels. Elevate operational efficiency while ment...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $135K *

Lead the charge in managing complex projects across multiple brands, guiding PM teams to deliver high-impact results. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to optimize workflows and drive operati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$166K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining software engineering leadership by driving innovation, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring high-quality development processes. Collaborate with diverse stakehol...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $245K *

Champion AI strategy and implementation in healthcare, leading a team to deliver measurable value. Drive business development, client engagement, and practice growth while shaping innovative solutions...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$267K - $331K *

Join a dynamic team as a senior leader in pharmaceutical development, driving CMC strategy and cross-functional collaboration. Lead high-performing teams, influence corporate strategy, and ensure alig...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$267K - $331K *

Lead cross-functional teams to advance pharmaceutical development and CMC strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives while managing risks and fostering collaboration across clinical and co...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 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.