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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$88K - $145K *

Advance operations at a leading research center by managing key processes, supporting diverse teams, and enhancing organizational efficiency. Collaborate closely with leadership to drive initiatives a...

1 week ago

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

$79K - $128K *

Create impactful clinical research initiatives by managing study activities from design through closeout. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, effective patient interaction, and project priori...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$229K - $269K *

Optimize data collection and access across EDC/non-EDC sources. Drive compliance, manage vendor relationships, and ensure quality deliverables while contributing to clinical trial data processes and r...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$156K - $214K *

Lead the charge in driving innovation within experimental soft materials, managing a multidisciplinary team, and developing cutting-edge workflows that bridge science and technology for impactful form...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$156K - $195K *

Drive procurement excellence by leading strategies and teams to optimize sourcing, enhance supplier performance, and achieve financial goals while collaborating with stakeholders to align with busines...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in real-world evidence generation for oncology hematology, driving strategic alignment across teams and managing high-priority studies to support new indication launches and enhance pa...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in real-world evidence generation for oncology hematology, driving strategic alignment across teams and managing high-priority research studies to support new indication launches and e...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $90K *

Help us enhance research funding success by developing strategic proposals and fostering collaboration among faculty and staff. This role requires initiative and creativity to build effective support...

3 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in advancing rural brain aging research by managing the NIH-funded RURAL MIND project, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and integrating innovative MRI technology into community he...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $90K *

Advance the Master of Science in Anesthesia program by leading didactic education, developing curriculum, and enhancing faculty teaching effectiveness while ensuring compliance with academic standards...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Support clinical staff through technical expertise in cellular therapeutics, ensuring effective patient enrollment and procedure management. Collaborate in training, maintain compliance, and foster re...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$202K - $287K *

Lead the charge in AI-driven transformation for clinical and regulatory operations, enhancing trial efficiency, safety workflows, and submission processes. Drive cross-functional collaboration to achi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in data analysis and psychometrics to drive innovative assessment solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance educational outcomes through advan...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $105K *

Transform virtual resettlement services by leading a national portfolio that enhances access for refugees. Oversee strategy, implementation, and compliance while fostering partnerships and innovative...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in strategic program management, overseeing project delivery and team development. Drive successful outcomes through effective staffing, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Manage a dynamic project management team, ensuring strategic delivery of high-impact programs while fostering team growth and adherence to PMO standards. Drive successful project outcomes through effe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $121K *

Contribute to cutting-edge research by managing advanced instrumentation, performing quality control, and fostering collaboration. Support innovative assay development and oversee lab operations to dr...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$177K *

Empower your career by designing and implementing Epic clinical systems that enhance research workflows. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to optimize processes and ensure data integrity in a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$177K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing Epic clinical systems to enhance research workflows, collaborating with clinical teams to optimize processes and ensure data integrity in a remote settin...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$90K - $145K *

Join a pioneering team to analyze and drive the commercialization of fusion power, integrating innovative technology into evolving energy markets. Collaborate with experts to transform research into a...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$162K - $225K *

Shape the future of global privacy and compliance by leading initiatives that ensure adherence to data protection regulations across multiple regions, while promoting a culture of integrity and accoun...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$68K - $194K *

Develop and execute rigorous analyses for missile defense systems, ensuring effective test evaluations and interoperability. Engage with multi-disciplinary teams to support high-stakes test planning a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $241K *

Join us to lead transformative R&D strategic initiatives, driving project execution across cross-functional teams while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder engagement for impa...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead regulatory business development initiatives by assessing scientific opportunities, managing cross-functional teams, and formulating strategic recommendations to drive successful partnerships and...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$158K - $190K *

Drive regulatory business development by leading assessments, formulating strategies, and managing cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate risks in new opportunities, ensuring alignment with c...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.