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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$333K - $416K *

Join a team that's committed to advancing clinical development for neuropsychiatric disorders and rare diseases. Contribute your extensive clinical expertise, develop robust study plans, and foster re...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $200K *

Lead the charge in developing integrated media strategies and client partnerships across pharmaceutical and life sciences accounts, driving business growth and ensuring exceptional delivery and client...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$101K - $125K *

Contribute to strategic leadership and operational success in a donor-funded program dedicated to ensuring free information flow in challenging environments. Lead diverse teams, manage budgets, and bu...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Empower excellence in patient care by overseeing unit operations, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategies to enhance quality outcomes and patient experience while ensuring compliance with...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in operational integration and technical synchronization for missile defense systems. Manage executive engineering rhythms, coordinate lifecycle documentation, and facilitate cross-dir...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of social media strategy by leading a dynamic team to drive engagement, cultural relevance, and community growth. Collaborate cross-functionally to elevate brand presence and leverage...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Champion social strategy and community engagement, driving impactful growth across multiple channels. Lead a dynamic team to create culturally relevant content, leveraging AI for efficiency and innova...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$263K - $319K *

Join a team that advances cardiovascular science through external innovation. As a senior leader, evaluate and enhance scientific opportunities in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases, collabor...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$263K - $319K *

Manage and drive external innovations in cardiovascular sciences, leading cross-functional teams to evaluate and advance high-value collaborations. Influence strategy and represent scientific interest...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $300K *

Lead the charge in shaping global public policy strategies for non-communicable diseases, focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advocate for impac...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $300K *

Lead the charge in shaping global public policy strategies for non-communicable diseases, focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advocate for impac...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $300K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing global public policy strategies for non-communicable diseases, focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $200K *

Transform market insights into strategic actions by leading global market intelligence initiatives. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive business impact through competitive analysis, market res...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $100K *

Shape the future of laboratory information management by leading high-quality LIMS implementations for public health and environmental laboratories, ensuring stakeholder alignment and project success...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Manage and execute complex LIMS implementations for public health and environmental labs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, stakeholder alignment, and high-quality out...

Tucson, AZRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$190K - $230K *

Unlock innovative approaches in Translational Medicine, leading biomarker strategies to bridge the gap between clinical research and development, and shaping impactful initiatives to advance drug effi...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $124K *

Join a team that's pivotal in enhancing operations for a leading research center. In this role, you'll manage processes, support diverse teams, and ensure efficient operations, all while contributing...

1 week ago

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

$75K - $124K *

Lead the charge in optimizing operations for a high-priority research center. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes, manage diverse tasks, and support strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient a...

1 week ago

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

$88K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading operations for a high-priority research center. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance processes, manage projects, and support strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient...

1 week ago

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

$75K - $124K *

Optimize operations by managing center-wide initiatives, enhancing processes, and supporting diverse teams to ensure efficient project execution and a collaborative work environment in a fast-paced re...

1 week ago

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

$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 1 week 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

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.