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 - $105K *

Inspire impactful research leadership by overseeing multidisciplinary teams, guiding complex analyses, and ensuring nonpartisan integrity in legislative support. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhan...

1 week ago

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

$165K - $235K *

Unlock potential by supporting the Executive Director in strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and external stakeholder engagement to drive effective organizational growth and performance...

3 weeks ago

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

$165K - $235K *

Pioneer organizational excellence by supporting the Executive Director, streamlining decision-making, and driving operational initiatives. Bring your expertise to enhance team performance and ensure s...

3 weeks ago

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

$288K - $420K *

Reimagine the future of materials science by leading a team in developing agentic AI systems. Own the scientific rigor and technical direction to drive innovations from research to production, ultimat...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Transform medical strategy by leading content development, analyzing clinical data, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive client growth through innovative promotional ini...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Transform the HR landscape by driving operational excellence and strategic growth in a dynamic multi-geography environment. Shape talent acquisition, performance management, and cultural practices to...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$288K - $420K *

Lead the charge in developing agentic AI systems for materials science, setting technical direction, mentoring a team, and integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications. Drive innovati...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead data stewardship and analysis initiatives to enhance women's leadership research. Manage the HerDataTX platform, ensuring data integrity and accessibility while collaborating with partners to dri...

2 days ago

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

$145K - $177K *

Transform higher education sales by driving revenue growth, managing teams, and crafting innovative market strategies. Lead a dedicated group to exceed targets, foster collaboration, and establish bes...

4 weeks ago

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

$215K - $235K *

Empower progress at the forefront of innovative program delivery, managing complex infrastructure projects and leading a team of experts to ensure successful outcomes across diverse client engagements...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Drive the development and validation of analytical methods for drug formulation. Manage projects in a GMP laboratory, support stability testing, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with cross-fu...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the growth of educational funding initiatives by deploying grant strategies and business development practices that align K-12 needs with critical funding sources. Collaborate with educators to c...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform K-12 education by driving strategic growth through grant writing and funding acquisition. Collaborate with K-12 leaders to identify opportunities and unlock essential resources for education...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Drive AI governance and operational excellence with a focus on patient safety and risk management. Lead validation, enablement, and a growing team to ensure effective AI deployment, partnering across...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing molecular assay development. Leverage your expertise to design, implement, and mentor in innovative laboratory practices, ensuring compliance and excellence i...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$263K - $333K *

Reimagine the future of AI as you lead strategic research initiatives to develop advanced foundational models that enhance Cisco's global networking and security technologies, while serving as a key a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$263K - $333K *

Champion innovative AI advancements by leading strategic research initiatives that redefine foundational models and autonomous operations, securing and automating the global network while mentoring ta...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$144K - $205K *

Elevate the quality and impact of AP Social Science courses by leading a diverse team, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring assessment integrity. Collaborate across departments to enhance stude...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Scientist in Oncology Discovery, leading innovative research to develop cutting-edge therapeutics for cancer treatment. Collaborate with experts, drive scientific...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Scientist in Oncology Discovery, leading innovative research to develop cutting-edge therapeutics for cancer treatment. Collaborate with experts, drive scientific...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower the success of our PACE Organization by leading operations, strategic initiatives, and team development to provide exceptional care for the elderly. Ensure compliance and financial viability a...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development and operations of PACE programs ensuring quality care for seniors while managing compliance, finances, and staff development. Collaborate with teams to enhance service delivery an...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$159K - $207K *

Advance your career by leading the Oligonucleotide & Small Molecule CMC Analytical Development team. Provide hands-on scientific leadership in method development, testing, and regulatory documentation...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Explore a pivotal role in clinical project management, overseeing studies from initiation to closeout. Lead cross-functional teams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing strategic leadership and oversight for legislative research operations, ensuring effective support for the South Dakota Legislature through expert management...

3 weeks ago

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

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.