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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$120K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at naval aviation readiness by leveraging your analytical skills to evaluate maintenance and logistics data. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance mission capability and suppor...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$162K - $243K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through strategic oversight and collaboration. Lead project management efforts globally, ensuring quality, cost, and timeline objectives are m...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Manage strategic communications by developing impactful content across multiple channels, serving diverse audiences from donors to the public. Drive editorial leadership, digital engagement, and brand...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$380K - $420K *

Join a team that seeks a scientific leader to develop advanced machine learning models focused on Alzheimer’s research, driving innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on manageme...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through effective contract management and procurement oversight. Lead negotiations, ensure compliance, and support the research community while super...

Lawrence, KSRemote

3 days ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Champion contract administration efforts as a liaison for collective bargaining, providing expertise, guidance, and support in grievance management and negotiations while collaborating with university...

4 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Champion innovative research in supportive oncology, shaping interdisciplinary programs that enhance patient experiences across the cancer continuum. Collaborate with diverse teams to secure funding a...

Today

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

$180K - $240K *

Empower clinical development by leading scientific strategy for BHB-1893, driving protocol design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful Phase 3 execution and regulato...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $240K *

Lead scientific strategy for clinical development of BHB-1893, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance. Drive protocol design, data analysis, and e...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $260K *

Lead the charge in complex business negotiations, influencing senior leaders while managing risk and compliance. Drive strategic decision-making and deliver practical solutions that support business o...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Optimize laboratory services across acute care and ambulatory settings, providing strategic leadership to enhance clinical quality and operational excellence. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive p...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$90K - $110K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on innovative quantitative research in the pharmaceutical sector. Collaborate with experts to deliver impactful insights that enhance patient outc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $110K *

Transform pharmaceutical market research by leading innovative quantitative studies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering actionable insights that enhance client strategies and im...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of oncology by leading R&D initiatives, managing specialized teams, and driving product innovation to enhance market position and growth. Collaborate across functions to ensure high-q...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $187K *

Drive regulatory strategy and execution for global programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and timely submissions. Lead regulatory packages and manage health authority...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$152K - $262K *

Lead strategic initiatives and operational functions to enhance research sustainability and efficiency. Collaborate with leadership to optimize financial performance and support the Research Enterpris...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Drive impactful insights and competitive intelligence for our neuromuscular treatment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to inform strategic decisions and optimize product launch strategies in a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in global Phase II clinical study operations, ensuring timely, budget-friendly, and high-quality delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate strategic goals into act...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Optimize cross-functional programs in IVD diagnostics, driving product development from concept to commercialization while ensuring compliance and alignment with strategic goals...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead the Bureau of Queens Neighborhood Health's research and evaluation strategy. Drive impactful projects, ensure health equity, and collaborate with community partners to enhance public h...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping health equity through innovative research and evaluation strategies. Lead impactful projects, guide community initiatives, and drive data-informed decisions to enhance publi...

6 days ago

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

$255K - $402K *

Lead clinical research activities in metabolism, focusing on obesity-related disorders, from trial design to analysis and publication, while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to drive innov...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$255K - $402K *

Transform clinical research strategies by driving innovative studies in obesity and related disorders. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage late-stage development and maintain scientific...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$73K - $121K *

Manage complex investigations for product quality issues, ensuring timely root cause analysis and compliance with established procedures. Collaborate with teams to implement corrective actions and mai...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Manage a regulatory team to ensure compliance with FDA and Health Canada standards. Drive regulatory strategy for product innovation and oversee compliance assessments, while collaborating with cross...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

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.