Explore Director of Sciences opportunities for experienced professionals ready to lead research teams, shape scientific strategy, and turn complex findings into meaningful results. Ladders features vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more across fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, academia, and industrial research.
Directors of Sciences guide scientific programs and teams from strategy through execution. Depending on the organization, they may oversee research and development, set priorities and budgets, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and communicate results to executives, partners, or customers. The role often combines deep subject-matter expertise with people leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
Employers typically seek substantial experience in a relevant scientific discipline, a record of leading projects or teams, and the ability to connect research goals with organizational priorities. A graduate degree—often a Ph.D. or equivalent—may be preferred or required, depending on the field. Valuable skills include scientific strategy, program management, data interpretation, clear communication, budgeting, and familiarity with applicable regulations and research standards.
Director-level science roles can be found in life sciences, biotech, pharmaceutical research, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare, environmental science, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Job titles and responsibilities vary: some directors lead a specialized research function, while others oversee multiple teams, laboratories, or portfolios. Review each posting for its discipline, scope, location, and leadership expectations.
Use Ladders to discover vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by specialty, employer, and location, and focus your search on positions that match your scientific background and leadership experience. Keep your resume current and highlight measurable outcomes, such as research milestones, successful launches, funding secured, or teams developed.
Manager, Laboratory Operations
$130K - $150K *
Elevate laboratory operations by managing logistics, compliance, and safety in a dynamic research environment. Collaborate with scientists to streamline processes and ensure a well-functioning lab tha...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Elevate sterility assurance and contamination control strategies globally. Lead risk assessments and foster best practices across our sterile manufacturing sites while championing continuous improveme...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines, Hybrid
$210K - $331K *
Join a dynamic team to provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across multiple vaccine studies and programs. Leverage your expertise to shape development strategies, ensure scientific consistenc...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines, Hybrid
$210K - $331K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of vaccine development by providing strategic Clinical Science leadership across multiple studies and programs, ensuring scientific consistency and collaboration...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines, Hybrid
$210K - $331K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of vaccine development by providing strategic Clinical Science leadership across multiple studies and programs. Leverage your expertise to drive scientific consis...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Small Molecule Screening
$126K - $181K *
Elevate your career by joining a team of scientists dedicated to advancing innovative DNA-encoded library technology. Collaborate to develop cutting-edge methods, conduct experiments, and drive scient...
4 weeks ago
Associate Director, Clinical Supply Chain
$186K - $233K *
Optimize clinical supply chain operations by planning and delivering compliant clinical supplies while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support ongoing development programs in a dynamic ph...
1 month ago
Director Program Management, National Security
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of program management by leading a dynamic team to ensure successful contract execution, client satisfaction, and strategic growth across multiple programs with a focus on operational...
3 days ago
Director/ Senior Director, Product, Materials Chemistry
$168K - $272K *
Empower the vision for materials chemistry products, leading strategy and execution through R&D and customer engagement, translating complex chemistry into market-ready solutions that drive tangible c...
Reposted 6 days ago
Associate Laboratory Director, Environment, Safety & Health
$150K - $180K *
Transform the safety and health culture of a 5,000-acre Lab by leading the Environment, Safety & Health Directorate. Provide strategic oversight, develop initiatives, and partner with leadership to en...
3 weeks ago
Executive Director, Deals Center of Excellence
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading a global Deal Center of Excellence, enhancing strategic partnerships and commercial capabilities across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, while driving sustaina...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Develop high-performing teams and drive operational excellence in a mobile diagnostics operation. This role offers extensive freedom and responsibility, preparing you for impactful leadership as a loc...
Yesterday
Associate External Data Management Director
$160K - $226K *
Join a dynamic team to manage external data throughout clinical trials, ensuring high-quality data handling and collaboration with cross-functional teams and vendors. Drive project success while mento...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead and optimize sterile manufacturing operations in a large multi-product facility, ensuring safety, quality, and cost efficiency while driving performance with strategic operational plans and cross...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Lead transformative production initiatives, enhancing workflow efficiency and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet customer needs while driving continuous improvement and operation...
Reposted 6 days ago
Director, Scientific Services (Canada)
$125K - $150K *
Drive strategic scientific leadership and operational excellence, fostering high-performing teams to deliver compliant medical communications that align with client objectives and business growth. Col...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $199K *
Champion quality excellence in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. Lead a dynamic team, ensuring compliance and regulatory standards while driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve operational...
Yesterday
$140K - $165K *
Elevate project management excellence by leading complex pharmaceutical marketing campaigns, mentoring teams, and ensuring strategic alignment with client objectives while driving operational success...
1 week ago
$140K - $165K *
Oversee the delivery of complex pharmaceutical marketing campaigns, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence. Mentor project managers while driving financial stewardship and fostering c...
1 week ago
Scientist III - Proteome Editor Design
$128K - $160K *
Lead the proteome editor flywheel team to innovate synthetic biology solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize design-test cycles, enhance model performance, and mentor a high-per...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping global regulatory strategy for rare disease therapies. In this pivotal role, you'll lead submissions and agency interactions across the US, EU, UK, and Japan, driving execut...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Transform medical strategies by leading a team of experts, ensuring compliance and scientific accuracy in communications, and fostering client relationships to drive innovative healthcare solutions...
1 week ago
$210K - $250K *
Unlock your potential by leading medical strategies in a dynamic environment. Drive compliance, mentor a talented team, and collaborate with clients to ensure scientific accuracy in promotional materi...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Clinical Development
$332K - $360K *
Unlock potential by leading clinical development strategies and teams. Drive oncology programs from inception to regulatory submission, ensuring scientific rigor and operational excellence while colla...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion regulatory excellence by leading submissions and ensuring compliance with FDA guidelines while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support innovative biopharmaceutical products...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does a Director of Sciences do?
A Director of Sciences leads scientific teams or programs, sets research priorities, oversees execution and resources, and communicates findings and progress to organizational stakeholders. Responsibilities depend on the employer and scientific discipline.
What qualifications are commonly required for Director of Sciences jobs?
Employers generally expect extensive experience in a relevant scientific field and a strong record of project or team leadership. Many roles prefer or require an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D., though requirements vary by industry and position.
Which industries hire Directors of Sciences?
Common employers include biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, healthcare and medical device organizations, research institutions, technology companies, and businesses in environmental science or advanced manufacturing.
How much do Director of Sciences jobs pay?
Compensation varies by industry, location, experience, and scope of responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for salary details.
How can I find Director of Sciences jobs on Ladders?
Browse the Director of Sciences listings and refine your search by location, specialty, or other preferences. Review each role’s qualifications and responsibilities, and tailor your resume to emphasize relevant scientific leadership and results.