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.
$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
Medical Director (Publications)
$130K - $150K *
Champion effective publication strategies and lead scientific communication initiatives, acting as a strategic partner to clients and teams. Navigate complex medical affairs content to drive impactful...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Scientific Director - Oncology (Medical Affairs & Commercial Medical Education)
$160K - $190K *
Champion the development and oversight of scientific content across diverse therapeutic areas while managing client relationships and brand strategy for multiple accounts, ensuring high-quality and im...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. Director Scientific Services
$205K - $225K *
Lead the scientific team to develop and implement strategic plans for clinical trials, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with regulations. Foster a collaborative culture while mentoring scientis...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Director Scientific Services
$205K - $225K *
Lead a scientific team to develop and implement innovative services for clinical trials, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with regulations. Drive strategic planning and foster a collaborative c...
2 weeks ago
Executive Director, Chemical Biology
$237K - $284K *
Lead and innovate in chemical biology, bridging multiomic discovery with target ID. Manage a team to design chemical probes and develop new therapeutic modalities, integrating AI/ML-driven approaches...
4 days ago
AcelaBio - Director, Translational Sciences
$160K - $200K *
Shape the future of scientific operations by leading assay development, bioinformatics, and image analysis. Drive innovation and ensure quality in R&D activities while mentoring a high-performing team...
3 days ago
Director, Collaborative Program Administration
$120K - $150K *
Champion collaborative initiatives by fostering relationships and driving strategic growth. Leverage your expertise to navigate complex operations, optimize performance, and deliver impactful insights...
3 days ago
Director, Enterprise Account Management, Physical Sciences
$168K - $272K *
Pioneer strategic enterprise relationships in physical sciences, driving revenue through multi-year account strategies and executive engagement. Shape commercial strategy and negotiate large agreement...
Reposted 6 days ago
Clinical Research Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive clinical research operations for a multidisciplinary program focused on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, ensuring rigorous execution of studies while collaborating with diverse teams to tra...
1 week ago
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Transform the landscape of funded research projects by leading teams, managing client relationships, and delivering impactful solutions in the life sciences sector. Drive project success while identif...
Today
Director, Head of Protein Sciences
$175K - $210K *
Shape the future of protein sciences by leading strategic initiatives that enhance discovery programs and deliver high-quality protein reagents. Drive innovation and optimize resources to maximize imp...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Drive impactful research projects in life sciences, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business opportunities and enhance public heal...
Today
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Transform your career by leading complex research projects in life sciences. Drive client satisfaction and identify new business opportunities while collaborating with global teams to deliver impactfu...
Today
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Join us in leading impactful research projects in life sciences. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee complex initiatives, enhance client relationships, and drive innovative solutions that contribute...
Today
$120K - $150K *
Engage with federal science enterprises and enhance partnerships to secure funding. Drive strategic legislative proposals, manage Congressional relationships, and lead proposal efforts to support atmo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Global Medical Affairs Technology
$187K - $253K *
Drive the strategy and governance of Medical Affairs technology, partnering with cross-functional teams to enhance data capabilities and streamline operations, ensuring impactful scientific engagement...
2 weeks ago
$195K - $215K *
Shape the future of cell therapy by leading cross-functional teams through early-phase clinical trials. Drive program strategy, manage risks, and foster collaboration to deliver innovative therapies f...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Preclinical Project Management & Translational Science
$125K - $150K *
Oversee complex project management and operational tracking for IND-enabling nonclinical programs, ensuring timely delivery and regulatory readiness through cross-functional collaboration and effectiv...
3 weeks ago
$126K - $200K *
Transform the Safety Assessment department by leading GLP compliance, developing strategic plans, and ensuring operational excellence while mentoring staff and engaging with clients to meet their need...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Operations- Center for Therapeutic Genectics
$120K - $150K *
Elevate operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives and financial management across multiple institutions. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive goals, enhance partnerships, and ensu...
Today
Senior Scientific Director, Neurodegenerative Diseases
$265K - $300K *
Shape the future of neurodegenerative disease diagnostics by leading scientific strategy, driving research programs, and building expert networks to establish industry leadership in innovative solutio...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Scientific Partnerships and Alliances
$227K - $298K *
Grow your career with a pivotal role in shaping strategic partnerships that drive innovative brain disease research and therapeutic translation, fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and...
Today
$144K - $189K *
Unlock potential by leading product innovation in clinical genomics. Shape tools for case management and data workflows, ensuring efficiency and quality while collaborating with lab directors and engi...
6 days ago
Project Manager, Proteostasis Project
$120K - $165K *
Shape the future of scientific collaboration by managing complex proteostasis projects. Coordinate reporting, compliance, and communication among diverse teams to ensure successful outcomes and innova...
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.