Research Director Jobs

Explore Research Director jobs that match your experience and career goals. Research Directors lead teams, shape research strategy, and turn complex findings into insights that guide business, scientific, and organizational decisions. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping experienced leaders find their next career move.

What Does a Research Director Do?

A Research Director sets priorities and oversees research programs from planning through delivery. Responsibilities can include defining methodologies, managing budgets and timelines, recruiting and developing researchers, ensuring quality and ethical standards, and presenting findings to executives, clients, or other stakeholders. The role varies by industry: a director may lead market or user research, clinical or scientific programs, policy analysis, or data-focused research.

Skills and Qualifications for Research Director Roles

Employers often seek substantial experience in a relevant research discipline, along with a record of leading projects and teams. Important capabilities may include research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis, strategic planning, clear communication, and stakeholder management. Depending on the position, advanced education, industry-specific expertise, or familiarity with regulatory requirements may also be preferred.

Research Director Salaries and Career Opportunities

Compensation depends on factors such as industry, location, organization size, scope of responsibility, and specialized expertise. Research Director positions can offer opportunities to influence organizational strategy and progress into executive leadership, consulting, or specialized research roles. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, making it easier to explore senior-level opportunities.

Find Research Director Jobs on Ladders

Browse Research Director openings and review each listing for its responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation details. Use your experience and preferred research area to identify roles that align with your goals, then tailor your application to show how your leadership and research outcomes can make an impact.

250

Research Director Jobs

Average Salary: $130,628

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Top companies hiring for Research Director

Harrison and Star Real Chemistry H+K Strategies Forrester Research Merge Royall & Company American Institutes for Research (AIR)RTI International DRW Center for Naval Analyses Kantar University of Chicago Saatchi & Saatchi University of Michigan Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Top similar job titles to Research Director

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Top cities hiring for Research Director

New York, NY jobs Chicago, IL jobs Washington, DC jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Alexandria, VA jobs Boston, MA jobs Arlington, VA jobs Los Angeles, CA jobs Philadelphia, PA jobs Toronto, ON jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a Research Director do?
A Research Director leads research strategy and programs, manages teams and resources, selects or oversees methodologies, and communicates findings to decision-makers. Specific duties vary across industries and research specialties.
What qualifications are typically required for Research Director jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for significant experience in a relevant research field, leadership experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and a track record of delivering research projects. Some roles require an advanced degree or specialized industry knowledge.
How much do Research Directors earn?
Pay varies based on location, industry, employer, experience, and the role’s scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for compensation information.
Where do Research Directors work?
Research Directors work across sectors such as technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, consulting, academia, government, and consumer research. Their focus may include scientific, clinical, market, user, policy, or data research.
How can I find Research Director jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Research Director listings on Ladders, which focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Review each posting’s location, responsibilities, qualifications, and salary details to find roles that fit your experience.