Explore Research Director Jobs

Research Directors set the vision and direction for research programs, translating complex questions into actionable insights and discoveries. They lead teams, shape strategy, manage budgets, and communicate findings to executives, clients, policymakers, or scientific communities. Browse vetted Research Director opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Research Director Do?

Responsibilities vary by organization and field, but often include defining research priorities, designing studies or methodologies, overseeing data collection and analysis, ensuring quality and ethical standards, and presenting results to decision-makers. Research Directors may lead academic, clinical, market, user, policy, or product research.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek substantial research experience, proven people leadership, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to connect evidence to organizational goals. Roles may require an advanced degree or specialized expertise, depending on the discipline. Familiarity with research methods, data tools, compliance requirements, and budget management can also be valuable.

Research Director Career Opportunities

Research Director roles are available across sectors such as technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, consulting, government, and higher education. Job titles and scope differ by employer: some positions focus on building research strategy and teams, while others emphasize a particular subject area, product portfolio, or methodology.

Find Your Next Research Director Role

Use Ladders to discover vetted, high-paying Research Director jobs and explore opportunities that align with your experience and career goals. Review each listing for its responsibilities, qualifications, compensation details, and work arrangement.

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1
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$93K - $150K *

Drive impactful market research initiatives by leading client relationships, managing complex projects, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver strategic insights that enhance de...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI research and policy. As a Research Manager, you'll lead interdisciplinary projects, mentor junior researchers, and collaborate with experts to drive impactf...

Today

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

$198K - $368K *

Build innovative AI-powered search solutions and shape the future of information retrieval by leading a high-performing team that drives effective AI research and product integration across diverse ap...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$198K - $368K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI solutions through strategic leadership in IR research, driving innovation in search and knowledge systems while building and mentoring high-performing teams to deliver impactf...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$71K - $136K *

Lead the charge in strategic and operational management of research programs, overseeing personnel, finances, and partnerships to enhance outcomes in Merkel cell carcinoma research and education...

2 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Play a key role in market research initiatives by leading diverse healthcare projects, collaborating closely with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure objectives are met and impactful insights...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $230K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative Copper Clad Laminate products. This hands-on role combines technical leadership with product design, guiding a multidisciplinary team to creat...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Drive revenue and profitability by leading business development efforts, executing strategic plans, and analyzing market trends to identify growth opportunities. Collaborate with senior leadership to...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of philanthropy research. Lead strategic initiatives, foster partnerships, and drive impactful research at a globally recognized institution dedicated to philanth...

Yesterday

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

$86K - $95K *

Reimagine qualitative research as a Custom Research Director, leading project execution, managing teams, and driving client success through strategic insights and innovative methodologies. Elevate cli...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$500K+*

Unlock potential by leading an applied research team, setting priorities, and driving hands-on AI projects. Collaborate with customer labs to enhance model capabilities and deliver impactful research...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $180K *

Elevate strategic R&D initiatives while leading a diverse team across locations. Drive growth opportunities with key defense and intelligence customers by managing contracts and fostering collaboratio...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

$125K - $150K *

Optimize IT Financial Management by leading benchmarking engagements and guiding C-suite clients. Collaborate across research teams to enhance service delivery while mentoring analysts and implementin...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$195K - $312K *

Elevate your career by assisting in the management of research programs, guiding project execution, and fostering staff development while ensuring compliance with corporate policies and maintaining sp...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $120K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of media and healthcare by leading integrated planning and strategy for pharmaceutical clients. Drive impactful engagement initiatives while mentoring a talente...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead strategic and operational initiatives for a research center, ensuring efficient administration, financial management, and compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance research productivit...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $130K *

Optimize research operations by leading cross-team initiatives, establishing effective tracking systems, and maintaining a dynamic evidence repository. Drive efficiency and clarity in processes while...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Champion exceptional research outcomes by guiding clients through complex projects. Leverage your expertise in methodology and analysis to deliver actionable insights, while collaborating with cross-f...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Deliver impactful lifecycle marketing strategies to enhance user onboarding, retention, and reactivation. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize product engagement and drive growth in a fast-paced...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $194K *

Unlock potential by leading institutional research initiatives that drive strategic planning and enhance decision-making processes. Collaborate across departments to ensure accurate data gathering, pe...

3 weeks ago

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

$76K - $86K *

Transform the landscape of data management and research by enabling accurate reporting and compliance. Lead a team in driving strategic data initiatives and maintain robust governance standards to sup...

Reposted yesterday

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

$100K - $140K *

Drive innovative media strategies for healthcare clients, leveraging audience insights and performance data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance planning processes and deliver impactful...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $125K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Recruiter, driving talent acquisition strategies across diverse roles. Collaborate with hiring managers to enhance recruitment processes and build strong candidate pipe...

3 days ago

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Research Director do?question toggle

    A Research Director leads research strategy and execution. Typical duties include setting priorities, overseeing teams and studies, managing budgets, maintaining research quality, and communicating findings to stakeholders.

  • What qualifications are needed for Research Director jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary by field, but employers often look for extensive research experience, leadership ability, strong analytical and communication skills, and expertise in relevant methods or subject matter. Some roles require an advanced degree.

  • What industries hire Research Directors?question toggle

    Research Directors work in industries including technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, consulting, government, and higher education, as well as other organizations that rely on research and evidence-based decisions.

  • How much do Research Director jobs pay?question toggle

    Compensation varies based on industry, location, experience, and role scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for available compensation information.

  • How can I find Research Director jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse Research Director listings on Ladders and review each opportunity's compensation, responsibilities, qualifications, and work arrangement to identify roles that match your goals.