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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$110K - $135K *

Empower strategic client partnerships by leading multifaceted engagements in a dynamic environment, leveraging healthcare expertise to devise innovative solutions that foster collaborative teamwork an...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $135K *

Innovate and lead client engagements, driving strategic insights and integrated solutions in a fast-paced healthcare environment while mentoring cross-functional teams towards operational excellence a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $135K *

Engage stakeholders by leading multiple client engagements in a dynamic environment, leveraging healthcare expertise to drive innovative solutions and build strong relationships, while managing cross...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$82K - $98K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing medical strategies through innovative solutions. Collaborate with experts to enhance scientific communication and drive impactful healthcare initiatives, ensu...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $180K *

Lead statistical programming initiatives across clinical development programs, ensuring quality and timely deliverables for regulatory submissions and analyses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$350K - $450K *

Elevate the research franchise by setting strategic direction, leading a large team, and driving growth through innovation, accountability, and collaboration to meet evolving investor needs and market...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in transforming research data systems to ensure trusted, governed, and reusable data across the organization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality, governanc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $165K *

Help us drive revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and leading consultative sales processes in Media Effectiveness solutions, while fostering strong client relationships and naviga...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $165K *

Unlock new business opportunities by driving sales and client relationships in Media Effectiveness solutions. Lead consultative selling efforts, manage sales pipelines, and deliver impactful presentat...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $165K *

Shape the future of media effectiveness by driving sales and client relationships. Leverage your expertise in analytics and insights to identify opportunities, lead proposals, and enhance client satis...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $165K *

Unlock potential by driving sales growth and client relationships in Media Effectiveness. Leverage your expertise in analytics and media solutions to identify opportunities, lead proposals, and enhanc...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K *

Transform your career by leading innovative paid search strategies across high-growth brands. Drive performance, mentor talent, and engage with senior clients while navigating the evolving landscape o...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$120K *

Shape the future of paid search by leading strategy and execution for high-growth brands. Drive performance, mentor talent, and engage with senior clients to deliver measurable results across diverse...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$120K *

Shape the future of paid search by leading strategy and execution for high-growth brands. Drive performance, mentor talent, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve measurable revenue ou...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Partner with us to drive strategic healthcare marketing initiatives. Lead client relationships, oversee peer-to-peer programs, and mentor team members to ensure compliance and achieve results while fo...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of audio perception by leading innovative research in complex sound understanding, applying advanced models to improve emotional and environmental awareness within AI systems...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$82K - $92K *

Lead the charge in optimizing paid media campaigns, ensuring quality and performance across university partnerships. Manage a dynamic team, drive strategic initiatives, and enhance digital marketing o...

1 week ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in shaping and executing the vision for a high-impact Paid Search practice, driving strategy, performance, and team development across traditional and AI search platforms while collabo...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$130K - $155K *

Advance the field of research by applying simple yet scalable methods on large datasets, optimizing for efficiency and effectiveness in diverse multimodal applications. Collaborate closely with expert...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $115K *

Drive business growth by delivering data-driven insights and analytics solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize marketing initiatives through effective dashboards, reports, and s...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$85K - $102K *

Empower strategic communications for infrastructure projects, leading public engagement and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective outreach and project success...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by overseeing international marketing initiatives, managing client relationships, and driving strategic media plans. Collaborate with global teams to ensure high-quality execution...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$98K - $140K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of automotive insights by leading strategic research and client relationships across U.S. and Canadian markets. Elevate deliverables and drive innovation while me...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading creative strategies for live events, ensuring innovative, executable experiences that drive revenue and client satisfaction. Collaborate with teams to elevate event design...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $230K *

Drive integrated communications strategies that align with client goals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative brand experiences, leveraging data insights and cultural trends to...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

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.