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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Explorer | Research Manager | Ontario
$80K - $90K *
Champion high-quality research projects from design to delivery, managing client relationships and project execution. Collaborate with teams to generate insights and drive business growth through comp...
3 days ago
Account Director - MRI-Simmons Agency Vertical
$117K - $180K *
Engage with clients to drive revenue growth through innovative consumer insights and data solutions. As a key player, you'll build relationships, identify opportunities, and lead the sales process to...
2 weeks ago
Sales Director - Higher Education
$170K - $219K *
Engineer the future of sales strategy by leading a high-performing team to drive rapid business growth, enhance customer relationships, and achieve revenue targets through strategic planning and team...
1 month ago
Sales Director - Higher Education
$170K - $219K *
Drive rapid sales growth by building a high-performing team, strategizing market presence, and engaging in C-level relationships while championing AI integration and coaching sales executives towards...
1 month ago
$121K - $156K *
Lead the charge in managing xenotransplant projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and protocols while coordinating recruitment, data collection, and grant submissions to support innovative res...
Yesterday
$167K - $190K *
Shape the future of research ethics by leading our Human Research Protections Program. Oversee compliance, enhance participant welfare, and foster collaboration across teams to ensure integrity and qu...
4 days ago
Sr. Scientist, Spatial Biology
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by driving spatial biology experiments and AI model development. Collaborate in a multidisciplinary lab, ensuring quality standards and mentoring team members while executing high...
2 days ago
Research Associate, U.S. Demography, Race & Ethnicity
$95K *
Transform the landscape of U.S. demographic research by analyzing immigration trends and race/ethnicity. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver impactful insights through rigorous data analysis an...
1 week ago
Research Associate, U.S. Demography, Race & Ethnicity
$95K *
Transform demographic research by analyzing U.S. immigration data, identifying key trends, and communicating findings to diverse audiences. Manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment while en...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $130K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role that involves conducting in-depth research across various topics, delivering actionable insights, and collaborating with a high-performing team to tackle complex q...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Oversee the end-to-end data enablement process, ensuring accurate taxonomy governance and data quality while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance campaign reporting and operational eff...
2 days ago
$130K - $150K *
Drive data excellence by leading taxonomy governance and reporting for campaigns. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data quality and operational efficiency while mentoring resources to...
2 days ago
$145K - $175K *
Unlock the potential of data management by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing business intelligence solutions, and fostering cross-functional partnerships to drive operational excellence and dat...
1 week ago
$145K - $175K *
Champion data excellence by leading strategic initiatives in data management, governance, and analytics. Drive operational efficiency and foster cross-functional collaboration to enhance client outcom...
1 week ago
Senior Lead, External Research, Analysis, and Disclosures
$188K - $274K *
Transform energy research and disclosures by leading strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and translating complex data for diverse audiences. Drive impactful insights to support...
1 week ago
Deputy Director, Comprehensive, CPI
$110K - $130K *
Advance energy efficiency initiatives by managing a diverse portfolio of capital projects. Lead teams in planning, design, and implementation while ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration acro...
Yesterday
Deputy Director, Comprehensive, CPI
$110K - $130K *
Champion energy efficiency initiatives by overseeing capital project delivery, managing diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with standards. Drive strategic planning and collaboration to achieve sus...
5 days ago
Senior Associate, Communications
$78K - $87K *
Elevate your career by driving strategic communications initiatives, conducting media outreach, and supporting event planning. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance institutional messaging and eng...
1 week ago
$115K - $125K *
Champion audience strategy by connecting client needs with data capabilities, driving measurable outcomes through analytical insights and cross-functional leadership while mentoring a talented team an...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Data Operations
$70K - $125K *
Unlock potential by leading data operations, enhancing reporting strategies, and driving automation. Collaborate with teams to develop dashboards and ensure data quality, while mentoring junior staff...
1 week ago
$190K - $220K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of global clinical trials by providing expert legal guidance on commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of legal processes whil...
2 weeks ago
$190K - $220K *
Lead the legal function by managing commercial agreements and advising on compliance. Collaborate with business teams to ensure rapid deal execution while mitigating risks. Drive process improvements...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading HR Shared Services, enhancing pre-boarding experiences, and fostering a collaborative team culture. Drive operational excellence and strategic partnerships to support UC...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in impactful research initiatives that shape the internal audit profession. Collaborate globally to analyze data, generate insights, and communicate findings that drive strategic decis...
1 week ago
Director, Intelligence & Insights
$175K - $210K *
Drive transformational change as you lead a global team to enhance strategic insights in communications, shaping the future of public affairs through innovative tools and data-driven narratives in a d...
1 month ago
What does a Research Director do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Browse Research Director listings on Ladders and review each opportunity's compensation, responsibilities, qualifications, and work arrangement to identify roles that match your goals.