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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$154K - $242K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of dermatology and rheumatology by leading market research initiatives that drive strategic insights and commercial success for key pipeline assets and product la...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K *

Lead the nursing and personal care services, ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering a culture of safety and quality improvement. Collaborate with teams to deliver resident-centered care...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$135K - $155K *

Manage senior-level client relationships and lead integrated projects, ensuring clarity and alignment across teams. Navigate complex pharma regulations while driving business growth and performance th...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$122K - $146K *

Lead the design and optimization of automated data integration infrastructure, ensuring accurate and secure data pipelines across diverse platforms while minimizing manual handling and enhancing data...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$66K - $116K *

Elevate your career by joining a team that reviews and edits informed consent forms, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while mentoring new editors and enhancing organizational knowledge in...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$225K - $250K *

Unlock your potential by leading complex space programs from proposal to delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage budgets, schedules, and customer relations while driving mission su...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$176K *

Drive impactful research and innovative solutions to enhance poverty alleviation initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams, using data to inform decision-making and share insights that guide strateg...

4 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Champion innovative research in supportive oncology, shaping interdisciplinary programs that enhance patient experiences across the cancer continuum. Collaborate with diverse teams to secure funding a...

Today

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

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing strategic communications for healthcare clients. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions, manage client relationships, and mentor junior staf...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead strategic communications initiatives, fostering client relationships and guiding project execution. Drive innovative solutions in healthcare communications while mentoring team members and ensuri...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $200K *

Drive innovative editorial projects by researching, writing, and collaborating with partners to create engaging content on startups, technology, and AI. Utilize data analysis and storytelling to uncov...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $230K *

Transform the digital landscape by driving innovative media strategies that enhance performance and deliver measurable business outcomes across diverse channels. Collaborate with experts to shape the...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $230K *

Unlock potential by leading integrated investment strategies that drive measurable business outcomes across digital channels. Leverage your expertise to tackle complex challenges and shape the strateg...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$135K - $170K *

Lead and innovate the manager research and oversight function, enhancing investment performance and team capabilities across public and private markets. Drive strategic vision and provide actionable i...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$97K - $149K *

Lead the charge in cross-channel media investments, driving strategic planning and execution across various platforms. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance and exceed client goals while fost...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $110K *

Drive your career forward as you lead daily operations at a new clinical research site, ensuring participant safety and high-quality data while achieving financial and enrollment goals in a collaborat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Drive clinical research excellence by overseeing site operations, ensuring participant safety, and achieving financial and enrollment goals. Lead a dedicated team to deliver high-quality data while ad...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $230K *

Contribute to innovative brand communications strategies, collaborating with teams to drive impactful marketing solutions. Leverage data and creativity to enhance client relationships and achieve meas...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$180K - $216K *

Champion labor relations by fostering collaboration between management and unions. Drive effective communication, manage collective bargaining agreements, and lead negotiations while enhancing workpla...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $185K *

Engage in a pivotal role driving HR analytics and workforce strategy. Collaborate with leaders to transform data into actionable insights, fostering trusted partnerships and enhancing decision-making...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Explore your potential as you leverage cutting-edge methodologies in causal inference research within a dynamic finance-focused ML team, driving innovation and collaboration for impactful market predi...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing financial market prediction through cutting-edge causal inference research. As a key contributor, you'll develop innovative models and apply machine learning techniq...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Transform program management by leading initiatives that enhance undersea warfare capabilities. Collaborate with Navy stakeholders to ensure successful execution of complex projects while driving stra...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $95K *

Optimize clinical research operations by leading a team of coordinators, ensuring protocol compliance, data integrity, and regulatory readiness while mentoring staff and managing study timelines effec...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $95K *

Join our team to lead clinical research operations, ensuring protocol compliance and data integrity while mentoring coordinators and managing study activities from start to finish...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.