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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$110K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining engagement in the law school sector. Lead strategy, drive revenue growth, and foster client relationships while managing a dedicated team focused on delivering exceptiona...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $108K *

Take ownership of scientific oversight and management of expedited IRB submissions, ensuring compliance with regulations and efficient operations. Collaborate with investigators and lead a team to uph...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$82K *

Support clinical research by recruiting patients, collecting data, and performing tests. Collaborate on study design, statistical analysis, and manuscript writing while ensuring compliance with protoc...

1 week ago

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

$82K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by evaluating patients, collecting data, and contributing to study design and analysis. Your expertise will shape methodologies and enhance...

1 week ago

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

$64K - $98K *

Lead a dynamic team in delivering exceptional presentation and creative services, ensuring operational excellence and team growth. Collaborate with clients to enhance service delivery while managing d...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $110K *

Take ownership of a dynamic analytics team, driving insights and ensuring high-quality deliverables while fostering collaboration and professional growth in a fast-paced environment...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming client research into impactful marketing strategies. As a strategic advisor, you'll enhance enterprise client relationships, drive adoption, and ensure suc...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $110K *

Lead clinical teams to optimize ABA therapy quality, mentor staff, and ensure individualized care for children with autism. Collaborate across functions to drive client progress and support a mission...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $110K *

Lead clinical teams to deliver high-quality ABA therapy, mentor staff, and drive client progress in a supportive, mission-driven environment focused on excellence and growth...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$354K - $416K *

Elevate your career as a Medical Director, overseeing utilization management with a focus on clinical excellence and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high standards of ca...

West Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining scientific data management in drug discovery. Lead the scientific data team, bridging scientists and engineers to ensure data integrity, quality, and innovative solutions...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Transform client services in market research by driving growth, building enduring relationships, and elevating delivery standards while expanding business opportunities in the life sciences sector thr...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $100K *

Advance research in neurodevelopmental disabilities by leading data analysis, contributing to scientific publications, and mentoring trainees in a collaborative lab environment focused on autism and l...

3 days ago

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

$130K - $209K *

Unlock innovative research potential by leading strategic initiatives, managing stakeholder relations, and securing funding for applied research projects in sustainability and engineering fields...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$192K - $264K *

Oversee the product development lifecycle, leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely and compliant launch of complex diagnostic products, while driving strategic decisions and resolving interdep...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $135K *

Lead integrated public affairs strategies to influence policy outcomes. Collaborate with clients, manage campaigns, and provide strategic insights across technology, labor, and healthcare sectors in a...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Help us shape the future of our brand by leading creative initiatives across campaigns, digital channels, and events. Collaborate with marketing teams to ensure a consistent visual identity and impact...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$160K - $220K *

Unlock potential by leading enterprise content operations, transforming service models from design to stabilization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows and drive measurable...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $220K *

Lead the development and execution of scalable content operations for enterprise clients, ensuring effective workflows and governance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform business insights through data-driven strategy and governance. Lead the analytics team to empower stakeholders, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation within a diverse and inclusive e...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Grow transformative learning experiences by leading The Data Mine at Purdue Indy. Oversee operations, foster partnerships, and support student success through innovative data-driven initiatives and co...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform data into actionable insights by leading analytics initiatives, guiding a team of analysts, and crafting strategic recommendations to enhance social media and earned media campaigns for dive...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by delivering insightful commercial real estate research and analytics. Analyze complex datasets, manage projects, and communicate findings effectively to support data-driven decision...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$81K - $138K *

Lead impactful research initiatives to combat child labor and human trafficking. Utilize advanced analytical skills to inform policy and enhance global labor standards, while mentoring junior analysts...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$165K - $200K *

Bring your expertise to lead ALL in Education's evolution, driving impactful partnerships, securing funding, and influencing policy for Arizona's Latine students while managing a dedicated team to ach...

Reposted 3 weeks 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.