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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$120K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at a leading financial services firm by driving enterprise content strategy. Lead messaging, storytelling, and innovative content initiatives to enhance brand engagement and suppor...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic content initiatives that enhance brand voice and drive growth. As a key player, you'll shape messaging, develop impactful content, and collaborate across teams...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$126K - $184K *

Transform operational excellence by leading a team of MPS planners to drive strategic initiatives, enhance efficiency, and achieve key performance indicators across multiple divisions, contributing si...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$106K - $170K *

Take ownership of engagement strategy across key brands, shaping audience experiences and translating insights into actionable direction for clients. Lead integrated teams, manage senior client relati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $165K *

Shape the future of higher education by leading a dynamic team to develop new revenue streams while driving growth through strategic sales management and market expertise. Cultivate relationships, enh...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Advance research methodologies by collaborating with faculty and researchers to design, implement, and evaluate innovative research projects. Provide expert guidance and training in quantitative and q...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$88K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team as you manage and support impactful environmental research projects, collaborating with government agencies and a skilled team to drive data analysis and strategic initiatives that...

Chicago, ILRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead daily operations and strategic growth of a radiology practice, collaborating with physicians and teams to enhance market presence, manage budgets, and improve service quality while ensuring opera...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $200K *

Unlock insights into healthcare research by shaping strategic direction, leveraging proprietary datasets, and driving impactful analyses. Collaborate with teams to elevate our research methodology and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Champion project success by leading strategies that enhance execution, streamline client relations, and ensure efficient delivery. Oversee large or multiple projects, fostering collaboration among div...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$160K - $200K *

Shape the future of AI research by partnering with senior leadership to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and tackle complex challenges in a fast-paced, innovative environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$225K - $281K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of oncology research! This key role involves designing and leading clinical trials, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating with global experts to advance...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $281K *

Explore your career in clinical development as you design and lead innovative oncology studies, ensuring data integrity and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams and cultivating r...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by defining and executing a comprehensive communications strategy, enhancing industry credibility, fostering local relationships, and supporting recruitment efforts in a dynamic en...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Reimagine scientific leadership by managing complex research initiatives, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaborations. Drive grant development and operational efficiency while supporting faculty...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $150K *

Deliver a competitive total rewards program that attracts and retains talent. Oversee compensation, benefits, and compliance to ensure alignment with market standards and government regulations while...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Join us in leading the development and execution of comprehensive risk management strategies. Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring organizational r...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing and implementing risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements w...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$78K - $100K *

Drive collaborative health research partnerships and programs, managing relationships and activities across diverse stakeholders to enhance institutional development goals and outcomes...

Yesterday

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

$78K - $139K *

Lead grant administration efforts by managing proposal submissions, negotiating contracts, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and efficiency in research funding processe...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $210K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in regulatory communications solutions. Drive client success through innovative project management, ensuring quality delivery and effective onboarding w...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$175K - $210K *

Empower your career by leading a dynamic team in regulatory communications solutions. Drive client success through innovative project management, ensuring quality delivery and effective onboarding whi...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$175K - $210K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in delivering innovative regulatory solutions. Drive client success through effective project management, strategic communication, and hands-on implementa...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $400K *

Join a team that's advancing AI safety by building reliable, controllable models for conversational agents. Collaborate across functions to transform safety challenges into scalable, production-ready...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $400K *

Drive innovation in AI safety by building robust safeguards for conversational agents. Collaborate across teams to enhance model reliability and mitigate real-world risks, creating impactful solutions...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.