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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$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

$126K - $154K *

Drive the HR function across multiple business units, managing policy, recruiting, and employee relations. Partner with leadership on strategic initiatives and lead HR due diligence for acquisitions...

Markham, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $100K *

Shape the future of family support services by leading a dedicated team to ensure timely transitions for families in need. Oversee program development, compliance, and advocacy efforts while fostering...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Deliver strategic leadership in research initiatives, managing a diverse portfolio focused on worker safety, effective controls, and training evaluations. Collaborate with partners to advance particip...

Yesterday

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

$80K - $95K *

Elevate clinical research compliance by coordinating regulatory activities, mentoring specialists, and ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations. Collaborate with diverse teams to streamline...

Today

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

$126K - $154K *

Manage the HR function across multiple business units, driving strategy, compliance, and employee engagement. Partner with leadership on workforce planning and M&A integration, ensuring effective HR o...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $177K *

Drive intelligence analysis and reporting by synthesizing data to support mission objectives. Collaborate with teams to refine requirements and deliver actionable insights, ensuring quality control an...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $137K *

Lead the charge in clinical research management, overseeing staff and operations while ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive research initiatives and...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$160K - $220K *

Reimagine brand storytelling by leading creative strategy for a key client. Drive integrated campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring cohesive messaging and impactful execution while collaborating...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$84K - $105K *

Lead and enhance academic support and digital learning services, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Drive cross-functional collaboration to improve student outcomes and faculty support across di...

5 days ago

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

$175K - $250K *

Engage with Portfolio Managers and Traders to identify and resolve issues in risk and valuation systems. Collaborate across trading desks while leveraging technical expertise to support trading and ri...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$175K - $250K *

Engineer innovative risk solutions by partnering with traders & PMs across asset classes. Diagnose and resolve trading technology issues swiftly, collaborating with engineering teams to enhance system...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $123K *

Unlock your potential by leading fermentation operations and flow cytometry workflows. Drive product improvements and new developments in a fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on innovative...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$245K - $265K *

Join a team that's dedicated to in-depth macroeconomic analysis and discretionary trading in diverse asset classes. Collaborate with systematic researchers to enhance portfolio management and identify...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $140K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative media strategies and outreach efforts, driving earned media coverage across diverse platforms. Collaborate with teams to craft compelling narratives and mentor t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $125K *

Advance your career by crafting strategic public relations campaigns, building relationships with the media, and delivering impactful messaging. Bring your expertise to a dynamic role focused on clien...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Champion project execution and bid preparation, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance. Collaborate with teams to manage costs and deadlines while fostering customer satisfaction and mentoring staff...

Delta, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Manage and oversee multiple construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance. Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders while driving project success through effective leadersh...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$197K - $232K *

Transform brand identity by leading creative vision and execution, driving impactful campaigns, and building a high-performing team. Collaborate across departments to enhance brand recognition and est...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$233K - $274K *

Lead a dynamic team to set and execute the creative vision, transforming brand strategy into impactful campaigns that enhance recognition and preference while building a robust brand operating system...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading complex investigations, mentoring staff, and collaborating with regulatory partners to enhance compliance and risk management strategies in a dynamic environment...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Analyze complex investigations independently, develop risk-based strategies, and mentor staff while collaborating with regulatory partners to enhance compliance and protect market integrity...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of regulatory investigations by leading complex inquiries, mentoring staff, and collaborating with partners to enhance compliance and protect market integrity. Drive strategic initiat...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.