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.
$108K - $130K *
Drive advanced cybersecurity initiatives by leveraging extensive experience in network exploitation, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
2 weeks ago
Research Associate - Quantitative
$68K - $194K *
Contribute to impactful research by supporting data analysis and project documentation. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex national security issues through qualitative and quan...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Research Account Management
$85K - $116K *
Join a team that's leading strategic account management efforts, driving a $60M+ portfolio renewal and growth. You'll foster partner relationships, navigate complex negotiations, and guide a team to a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Associate Director, Research Insights
$75K - $180K *
Transform insights into action by leading research projects that drive strategic planning and client success. Collaborate with teams to analyze data, develop recommendations, and leverage emerging tec...
1 week ago
Research Director, Automotive and Mobility Development
$95K - $105K *
Lead the charge in driving strategic growth through client engagement and innovative research solutions in the automotive sector, collaborating across teams to deliver actionable insights and enhance...
2 days ago
Director, Expert Insights and Delphi Methodology
$100K - $130K *
Shape the future of medical communications by leading Delphi studies and expert panels. Drive insights from diverse stakeholders to inform strategic decisions in clinical development and market access...
2 weeks ago
Director, Expert Insights and Delphi Methodology
$100K - $130K *
Champion innovative methodologies in medical communications, leading Delphi studies and expert panels. Drive strategic insights and deliver scientifically rigorous findings to support clinical develop...
2 weeks ago
$175K - $225K *
Elevate your career in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you will engage with traders and researchers, developing impactful algorithms and trading strategies to drive success in financial mar...
4 weeks ago
Adjunct Research Analyst - SFRD
$113K - $277K *
Reimagine national security research by providing expert analysis and innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to tackle complex challenges, lead projects, and communicate findings effectively to...
3 weeks ago
Assistant Director for Research Services
$80K - $95K *
Lead a dynamic team in enhancing research services, managing staff, and driving innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of library users while participating in strategic planning and library m...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Programmatic
$115K - $125K *
Unlock the potential of programmatic advertising by leading a dynamic team to drive client success. Collaborate with data experts to craft strategies, optimize campaigns, and ensure quality results ac...
6 days ago
$165K - $195K *
Lead the charge in managing complex, multi-institutional programs, ensuring successful execution and delivery of grant-funded software development initiatives. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to...
Today
$214K - $343K *
Champion innovative research initiatives by leading a dynamic team, overseeing project execution, and enhancing collaboration across divisions while ensuring quality and compliance in a fast-paced env...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing clinical research initiatives, ensuring compliance and quality assurance while supervising staff and coordinating with stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes and...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion research initiatives by coordinating activities and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, while enhancing faculty output and managing funding opportunities for collaborative proje...
Reposted today
$350K - $425K *
Champion a high-impact research function that drives product strategy and insights. Lead a mixed-methods team to translate user behaviors into actionable recommendations, collaborating across departme...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to impactful research and analysis in defense production systems, collaborating with Navy sponsors to inform strategic decisions. Engage in complex studies, develop analytic frameworks, and...
6 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Advance your career by analyzing human decision-making in complex environments. Contribute to operational assessments and policy development that enhance command effectiveness and maximize the use of...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in providing strategic analysis to senior national security decision-makers. Collaborate with teams to explore complex military challenges, develop actionable insights, and enhance U.S...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Director, Technical Researcher
$155K - $170K *
Lead complex research initiatives by transforming business questions into actionable insights. Collaborate with clients to design robust studies, ensuring methodological integrity and advancing resear...
1 week ago
Senior Analyst, Media Effectiveness
$80K - $95K *
Unlock insights by measuring media performance and driving data-driven decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze campaigns, develop reporting strategies, and enhance business outco...
2 weeks ago
Quantitative Researcher Futures
$150K - $250K *
Help us develop innovative trading signals using machine learning and statistical methods. Collaborate with traders and quants to enhance systematic trading strategies, integrating new data sources an...
1 week ago
Quantitative Researcher - Delta One
$150K - $250K *
Champion innovative delta-one strategies by researching and developing systematic futures models. Collaborate with traders to enhance portfolio risk management and optimize execution across global mar...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at financial operations by leading budgeting, analysis, and systems integration. Drive improvements and deliver tailored solutions to enhance organizational efficiency and support...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower our team by managing research operations, analytics, and documentation. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver insights and maintain project timelines, enhancing knowledge and communication...
3 weeks 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.