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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$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining forensics and collections globally. Lead a skilled team, enhance operational efficiency, and drive client engagement while ensuring compliance and defensibility across re...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$102K - $107K *

Inspire transformative change in Children's Residential Services through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to quality outcomes for children with autism and their families. J...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $220K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of clinical research, providing medical oversight and guidance in early-phase trials. This role emphasizes collaboration, patient interaction, and work-life balance...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $139K *

Support strategic planning and decision-making by transforming complex data into actionable insights. Leverage analytical expertise and financial oversight to enhance research initiatives and improve...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 days ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Drive the charge in clinical excellence by supervising staff, enhancing program operations, and ensuring high-quality documentation. Collaborate with leadership to foster a supportive environment and...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform clinical operations by leading a dedicated team in a modern psychiatric facility, ensuring high-quality patient care and effective treatment programs while fostering a collaborative environm...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Drive the global data operations strategy, ensuring high-quality data collection and delivery for robotics. Lead a hybrid team, optimize processes, and collaborate cross-functionally to meet client ne...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$350K - $450K *

Pioneer new operational frameworks that drive business success, enabling strategic execution across functions while leading planning cycles and innovative initiatives to enhance organizational perform...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$105K - $115K *

Shape the future of clinical excellence by leading and mentoring BCBAs, ensuring high-quality ABA services, and driving team engagement and performance without the burden of billable hours. Join us in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$113K - $277K *

Unlock the potential of military systems through independent analysis and advocacy, shaping critical decision-making at the highest levels. Engage in meaningful assessments to support our warfighters...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $170K *

Join a dynamic team to lead client relationships, drive strategic initiatives, and foster collaboration across departments. This role emphasizes innovation and adaptability in a fast-paced healthcare...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $170K *

Empower client relationships and lead strategic initiatives to drive agency success. Collaborate with diverse teams to create impactful healthcare solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals and...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $170K *

Elevate client relationships and drive agency success by leading teams, coordinating strategic plans, and fostering collaboration across departments to create impactful healthcare solutions that reson...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $170K *

Manage client relationships and lead teams to drive agency success, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication. Foster collaboration across departments to deliver impactful healthcare so...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $95K *

Transform the landscape of institutional equity by supporting multifamily capital raises. Engage with investors, develop cash flow models, and drive successful equity placements through hands-on colla...

1 week ago

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

$75K - $95K *

Partner with us to drive equity raises for commercial real estate sponsors. You'll provide cash flow modeling, underwriting, and marketing support, engaging with institutional investors and gaining ha...

1 week ago

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

$117K - $150K *

Empower client success as you drive new business and enhance existing accounts through strategic partnerships and consultative solutions in a diverse, dynamic market environment. Collaborate with stak...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$117K - $150K *

Grow revenue by driving new business and expanding existing accounts. Leverage consultative strategies to align solutions with client needs while collaborating with internal teams to deliver impactful...

New York, NYRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in delivering a cutting-edge AI Factory campus, integrating construction, community relations, and utility management. Oversee multi-billion-dollar projects while ensuring safety, qual...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K *

Shape the future of public policy by leading initiatives that advocate for working people's needs. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop strategies, analyze legislation, and present impactf...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Lead a dedicated team to ensure exceptional resident care, manage budgets, and maintain a safe environment. Drive recruitment and staff development while overseeing compliance with regulatory standard...

6 days ago

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

$84K - $109K *

Transform your career by leading complex research programs, coordinating budgets, staffing, and logistics. Collaborate with diverse teams to implement innovative strategies and ensure successful proje...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Lead the planning and execution of non-clinical studies. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), while producing reliable scientific outcomes and interfacing w...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in overseeing a satellite office, driving P&L accountability, fostering team development, and ensuring client retention while cultivating a positive office culture and operational exce...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$126K - $173K *

Partner with us to lead our Production Recruiting efforts, combining hands-on recruiting with mentorship. Drive talent acquisition for skilled production roles while coaching a passionate team in a dy...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.