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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$115K - $125K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming lives through effective program management. Lead day-to-day operations, supervise staff, and drive strategic initiatives to support marginalized communitie...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $115K *

Join a team that drives impactful media strategies, leading projects to optimize advertising effectiveness and budget utilization while ensuring targeted audience engagement through data-driven insigh...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$200K - $300K *

Drive impactful economic analysis and consulting solutions, leveraging your Ph.D. expertise to tackle complex litigation challenges. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver high-quality insights an...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $300K *

Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex economic issues through data analysis and collaboration. Leverage your Ph.D. in Economics to provide expert insights and drive impactful solutions in a...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $300K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team of PhDs tackling complex economic issues. Collaborate on innovative solutions in a supportive environment, leveraging your analytical skills to drive impactf...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $300K *

Lead data-driven projects in economic consulting, applying advanced analytical skills to complex litigation challenges across diverse sectors while collaborating with a dedicated team of experts and P...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $300K *

Explore complex litigation challenges as you apply your PhD in Economics, developing analytical solutions in a collaborative team. Engage in diverse economic analysis, modeling, and client relations...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Join a leading research team to explore AI agent behavior in complex enterprise settings. Drive initiatives on knowledge accumulation, learning, safety, and privacy while advancing the state of the ar...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower product innovation by leading strategy, execution, and team development in a transformative software-focused environment. Drive comprehensive product outcomes through strong cross-functional c...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Join us to drive product strategy and execution for a key software area. Lead teams in developing market-driven solutions, enhancing B2B SaaS offerings, and ensure customer value throughout the produc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Oversee strategic media direction across diverse accounts, ensuring integrated solutions align with business goals, while guiding team development and performance optimization for maximum client impac...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$146K - $219K *

Support the growth of a dynamic research team by overseeing operations, finance, and hiring. Collaborate closely with leadership to build infrastructure and adapt to evolving needs in a fast-paced env...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $105K *

Unlock investigative insights by conducting in-depth research on individuals and entities. Partner with teams to deliver comprehensive reports for diverse clients while fostering a collaborative envir...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead clinical excellence at community-based programs, enhancing service quality and coordination. Drive program performance, support staff growth, and ensure effective delivery of behavioral health se...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $125K *

Lead the charge in optimizing performance campaigns across video and digital channels. Drive strategy, enhance team capabilities, and ensure seamless execution to meet client goals and KPIs while fost...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$135K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving account strategy and performance, ensuring customer success through renewals and upsells. Build trusted relationships with executives to enhance commercial growth and achiev...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Lead strategic account planning and execution to drive significant growth in Enterprise and Government accounts, focusing on multi-year expansions, complex negotiations, and maintaining strong relatio...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$140K - $180K *

Elevate enterprise growth by driving account expansion and renewal strategies while managing complex negotiations and stakeholder relations to ensure long-term value creation and sustainable performan...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing campus infrastructure through effective project management. Oversee all phases of planning, design, and construction, ensuring projects meet academic and rese...

Today

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

$88K - $105K *

Drive impactful projects by collaborating with leaders to define goals, streamline processes, and implement solutions. Utilize data-driven methods to enhance project management capacity and ensure suc...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Optimize project delivery by managing scope, budget, and schedule for diverse architectural and construction projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and quality while driving strategic d...

3 days ago

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

$164K - $190K *

Lead the charge in managing complex DoD acquisition programs, utilizing advanced analytical techniques to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with senior management to deliver strategic s...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading program management initiatives for full-spectrum security operations. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective execution of projects, budgets, and strategic commun...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Transform business development strategies across diverse Finance practices, driving high-value opportunities and enhancing client relationships. Collaborate with senior staff to implement impactful ma...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through expert psychological assessments and interventions, ensuring adherence to GCP standards while collaborating with interdisciplinary tea...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.