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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$80K - $95K *

Support our research initiatives by analyzing data, conducting qualitative studies, and developing insights to enhance patient-centered care in healthcare systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team on i...

4 days ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your market research expertise to drive insights that optimize growth for pipeline assets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into actio...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as a Project Manager, driving project success through effective management of deliverables, budgets, and cross-functional collaboration. Leverage your expertise to enhance quality...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$60K - $140K *

Join a team that's redefining insights by transforming data into strategic narratives. As a Director, you'll lead social listening and analytics for high-profile brands, driving impactful decisions an...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$60K - $140K *

Join our Insights & Intelligence team to transform data into strategic insights that drive impactful storytelling and campaign performance for global brands across diverse sectors. Lead client engagem...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$60K - $140K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic Insights & Intelligence team to transform data into strategic narratives that drive impactful campaigns for global brands across diverse sectors. Collaborate clos...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$60K - $140K *

Drive strategic insights that transform data into compelling narratives, guiding high-profile global brands in their communications and marketing efforts. Collaborate with teams to enhance brand reput...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$60K - $140K *

Champion data-driven insights to elevate brand strategies, guiding high-profile clients through social listening and analytics. Lead a dynamic team in uncovering trends and crafting compelling narrati...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$60K - $140K *

Champion data-driven insights to elevate brand strategies, guiding high-profile clients through social listening and analytics. Lead a collaborative team to transform complex data into actionable narr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$60K - $140K *

Join a team that's transforming data into strategic insights for high-profile brands. Leverage social listening, analytics, and AI to drive impactful storytelling and campaign performance while mentor...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $175K *

Unlock strategic potential by leading integrated initiatives that transform complex business challenges into actionable insights, driving brand growth and inspiring creative collaboration across teams...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $215K *

Drive strategic paid search and video initiatives, managing significant budgets and agency relationships. Serve as a key individual contributor, providing insights to executives while innovating acros...

2 weeks ago

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

$210K - $250K *

Oversee and innovate executive development initiatives, enhancing leadership capabilities for Meta's senior leaders. Anticipate needs and design impactful programs to facilitate growth amidst organiza...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$122K - $163K *

Advance equal opportunity initiatives by overseeing compliance, training, and investigations. Lead programs related to Title IX and disability access, ensuring a supportive environment for all stakeho...

2 days ago

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

$130K - $155K *

Hedra is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to assist in the development and implementation of machine learning models, particularly focusing on data processing and model testing. This role is ideal...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $250K *

Lead the charge in shaping executive development for senior leaders. Design innovative programs that enhance leadership skills, facilitate deep engagements, and integrate cutting-edge research to ensu...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$124K - $137K *

Join a team that's driving innovative media strategies for a diverse portfolio of DTC brands. Elevate client relationships and connect performance metrics to business outcomes across multiple media ch...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $200K *

Lead the execution of a dynamic media relations strategy, enhancing visibility and credibility. Collaborate across functions to manage communications, prepare executives, and navigate complex issues i...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $160K *

Engage in leading complex client engagements, optimizing marketing strategies, and transforming operating models to deliver measurable business value while mentoring team members and maintaining high...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $176K *

Champion the editorial team by ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of complex publications. Lead developmental editing, project management, and team guidance while enhancing writing standards acros...

Today

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

$140K - $176K *

Lead the charge in enhancing editorial excellence by managing a dynamic team, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality publications, and providing expert guidance on writing standards and project mana...

Alameda, CARemote

Today

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

$120K - $145K *

Elevate the development of cutting-edge large-scale language models. Collaborate to optimize training pipelines and model architectures, driving AI application in critical industries and translating r...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of AI by advancing large-scale language models and innovative research strategies. Collaborate with engineers to design impactful solutions for critical industries, enhancing decision...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $130K *

Transform the future of mental health by providing expert psychological services to individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, collaborating closely with interdisciplinar...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $143K *

Transform the lives of children with developmental disabilities by providing expert psychological services and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Your contributions will shape impactful inter...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.