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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$141K - $177K *

Reimagine operational strategies as you lead technology initiatives, driving efficiency and collaboration across teams. Engage with stakeholders to ensure project success while adapting to evolving bu...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $180K *

Shape the future of kidswear design by leading a creative team, developing innovative concepts, and collaborating with clients to deliver exceptional products that inspire and engage young audiences...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Lead strategic planning for key clients, driving audience insights and robust media strategies to enhance brand growth, market share, and measurable outcomes. Your expertise will guide teams and eleva...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $130K *

Deliver insightful data analysis to enhance financial reporting and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline data processes and ensure accuracy in reporting for regulatory and...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving digital transformation in healthcare. As a senior leader, you'll oversee complex digital initiatives, align stakeholders, and enhance customer experiences while managing mul...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$113K - $212K *

Explore a leadership role in Advanced Analytics, managing teams to develop and implement analytical products globally. Collaborate across functions to drive strategy and ensure high-quality deliverabl...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive strategic growth by managing complex cybersecurity accounts, building executive relationships, and leveraging a diverse partner ecosystem to achieve significant revenue targets and enhance clien...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as a strategic leader driving growth in cybersecurity consulting. Engage with executive stakeholders, close complex deals, and leverage a vast partner ecosystem to deliver tailor...

Scottsdale, AZRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by spearheading innovative strategies in cyber acquisition and program management. Drive success in command-wide programs while enhancing overall operational effectiveness within the...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $225K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing legal support for business units, focusing on commercial contracts and compliance. Collaborate with leaders to navigate legal risks and enhance operational ef...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $203K *

Join a team that's tackling complex health policy issues through innovative research. Lead projects, mentor staff, and deliver actionable insights to clients while managing budgets and timelines in a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $107K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making for the U.S. Forest Service. Utilize your analytical skills to support policy development and improve com...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Empower a dynamic HR team by leading recruitment efforts and HR initiatives that enhance organizational success, ensuring compliance with employment laws and fostering employee development and perform...

Reposted yesterday

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

$85K - $100K *

Manage interdisciplinary research development initiatives by linking faculty with funding opportunities and institutional resources to foster collaboration, enhance proposals, and support strategic re...

3 weeks ago

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

$105K - $168K *

Elevate your career by leveraging your expertise in communication and technical writing to support innovative medical device solutions. Collaborate with key opinion leaders and ensure compliance with...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing demand generation strategies that drive new business acquisition and optimize conversion rates across all funnel stages, collaborating cross-functionally to...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$127K - $165K *

Join a team that's dedicated to fostering a supportive community for AI researchers. As a Community Manager, you'll build relationships, enhance fellow experiences, and collaborate with teams to ensur...

Yesterday

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

$103K - $115K *

Empower communities by planning and managing advocacy initiatives and partnerships. Drive significant contributions to impactful programs while collaborating with stakeholders to further organizationa...

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Optimize customer outcomes by leading product demonstrations and training programs. Collaborate with sales and customer success teams to convert complex research needs into tailored solutions and ensu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$230K - $275K *

Drive strategic excellence across multiple pharmaceutical brands, shaping brand direction and client partnerships. Lead teams to deliver integrated strategies that enhance brand impact and business ou...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $185K *

Lead patient recruitment and engagement strategies for clinical trials, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance enrollment and ensure effective communication. Drive innovative approaches...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$350K - $500K+*

Help us pioneer advances in AI by tackling long-horizon reasoning and scientific challenges. Collaborate to optimize models, create benchmarks, and drive scalable solutions in a dynamic team dedicated...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$132K - $178K *

Optimize user experiences by conducting impactful research that informs product strategy and drives adoption of new offerings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into action...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in strategic pre-award contracting, driving compliance and operational excellence. Oversee a high-performing team while collaborating across functions to enhance efficiency and support...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$165K - $200K *

Lead the charge in driving commercial activation and revenue growth for a multi-million-dollar portfolio, leveraging strategic insights and AI to enhance client engagement and deliver measurable resul...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.