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.
$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
$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...
Yesterday
$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
$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
Senior Research Economist - U.S. Health Policy
$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
$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
Associate Director, Human Resources
$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
Research Development Administrator, Lead
$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
Sr. Specialist, Clinical Research
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Senior Manager, Trial Awareness & Recruitment
$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
Staff Research Engineer, Discovery Team
$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
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Client Sales & Insights
$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...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $299K *
Lead the charge in driving paid social media performance, overseeing strategy, client relationships, and team development to achieve measurable business outcomes and foster cross-channel collaboration...
1 week ago
$150K - $170K *
Accelerate your career by driving new business and expanding client relationships in a dynamic sales environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to leverage innovative solutions and achieve m...
Yesterday
$75K - $120K *
Take ownership of multiple client projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards. Collaborate with teams to manage resources, mentor junior staff, and drive financial success wh...
1 week ago
$180K - $250K *
Champion the transformation of financial institutions by leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver AI-enabled solutions. Drive client engagements from proposal to implementation, ensuring operational...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping client outcomes through expert delivery leadership. Drive engagements from proposal to implementation, leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve measurable business improve...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Join a dynamic team to lead multidisciplinary projects in financial services, driving operational improvements through technology and AI. Shape client engagements from proposal to implementation, ensu...
Today
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.