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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$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $250K *

Champion client success by leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful solutions. Drive engagements from proposal to implementation, ensuring quality outcomes and fostering strong relationshi...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $250K *

Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful solutions for financial institutions, driving operational improvements through technology and AI. Own client engagements from proposal to implementati...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$204K - $306K *

Lead the charge in integrating AI with scientific workflows, mentoring engineers, and delivering innovative applications that enhance research collaboration. Drive technical strategy and foster a high...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $306K *

Champion groundbreaking solutions by leading engineers who integrate AI with scientific workflows, driving innovation for life-changing breakthroughs in research while fostering a collaborative enviro...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $165K *

Champion clinical data management excellence by leading project teams, ensuring compliance, and driving quality deliverables. Collaborate with stakeholders to streamline processes and enhance data int...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $165K *

Lead clinical data management efforts by overseeing project timelines, ensuring quality deliverables, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. Drive data integrity and compliance while mento...

Bridgewater, NJRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by managing strategic partnerships with executive clients, driving retention and revenue growth through consultative account management and business development in the digital banking...

Georgia, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead HR initiatives across multiple skilled nursing facilities, mentoring teams and driving compliance. This role demands strategic oversight and hands-on support to enhance workforce effec...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Drive integrated, compliant media strategies for pharmaceutical brands, leading channel planning, investment decisions, and client engagement to achieve impactful business outcomes throughout launch a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $115K *

Elevate career pathways by leading innovative programs that attract and develop talent in the advancement profession. Drive strategic partnerships and ensure participant success through effective comp...

2 days ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Reimagine clinical leadership as you supervise and enhance psychological services, ensuring quality assessments and therapeutic practices across diverse populations in school and outpatient settings...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$132K - $193K *

Design solutions that transform HR processes into efficient workflows, leveraging technology and AI. Collaborate with teams to identify needs, iterate on solutions, and empower users to enhance produc...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$156K *

Explore a dynamic role that fosters collaboration and innovation, driving impactful strategies across diverse projects while engaging with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $200K *

Champion innovative research initiatives by transforming complex client questions into actionable insights. Take ownership of projects from concept to delivery, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies a...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Engage in pioneering research within AI, transforming client questions into impactful studies. Lead end-to-end projects, design methodologies, and generate insights, driving innovation at the intersec...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$159K - $255K *

Drive strategic vision and growth for a diverse client portfolio, leading Engagement Strategy with a focus on audience insights, integrated initiatives, and AI-driven transformation to enhance client...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $160K *

Drive impactful patient engagement strategies by leading ambassador programs across healthcare clients. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure authentic, compliant, and measurable initiatives that p...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $160K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing patient ambassador programs, ensuring authentic engagement across healthcare clients. Collaborate with stakeholders to create impactful strategies that enha...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $160K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient engagement through innovative ambassador programs. Lead strategy, oversee program delivery, and ensure authentic, compliant initiatives that resonate...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$155K - $175K *

Lead the charge in client partnerships while driving strategic growth and team development. Utilize your expertise to deliver impactful insights and solutions in a fast-paced, evolving environment, en...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $135K *

Make your mark at a dynamic agency by leading complex projects and managing teams. You'll drive operations, ensure client satisfaction, and enhance team performance while meeting budgets and timelines...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $167K *

Engage with providers and BCBAs to assess care appropriateness based on Medical Necessity Criteria. Collaborate on ABA and mental health services while mentoring staff and enhancing clinical guideline...

4 days ago

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

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.