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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$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

$93K - $167K *

Champion the assessment of behavioral health services, collaborating with providers to ensure appropriate care levels. This role emphasizes mentorship and training within a virtual environment, enhanc...

4 days ago

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

$93K - $167K *

Shape the future of behavioral health by collaborating with providers and conducting reviews to ensure appropriate care levels. Leverage your expertise in psychology to mentor staff and enhance servic...

4 days ago

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

$93K - $167K *

Join a team that's dedicated to evaluating behavioral health services, ensuring quality care through collaboration with providers and conducting thorough reviews. This role offers flexibility and the...

4 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as you prioritize, assess, and report on vital SIGINT information, utilizing your expertise to synthesize actionable intelligence for diverse customers while enhancing your analyti...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $135K *

Lead the planning and execution of residential construction projects, managing budgets and schedules while collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality outcomes for Columbia's housing portf...

1 week ago

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

$200K - $205K *

Join a team that's pioneering quantitative modeling solutions to enhance risk assessment and valuation frameworks. Lead innovative AI/ML initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$190K - $240K *

Lead the AI for Impact strategy, driving innovative solutions to enhance economic mobility while managing risks. Collaborate across teams to ensure responsible AI practices and strengthen partnerships...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Champion contract administration efforts as a liaison for collective bargaining, providing expertise, guidance, and support in grievance management and negotiations while collaborating with university...

4 weeks ago

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

$81K - $138K *

Create impactful user experiences by conducting in-depth UX research, synthesizing insights, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance services and products for a federal agency's data...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$81K - $138K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on enhancing user experiences through human-centered design and research. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive insights that inform produ...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Help us drive revenue growth by engaging federal customers, navigating complex acquisition processes, and operationalizing cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with teams to tailor innovative softwa...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading data-driven strategies that enhance Teaching and Learning programs. Collaborate with key stakeholders to analyze, report, and improve outcomes through effective data manage...

3 weeks ago

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

$204K - $250K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring drug safety and compliance. Lead pharmacovigilance efforts for cardiovascular assets, managing risk assessments and safety reporting while collaborating across...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $197K *

Lead the charge in establishing and executing a robust relationship management model, engaging senior stakeholders to enhance financial planning strategies and steer innovative advice solutions aligne...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing our clinical research program, driving strategy and execution for microbiome-based studies. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure scientific rigor and regulatory compli...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $140K *

Support the development and execution of strategic communication plans, guiding teams and managing media partnerships to enhance brand visibility and effectiveness. Collaborate closely with leadership...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's committed to excellence in program management while overseeing critical reporting initiatives, collaborating with technology teams, and ensuring streamlined delivery within a PMO fr...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$78K - $93K *

Join a team that's driving brand success by supporting brokers and customers. This role enhances communication and organization, ensuring seamless operations and effective marketing strategies in a fa...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $85K *

Shape the future of clinical services by leading a dynamic team that delivers high-quality psychoeducational interventions, oversees operational excellence, and collaborates with academic and communit...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$180K - $220K *

Pioneer advancements in clinical research and treatment for mood disorders. Lead a state-of-the-art brain stimulation program, utilizing innovative techniques to provide effective solutions for patien...

Reposted yesterday

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

$100K - $145K *

Lead the charge in enhancing educational quality and student success as you oversee faculty and curriculum, ensuring program excellence and compliance while fostering a collaborative learning environm...

1 week ago

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

$158K - $210K *

Drive the development of AI-enabled financial solutions by leading data engineering workstreams, collaborating with client teams, and building reusable digital assets to enhance operations in lending...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.