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.
Senior Account Director (Medical Affairs)
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Associate Director Project Management
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Managing Director, AI for Impact
$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
Associate Director, Academic Labor Relations
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Sr Director, Advice & Financial Planning Methodology Lead
$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
$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
$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
Program Manager - Director Level
$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
$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
Director, Psychoeducational Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic (PDIC)
$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
Clinical Research Psychiatrist - Director of Brain Stimulation Program
$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
$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
$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
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.