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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$85K - $95K *

Drive impactful client solutions as a Senior Business Analyst, guiding teams on research and execution for Executive Search projects across multiple sectors. Collaborate closely to enhance strategic i...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $300K *

Transform client relationships by leading data-driven strategies and analytics initiatives. Collaborate with C-suite executives to drive business growth and innovation through actionable insights and...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $300K *

Partner with us to lead transformative business analytics initiatives, driving growth and innovation through data-driven insights. Collaborate with C-suite executives to shape strategies that enhance...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $300K *

Champion transformative business analytics by leading client relationships, driving growth strategies, and influencing executive decisions through data insights and innovative solutions. Collaborate a...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Champion your career by conducting in-depth research and analysis to produce impactful industry insights for top executives in home services, driving strategic decisions and fostering key relationship...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $130K *

Redefine product innovation as a leader in chemical formulation, driving sustainable solutions and technical excellence across home and personal care sectors. Collaborate with teams to enhance product...

Burlington, ONIn-Person

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$105K - $115K *

Grow your career with a leading quantitative research team, where you'll advise clients, design innovative methodologies, and drive impactful decisions through advanced analytics and strategic insight...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$113K - $277K *

Engage your analytical skills to enhance cyberspace operations assessments. Collaborate with key decision-makers to ensure military systems are resilient and mission-capable, making a significant impa...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform healthcare insights by leading end-to-end quantitative market research. Collaborate with pharmaceutical teams to design impactful studies, analyze data, and deliver actionable recommendation...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $120K *

Champion the execution of capital construction projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enhance facilities across campuses...

4 days ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Lead and optimize research initiatives, mentor staff, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals while managing financial viability and compliance in a dynamic environment focused on low...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$85K - $110K *

Drive innovative research in laryngotracheal stenosis, utilizing advanced techniques and animal models to develop therapeutic strategies. Collaborate in a dynamic lab environment focused on translatio...

Today

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

$85K - $110K *

Join a team that's advancing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics in laryngotracheal stenosis research. Contribute to translational studies, utilizing in vivo models and advanced immunological tech...

Today

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

$100K - $230K *

Elevate your career by leading programmatic operations and strategy. Drive innovative communication plans, mentor a talented team, and collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance client success and o...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing data management processes. In this role, you will oversee vendor relations, manage inventory accuracy, and support financial controls, contributing to effecti...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $250K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative data strategies that drive client success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to unlock insights and deliver cutting-edge marketing solutions, while ment...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $250K *

Lead the Business Analytics team to deliver innovative marketing solutions, driving client growth through strategic data integration and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$75K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing community health through strategic leadership and program development. Oversee SHARE Network initiatives, manage partnerships, and drive innovative solutions...

4 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead a dynamic team in delivering insightful commercial real estate research, leveraging complex datasets to drive data-informed decisions and enhance market intelligence through clear communication a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Champion innovative research initiatives to reduce firearm injuries through collaboration with diverse stakeholders, fostering a transdisciplinary approach that integrates social and behavioral scienc...

6 days ago

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

$160K - $165K *

Lead the charge in shaping data strategy for institutional research that drives decision-making, enhances analytics capabilities, and fosters a culture of data-informed practices across the organizati...

1 month ago

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

$140K - $160K *

Serve as a strategic leader driving quantitative research and insights for advocacy clients. Collaborate closely with data scientists to identify key opportunities, delivering actionable recommendatio...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $160K *

Lead quantitative research initiatives to provide data-driven insights for clients, leveraging analytics expertise and communications skills to foster strategic partnerships and influence decisions wi...

Washington, DCRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $95K *

Transform user experiences by conducting research and creating intuitive wireframes and prototypes. Collaborate with design and engineering teams to enhance digital interfaces for impactful projects...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of HR by driving content strategy and impactful research. Lead educational programming and engage with talent professionals to navigate trends and challenges, enhancing organizational...

1 week ago

  •   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.