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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$125K - $150K *

Transform your sales career by owning the full cycle of B2B SaaS deals. Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver value, build relationships with decision-makers, and provide insights that d...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful personnel management within a leading environmental agency. Oversee HR functions, budget management, and compliance while collaborating across departments to enhance employee services...

1 week ago

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

$87K - $91K *

Inspire excellence by ensuring clinical trial data quality through thorough reviews, communications with trial sponsors, and innovative process improvements in a pivotal role supporting ClinicalTrials...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $100K *

Support cross-departmental collaboration by managing scientific projects, driving activities, and enhancing processes within a diverse team. Engage in program development and oversee funding initiativ...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research initiatives by managing scientific portfolios, facilitating cross-department collaboration, and driving program development to enhance health outcome...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $137K *

Join us to design and lead a transformative college counseling program at a new Jewish college-preparatory high school, fostering student growth and academic excellence while building a vibrant educat...

1 week ago

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

$135K - $155K *

Deliver impactful educational experiences by building strategic partnerships and developing innovative medical education programs to enhance clinical outcomes and drive growth in healthcare training...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K *

Innovate the future of election law research by leading empirical studies, developing methodologies, and analyzing data to enhance understanding of electoral processes and their impacts on voter engag...

1 week ago

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

$190K - $240K *

Lead the charge in shaping regulatory compliance strategies for financial institutions. Drive complex advisory projects, leveraging your expertise to enhance risk management and operational efficiency...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$190K - $240K *

Lead complex regulatory and compliance projects for financial institutions, driving risk management and operational excellence while building a new practice within a global consulting firm...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$190K - $240K *

Shape your career by leading complex regulatory and compliance projects in the capital markets sector. Collaborate with a team of experts to drive tangible benefits for financial institutions while bu...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Partner with us to drive strategic initiatives and oversee daily operations, ensuring program goals are met. Leverage your expertise in management, grant writing, and customer relations to enhance dep...

Today

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

$125K - $295K *

Inspire innovative identity-driven audience activation through strategic product vision, management, and lifecycle ownership, leading cross-functional teams to enhance scalability, privacy, and effici...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$130K - $150K *

Drive integrated media strategies by leveraging data insights and audience dynamics to solve client challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling presentations and innovati...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving research innovation by developing strategic partnerships, securing funding, and managing interdisciplinary projects to enhance the growth and impact of advanced scientific i...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Unlock growth by developing relationships with senior executives, driving member acquisition, and enhancing long-term member value. Collaborate closely with internal partners to ensure seamless engage...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving project success through meticulous planning, resource management, and compliance. Oversee all phases of construction, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards while co...

2 weeks ago

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

$130K - $165K *

Shape the future of client partnerships by driving growth and innovation. Leverage your leadership skills to guide teams and clients, fostering collaboration and strategic solutions that enhance brand...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $185K *

Unlock potential by transforming client partnerships and driving growth. Lead teams to deliver innovative solutions, manage complex projects, and foster strong relationships while mentoring talent and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$195K - $215K *

Shape the future of cell therapy by leading cross-functional teams through early-phase clinical trials. Drive program strategy, manage risks, and foster collaboration to deliver innovative therapies f...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $160K *

Empower teams by leading medical strategy in communications, crafting clear narratives that educate and engage. Drive excellence across multi-brand initiatives while mentoring talent and ensuring scie...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$113K - $130K *

Transform integrated communications strategies for a global payments leader. Drive impactful campaigns, mentor a high-performing team, and cultivate media relationships to enhance brand relevance acro...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$121K - $194K *

Lead operational excellence in media business operations, overseeing financials and team management across regions. Collaborate with clients and internal teams to drive efficiency and growth in advert...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$175K - $200K *

Empower client success by managing senior relationships and driving growth strategies. Lead cross-functional teams to deliver measurable outcomes, enhance client engagement, and foster a culture of ac...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Drive global logistics operations by leading complex data center initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives while building trusted relationships with enterprise customers acros...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.