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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$75K - $180K *

Transform client relationships and drive strategic initiatives by managing day-to-day account operations, ensuring alignment across creative and analytical teams, and delivering exceptional value to c...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $200K *

Champion regulatory strategy and submissions for clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical programs. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and quality in regulatory communications, while leadin...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$166K - $200K *

Champion regulatory excellence by leading cross-functional teams to ensure compliant submissions for clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical programs, driving strategic interactions with Health Authorities...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$159K - $197K *

Drive compliance excellence in clinical development by providing technical leadership and oversight in GCP, GVP, GLP, and GPP. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and readiness f...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$55K - $125K *

Make your mark at a dynamic organization by conducting impactful research and analysis to support international development initiatives in Europe and Eurasia, while collaborating with diverse teams to...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $118K *

Lead the charge in managing complex intellectual property rights, overseeing contract execution and stakeholder inquiries while mentoring junior team members and enhancing system processes for improve...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to lead R&D efforts in developing innovative sauces and beverages. Drive product discovery, formulation, and commercialization while ensuring quality and customer satisfaction in a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$125K - $150K *

Support transformative public policy initiatives by leading strategic outreach and partnerships. In this senior role, you will drive collaboration, enhance organizational capacity, and position the Da...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

6 days ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Unlock potential by conducting vital CX research and analysis, translating insights into actionable recommendations that enhance stakeholder engagement and overall user experience. Collaborate strateg...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$144K *

Lead client engagements by analyzing campaign performance, designing actionable strategies, and delivering insights that drive marketing success. Collaborate with teams to enhance programmatic analyti...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$172K - $203K *

Empower the distribution strategy by designing and managing rate content across channels, ensuring accurate delivery and partner trust. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build scalable progra...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in enhancing quality improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across behavioral health services. Collaborate with leadership to foster a culture of accou...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by leading high-priority initiatives for the Chancellor's Office. Manage complex projects, coordinate executive stakeholders, and provide strategic support while enhancing institut...

2 days ago

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

$115K - $125K *

Join us to lead clinical operations and ensure exemplary support for children's developmental needs. Mentor a dedicated team while driving the success of evidence-based programming tailored to each un...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $125K *

Lead the charge in shaping high-quality clinical services for children, mentoring a team of BCBAs and behavior technicians while ensuring evidence-based practices and compliance with standards to fost...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$105K - $120K *

Lead media strategy initiatives, fostering client relationships and delivering data-driven insights while guiding a high-performing team towards measurable outcomes across diverse media channels...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$117K - $156K *

Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead multi-site clinical research operations, driving compliance, team development, and financial performance. Collaborate with C-suite to enhance participant safety and operational standards while fo...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $210K *

Lead the charge in advancing research for coaching practices, ensuring scientific integrity, guiding educational strategies, and mentoring future research leaders to enhance the Institute's credibilit...

Belmont, MARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$80K - $95K *

Innovate and execute end-to-end B2B marketing campaigns to enhance brand awareness and drive lead generation while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a dynamic professional services environm...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$208K - $282K *

Join a team that's redefining knowledge management by building a cutting-edge department. Lead the transition to an AI-enabled function that enhances legal workflows and captures expertise, while coll...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$117K - $164K *

Lead the charge in executing strategic projects across multiple business units, ensuring operational excellence and fostering team collaboration. Drive process optimization and champion project manage...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $225K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic analytics initiatives that drive business outcomes. Collaborate closely with executive leadership to turn complex data into actionable insights, shaping decisions...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $225K *

Unlock potential by leading analytics to transform complex data into clear business insights. Collaborate with executive leadership to influence strategy and decisions, automating analysis and focusin...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Manage complex research programs and services, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting investigators through centralized research navigation and collaboration...

Reposted 3 days ago

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

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.