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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$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining behavioral health design. Lead innovative projects, translate clinical needs into thoughtful spaces, and enhance patient experiences in environments that prioritize digni...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Lead the design and planning of behavioral health environments that enhance care, safety, and recovery. Collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders to deliver impactful projects that prioritize th...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of behavioral health environments by leading design efforts that prioritize care, safety, and recovery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transform clinical needs into impac...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Transform behavioral health design by leading projects that enhance care environments. Collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams to create solutions that support dignity, comfort, and recov...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Join a team that's transforming behavioral health design through innovative solutions, guiding projects that enhance patient care, safety, and dignity, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Lead the charge in designing behavioral health environments that enhance care, safety, and recovery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate complex healthcare needs into thoughtful arch...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping environments that enhance patient care and recovery. As a leader in behavioral health design, you'll guide projects from concept to completion, ensuring safety and therapeut...

4 weeks ago

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

$180K - $200K *

Join us to lead behavioral health design initiatives that enhance patient care and recovery. Utilize your expertise to create safe, functional environments that meet clinical needs and foster collabor...

4 weeks ago

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

$120K *

Empower your career with a strategic HR leadership role, guiding labor relations and employee development while ensuring compliance and fostering a fair workplace for all staff. Drive organizational s...

1 week ago

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

$76K - $120K *

Take ownership of critical operational pipelines as a Research Statistician, executing analyses and improving processes to ensure the SAT Suite runs smoothly. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing study activities in compliance with regulatory standards. Oversee a dynamic group of scientists, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality study support i...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$64K - $96K *

Elevate digital marketing initiatives by coordinating projects, managing budgets, and executing campaigns. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance client engagement and drive measurable re...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$64K - $96K *

Empower your career by managing digital projects for diverse clients. Oversee coordination, budgets, and timelines while enhancing your expertise in digital marketing. Collaborate with teams to delive...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$85K - $100K *

Partner with us to enhance HR functions by managing classification, compensation, and performance management processes. Leverage your expertise to support strategic initiatives and ensure alignment wi...

1 week ago

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

$148K - $186K *

Unlock strategic insights to drive business decisions across innovative medicines. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop actionable plans, leveraging market research and competitive intelligence f...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion data accessibility by enhancing analytics capabilities, leading data modeling, and collaborating across teams to optimize media campaigns and drive informed decision-making for clients and st...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $115K *

Innovate data access and analytics capabilities, empowering teams to leverage insights for informed decision-making. Collaborate across functions to enhance data products and drive education on data u...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$130K *

Advance your career with a dynamic role supporting expert teams in economic consulting. Engage in diverse projects, enhance your analytical skills, and contribute to impactful research while collabora...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$126K - $188K *

Shape the future of security operations by leading SOC Engineering to enhance telemetry, detection, and automation capabilities. Drive technical excellence, scalability, and strategic initiatives whil...

Missouri, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$65K - $120K *

Join a team that's pioneering research at the intersection of geriatrics, dementia, and emergency care. Lead innovative projects, manage data analysis, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enh...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $140K *

Lead the charge in advancing quantitative research on substance use and mental health. Collaborate with diverse partners to enhance treatment quality and health outcomes for vulnerable populations thr...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Lead innovative research in statistical genetics, driving advancements in complex traits and disease prediction. Collaborate with a dynamic team to analyze large datasets and mentor emerging scientist...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$280K - $345K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic initiatives in workplace, safety, and security. Drive innovation and collaboration while overseeing global security programs and campus development to enhance emp...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $150K *

Champion innovative marketing strategies to enhance proposals and presentations, collaborating with senior management to drive success in the San Diego and Los Angeles regions while managing multiple...

2 weeks ago

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

$140K - $200K *

Lead the charge in advancing educational excellence by overseeing strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration, and ensuring operational effectiveness within a dynamic charter school organization co...

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.