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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1
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$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee portfolio health, ensuring quality and operational alignment across studies. Drive performance visibility, manage risks, and facilitate client governance while fostering...

Johnson City, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $145K *

Lead the charge in strategic communications, managing client relationships and executing impactful campaigns for purpose-driven organizations. Drive policy proposals and oversee a talented team to inf...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $145K *

Lead strategic communications initiatives for purpose-driven clients, managing relationships and executing impactful campaigns. Drive policy proposals and content development while overseeing a talent...

Washington, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $175K *

Join our team to drive innovative data solutions, leveraging advanced analytics and interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex business challenges and enhance decision-making for diverse clients...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $183K *

Elevate your career by conducting impactful research on education-to-workforce transitions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze data and inform policy decisions that shape students' fu...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $183K *

Join a dynamic team to conduct impactful research on education-to-workforce transitions, utilizing advanced quantitative methods and state data to inform policy and improve career and technical educat...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $183K *

Unlock potential by conducting rigorous research on education-to-workforce transitions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze data, evaluate programs, and communicate findings to inform...

6 days ago

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

$161K - $269K *

Lead the charge in transforming data-driven decision-making across a global organization by developing and executing a comprehensive BI strategy, fostering cross-functional partnerships, and advancing...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $225K *

Join a team that delivers market insights through robust economic research and analysis to inform strategic decisions for clients. Engage with varied stakeholders and contribute to impactful financial...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Champion transformative marketing initiatives to boost brand visibility and customer engagement. As a key player, you'll drive product strategy, oversee impactful campaigns, and foster relationships w...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$125K - $150K *

Transform media analytics by leading cross-channel measurement strategies and providing actionable insights. Drive team success and enhance client relationships by delivering timely analysis and foste...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$135K - $181K *

Unlock the potential of audience data by managing DMP operations and collaborating with media teams to enhance marketing strategies. Drive insights and optimize client investments through effective da...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $140K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with clients to deliver innovative solutions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, while driving project execution and analysis to address critical busines...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $152K *

Join a team that's dedicated to leading clinical research monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance and quality in trial execution while mentoring a skilled team of CRAs and CRCs to achieve operational...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Champion the optimization of business systems for Legal, Safety, and Environmental teams. Drive continuous improvement and support for Icertis and related applications, enhancing user experience and o...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $100K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic agency by leading complex client campaigns. Manage project scope, timelines, and budgets while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality result...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $167K *

Innovate in virtual care delivery by collaborating with providers to assess treatment appropriateness for Behavioral Health services. Enhance care quality through mentorship and program development wh...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$93K - $167K *

Reimagine mental health care as a Psychologist Reviewer, ensuring appropriate utilization of services and clinical guidelines while collaborating with Behavioral Health providers and enhancing care ma...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$90K - $110K *

Elevate customer experiences by conducting research and analysis to identify stakeholder needs and opportunities. Utilize strategic communications and engagement to translate insights into actionable...

Mclean, VARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $240K *

Elevate the combat experience in Kyzen by leading a focused overhaul. You'll diagnose issues, define attack frameworks, and create engaging encounters, all while collaborating closely with a small tea...

1 week ago

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

$60K - $140K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing programmatic media strategies, managing campaigns, and mentoring junior team members to drive client success and optimize performance across digital platfor...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$60K - $140K *

Join a team that's redefining programmatic media strategies, overseeing execution and training junior members while driving client success through innovative digital solutions and strong collaboration...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Engage stakeholders and elevate brand awareness by defining and implementing robust communication strategies. Build trusted relationships within the community and lead recruitment efforts in a competi...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Unlock the potential of a dynamic program by overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance, and leading multi-disciplinary teams to achieve impactful outcomes for families in need. Drive quality im...

4 days ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Help us advance research initiatives by overseeing project planning, coordinating staff, and ensuring compliance with protocols. Collaborate with clinical professionals to achieve departmental goals a...

1 week 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.