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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$80K - $95K *

Transform client engagement by leading social media strategies, managing diverse projects, and optimizing content delivery. Collaborate with teams to enhance brand messaging and drive impactful result...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $145K *

Transform the future of defense technology by providing strategic analysis and support for advanced science and technology initiatives. Collaborate across teams to assess emerging platforms and drive...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $175K *

Transform research development by leading proposal coordination and managing a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects. Collaborate with scientists and stakeholders to secure funding and drive impactf...

2 days ago

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

$125K - $155K *

Transform community engagement by architecting systems that connect founders, funders, and creatives. Lead initiatives to cultivate relationships and activate resources for impactful ventures, ensurin...

Today

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

$110K - $129K *

Unlock potential by leading client account management and digital strategy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve KPIs, enhance client relationships, and drive profitable growth while ove...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower innovation in identity verification and fraud prevention by leading research, developing detection methods, and collaborating with ML teams to enhance security measures. Publish findings and c...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $220K *

Transform recruiting analytics into strategic insights that drive advisor acquisition and optimize investment strategies. Collaborate with leadership to enhance performance metrics and reporting, ensu...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Engage with a dynamic team to enhance student experiences in higher education. Focus on student advising, admissions, and professional development while collaborating with faculty to support doctoral...

Today

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

$199K - $240K *

Innovate your career by leading HR technology and analytics initiatives. Drive strategic workforce insights, enhance HR operations, and ensure data integrity while collaborating with senior leaders to...

1 week ago

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

$199K - $240K *

Help us drive HR innovation by leading our People Intelligence & Technology initiatives. You'll oversee HRIS, analytics, and reporting, ensuring data integrity and compliance while enhancing user expe...

1 week ago

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

$100K - $138K *

Transform insights into action by conducting complex research to support attorneys and business professionals across diverse practice areas, leveraging advanced technologies and delivering high-qualit...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $125K *

Serve as a pivotal research advisor, delivering strategic insights and leveraging advanced technologies to support attorneys and professionals. Cultivate collaboration in a dynamic environment, facili...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $112K *

Transform enrollment operations by leading strategic initiatives and optimizing processes across diverse student populations. Drive improvements, manage teams, and leverage data to achieve institution...

Today

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

$175K - $205K *

Transform client relationships and drive growth by leading strategic initiatives in scientific visualization, medical education, and digital engagement. Manage multidisciplinary teams and oversee acco...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-quality behavioral health care by reviewing and authorizing treatment for youth with behavioral and substance abuse issues, ensuring adherence to clinical standards...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $190K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative research projects in AI and ML, shaping the lab's agenda and culture. Collaborate with engineers and experts to drive impactful solutions and publish findings th...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Shape the future of product innovation by leading a dynamic research team in the development of cutting-edge hardware and wearables. Foster collaboration, drive research strategy, and champion integri...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Help us shape the future of legal compliance by providing expert paralegal support and managing contract lifecycles. Utilize your skills to enhance data privacy and regulatory adherence while collabor...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Deliver impactful construction project management by overseeing execution, budgeting, and collaboration. Drive successful outcomes through effective resource allocation and maintain industry standards...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$211K - $266K *

Drive impactful data science initiatives by leveraging AI/ML to enhance cybersecurity analytics. Collaborate with a diverse team to modernize workflows and translate complex data insights into actiona...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by managing studies, mentoring coordinators, and ensuring compliance. Lead daily operations, maintain data integrity, and serve as a key res...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in managing complex research projects, ensuring operational excellence and collaboration across teams. Drive resource allocation, oversee project phases, and contribute to research met...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $150K *

Shape the future of client engagement by leading strategic partnerships, delivering innovative marketing solutions, and inspiring high-performance teams to exceed expectations and cultivate lasting re...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$180K - $250K *

Lead strategic government affairs initiatives, shaping defense funding and policy. Build bipartisan relationships, navigate legislative processes, and represent the organization on Capitol Hill to sec...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $100K *

Optimize paid search campaigns to drive measurable growth for clients. Leverage your expertise in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads to enhance performance, analyze data, and implement strategies that excee...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

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.