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.
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.
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 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.
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.
$170K - $230K *
Elevate the creative vision for a diverse portfolio, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, strategic solutions in a highly regulated environment while fostering client relationships a...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $230K *
Lead the creative vision for a diverse portfolio in the pharmaceutical sector. Guide multidisciplinary teams, foster client relationships, and ensure strategic, effective creative work in a highly reg...
2 weeks ago
Compensation & Benefits Analyst
$125K - $145K *
Innovate competitive total rewards programs that align with business goals. Lead the strategy for compensation and benefits, ensuring internal equity and external competitiveness while partnering with...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in quality excellence by providing strategic oversight and management in compliance, assurance, and validation within biopharmaceutical manufacturing while fostering collaboration and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Hiring Director of Clinical Psychology Pediatric Outpatient facility
$100K - $120K *
Lead the clinical psychology team at an outpatient pediatric facility, focusing on effective mental health strategies for children with diverse behavioral and developmental needs while ensuring qualit...
Reposted 3 days ago
Research Engineering Specialist-Ancillary Research Staff
$80K - $95K *
Elevate innovation in medical device design as part of a dynamic R&D team, focusing on assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. Contribute to impactful projects that enhance quality o...
Reposted today
Assistant Director of Strategic Analytics
$156K - $187K *
Drive strategic analytics and reporting to enhance service performance and user experience in academic technology. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop actionable insights and sustainable reportin...
Yesterday
Senior Quantitative Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge ML detection models, transforming research into production-ready solutions. Collaborate with a high-caliber team to architect scalable systems that enhance sec...
2 weeks ago
Technical Design Manager - Client Services
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing complex operational workflows that enhance service delivery and client experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement...
Today
Operations Coordinator, Communications
$85K - $90K *
Contribute to the efficiency of our Communications team by providing vital administrative, budget, and operational support. Collaborate with colleagues to enhance departmental impact while managing mu...
2 days ago
Principal Analyst - Marketing Measurement & Growth
$130K - $155K *
Lead high-visibility analytics initiatives, driving impactful measurement and decision-making across marketing and customer engagement. Collaborate with diverse teams, elevate analytical standards, an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform insights into impactful strategies by leading market research projects, collaborating with account teams, and delivering compelling narratives that drive client decisions and foster long-ter...
Today
$45K - $500K+*
Tackle complex scholarly manuscripts in science and economics, ensuring style, grammar, and accuracy. Collaborate with authors and colleagues to guide manuscripts through publication stages while main...
Today
$137K - $165K *
Empower data-driven decision-making by leading analytics initiatives, optimizing measurements, and developing scalable reporting solutions that translate complex data into actionable insights for team...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate your career by partnering with the founder to drive strategic initiatives, manage investor relations, and tackle high-priority projects that shape the company's future. Own the execution of...
2 days ago
$120K - $140K *
Lead the charge in shaping HR strategies that align with business goals, fostering a cohesive employee experience while ensuring compliance and operational excellence across the US organization...
2 weeks ago
$210K - $250K *
Lead and inspire a diverse team of data scientists to drive product strategy, utilizing data insights to enhance offerings and influence cross-functional collaboration for impactful decision-making...
2 weeks ago
$85K *
Lead innovative polling solutions by managing survey processes and data analysis. Collaborate with teams to enhance methodologies and ensure client deliverables meet expectations while continuously im...
Reposted 6 days ago
$85K *
Manage the end-to-end polling process by designing effective surveys, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver strategic insights that inform client decisions and enhan...
Reposted 6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Engage with clients as a strategic leader, driving innovative solutions and managing complex accounts. Collaborate with marketing teams to enhance brand value and deliver impactful campaigns while nav...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of youth mental health research by leading analytical efforts to innovate data accessibility and deepen insights. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to trans...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Empower operational excellence by supporting the Orion system for client performance reporting, driving accurate data integration, and enhancing advisor onboarding processes. Collaborate with teams to...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive client success by supporting performance reporting systems, ensuring data accuracy, and facilitating new advisor integrations in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Proactively enhance proc...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing and overseeing a comprehensive Corporate Compliance Program, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across t...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research through statistical expertise. Collaborate with medical professionals to design, analyze, and report on clinical studies, ensuring complianc...
Today
What does a Research Director do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Browse Research Director listings on Ladders and review each opportunity's compensation, responsibilities, qualifications, and work arrangement to identify roles that match your goals.