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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$161K - $211K *

Unlock your potential as a Data Scientist, driving impactful analytics in cybersecurity. Collaborate with experts to enhance national security through data-driven insights, automation, and visualizati...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $197K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of advertising technology by guiding innovative products from conception to launch, collaborating across functions to enhance user experience and drive impactful...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping academic excellence and innovation as a Department Head, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring faculty, and advancing research initiatives to elevate the Bria...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Unlock growth by driving customer acquisition through strategic management of third-party channels and media partnerships. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize conversion paths and enhance lead...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$79K - $158K *

Unlock potential by transforming user insights into intuitive product experiences. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance digital solutions for temperature-sensitive supply chains, ensuring user nee...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

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

$127K - $190K *

Drive innovative research development projects, overseeing team operations and coordinating activities. Lead a skilled workforce, ensuring adherence to best practices while fostering a collaborative e...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate investment strategy by leading manager selection and due diligence for alternative assets, ensuring optimal portfolio construction and client engagement in a dynamic global setting...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$133K - $181K *

Drive strategic revenue initiatives and cultivate partnerships to enhance financial sustainability, empowering communities of color through innovative funding strategies and collaborative leadership i...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $185K *

Shape the future of client partnerships by leading a dynamic team to drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and foster long-term relationships that align with business objectives...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$180K *

Drive client success by leading a dynamic team to enhance account performance, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver integrated marketing solutions that align with business objectives and ensure...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$195K *

Champion client success by leading a dynamic team to drive strategic initiatives, enhance relationships, and ensure operational excellence while achieving sustainable growth in a fast-paced environmen...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$244K - $305K *

Lead innovative research in reinforcement learning and autonomous agents, guiding a high-performing team while collaborating with cross-functional groups to translate research into impactful products...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$75K - $107K *

Innovate media strategies by managing planning initiatives and executing campaigns across diverse channels. Collaborate with teams to optimize client investments and drive audience engagement while le...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$85K - $100K *

Shape a culture of safety and accountability by leading and enhancing the clinical risk management program, while collaborating with clinical leaders to mitigate risks and improve processes across the...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Empower vulnerable children by leading a pro bono Children's Law Clinic. Oversee legal practice, mentor attorneys, and enhance outreach to ensure safe, loving homes for children in Arizona's foster ca...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Accelerate clinical research success by managing complex trials, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance. Drive patient engagement and operational excellence while fostering collaboration across team...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Elevate clinical research efforts by independently managing complex studies, mentoring staff, and ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering patient engagement and operational excellence to drive...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Drive the design and delivery of custom qualitative research projects, managing multiple initiatives while fostering client relationships and contributing to business development efforts in the pharma...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $110K *

Drive the design and delivery of impactful qualitative research projects, managing multiple initiatives while fostering client relationships and contributing to business development efforts in a colla...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $110K *

Champion innovative qualitative research by managing projects, moderating interviews, and collaborating with clients to deliver impactful insights that drive business solutions and foster growth in th...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $100K *

Manage strategic communications by developing impactful content across multiple channels, serving diverse audiences from donors to the public. Drive editorial leadership, digital engagement, and brand...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$249K - $336K *

Lead the charge in transforming research through innovative digital technology and data strategies. Drive scientific excellence by enhancing workflows and data products, ensuring Research teams have t...

South San Francisco, CARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by driving the operational excellence of a comprehensive Privacy Program. Collaborate across teams to enhance data protection, ensure compliance, and foster a culture of privacy that...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Transform the advertising landscape by driving new business growth with medium and large clients. Leverage your expertise in ad tech to build relationships, execute strategies, and achieve sales targe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive clinical excellence as you lead a team of BCBAs and RBTs, overseeing daily operations and ensuring high-quality ABA therapy through collaboration, supervision, and training. Make a meaningful im...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.