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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$75K - $124K *

Optimize operations by managing center-wide initiatives, enhancing processes, and supporting diverse teams to ensure efficient project execution and a collaborative work environment in a fast-paced re...

1 week ago

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

$88K - $145K *

Advance operations at a leading research center by managing key processes, supporting diverse teams, and enhancing organizational efficiency. Collaborate closely with leadership to drive initiatives a...

1 week ago

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

$172K - $202K *

Innovate within identity and access management by providing expert insights and strategies to clients on best practices in identity governance, privileged access, and AI tools, enhancing cybersecurity...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Explore a leadership opportunity in forensic engineering, guiding teams, driving business growth, and nurturing client relationships across Florida. Lead investigations and shape the future of structu...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing pediatric clinical research by managing complex studies, ensuring compliance, and leading a skilled team. Your expertise will drive operational excellence and...

1 week ago

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

$172K - $202K *

Lead the charge in delivering impactful research and insights in analytics and AI. Collaborate with clients to identify needs, drive strategies, and produce high-quality content that shapes market tre...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Champion community wellbeing as a Regional Director, leading essential services and mentoring teams. Drive organizational excellence, foster partnerships, and ensure compliance to enhance quality of l...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading a network of treatment centers, driving operational excellence, and fostering high-performing teams to enhance patient care and community engagement across di...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$172K - $202K *

Discover innovative insights into AI's economic impact. Leverage analytics and market dynamics to shape vital research while influencing industry leaders with cutting-edge strategies and actionable ad...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $190K *

Elevate tax compliance and reporting by leading a team to manage complex U.S. and international tax matters, ensuring accurate provision calculations, compliance, and innovative process improvements a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$116K - $178K *

Manage clinic operations and staff functions, ensuring quality patient care and satisfaction. Oversee business functions, coordinate activities, and meet performance measures to drive success in a dyn...

1 week ago

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

$116K - $178K *

Optimize clinic operations by managing staff, enhancing patient satisfaction, and ensuring quality medical services. Collaborate with healthcare teams to meet performance metrics and drive business su...

1 week ago

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

$102K - $112K *

Drive budgetary excellence by overseeing financial services, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and enhancing operational efficiency. Lead a team to manage complex budget processes and ensure co...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Transform institutional effectiveness through data-driven leadership in assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning. Collaborate closely with leadership and academic units to enhance decision-ma...

4 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Shape a high-performance culture by leading HR strategies that align with business goals. Collaborate with leaders to enhance employee engagement, resolve conflicts, and drive organizational success t...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $200K *

Champion deep insights in the industrials sector, leveraging primary research to shape a cutting-edge research strategy. You will establish quality standards and predictive accuracy while communicatin...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$83K - $98K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of urban development through data-driven analysis. As an Analyst, you'll engage in real estate research, financial modeling, and policy review, contributing to im...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$160K - $175K *

Drive master data management integrations to optimize data stewardship, enhance AI capabilities, and facilitate high-performance access, while mentoring teams and delivering innovative solutions that...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $200K *

Lead the charge in shaping legal strategy and governance for a dynamic global business. Drive compliance, manage risk, and provide strategic counsel across commercial and regulatory domains while coll...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$425K - $475K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of private equity investments. This senior role focuses on sourcing, underwriting, and managing high-quality partnerships, driving strategic decisions to enhance...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$90K - $95K *

Manage and oversee clinical support teams, ensuring adherence to policies, optimizing training outcomes, and maintaining high-quality client care while fostering effective communication across departm...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $165K *

Analyze audience insights to drive strategic decisions, leading research initiatives that inform marketing and sales strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate data into actionab...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $92K *

Empower data-driven decisions by conducting rigorous economic research and analysis. As a key contributor to policy insights, you'll translate complex data into actionable reports, driving effective s...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining machine learning implementation to drive impactful research and innovate within a collaborative environment. Contribute to projects, open source, and author scientific pa...

Berkeley, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$185K - $215K *

Champion IT excellence by managing infrastructure, guiding IT strategy, and ensuring security and performance. Lead a team to elevate employee experience and implement effective IT solutions aligned w...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.