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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$500K+*

Advance cutting-edge silicon design by leveraging your chip expertise to create RL environments, optimize physical design, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance model capabilities and...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $130K *

Champion captivating multi-channel campaigns that drive awareness, lead generation, and collaboration with stakeholders while maximizing marketing impact through insightful content and analytics...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Transform site operations by leading high-volume reconditioning centers, ensuring quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction while driving strategic initiatives and continuous improvement across m...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$83K - $98K *

Analyze real estate markets and demographics, prepare financial models, and support urban development projects. Collaborate with teams to deliver data-driven insights and reports, enhancing city plann...

1 week ago

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

$135K - $202K *

Engineer innovative pricing strategies by collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize deal structures and enhance profitability while analyzing market trends and presenting insights to leade...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$75K - $95K *

Transform healthcare compliance by leading regulatory initiatives, ensuring adherence to state and federal laws, and driving corrective actions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to operationali...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$74K - $115K *

Optimize client relationships by managing projects and ensuring service excellence. Act as the key liaison between clients and production teams, driving satisfaction through proactive communication an...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Champion strategic leadership in refugee resettlement programs, ensuring quality implementation and fostering community connections while managing a dedicated team and collaborating across the Global...

2 days ago

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

$140K - $180K *

Analyze and enhance risk management processes by assessing exposures across asset classes, developing analytical tools, and collaborating with investment teams to communicate insights effectively to s...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $220K *

Champion data excellence by leading the enterprise data quality framework and observability practices. Drive accountability and collaboration across teams to ensure data integrity for analytics and AI...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Empower healthcare innovation by leading market research initiatives, guiding teams, and delivering insightful analysis for pharmaceutical and medical technologies, ensuring projects meet client needs...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Grow your career with dynamic projects in healthcare research, leading teams and strategies across the project lifecycle. Deliver insights that drive client success while mentoring future research lea...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-impact market research solutions in healthcare, manage complex projects, foster client relationships, and mentor a skilled team while driving operational efficiency...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Transform healthcare insights by leading a dynamic team, driving complex research projects, ensuring client satisfaction, and mentoring future leaders in market research. Engage with industry challeng...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Lead innovative healthcare research initiatives, guiding teams through project lifecycles. Drive client relationships, mentor talent, and deliver impactful data insights while ensuring operational exc...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Deliver impactful market research by leading teams through complex projects. Leverage advanced research techniques and foster client relationships to drive strategic insights in the healthcare sector...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$77K - $119K *

Join a dynamic team to drive scientific innovation in multi-omic NGS technologies. Collaborate across wet- and dry-lab environments, optimizing and implementing transformative molecular assays for cli...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in aligning strategy with brand vision, executing initiatives, and managing multiple workstreams while fostering client relationships and team development in a dynamic advertising envi...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $213K *

Lead a high-performing team at a cutting-edge manufacturing facility, driving excellence in safety, quality, and productivity while leveraging advanced technologies and fostering a culture of continuo...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$270K - $280K *

Join a team that's driving clinical excellence by overseeing trial execution, managing timelines, budgets, and CROs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and quality while mentoring team...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $135K *

Lead the charge in developing and managing enterprise proposals and plans, ensuring compliance and quality across submissions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance win strategies and dri...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $165K *

Lead transformative consulting engagements to enhance healthcare coding and middle revenue cycle processes, driving operational efficiency, compliance, and financial performance across diverse project...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $300K *

Join a team that's redefining analytics for institutional relationships. Leverage your expertise in data science and trading to support strategic partnerships and drive business growth in a dynamic en...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $145K *

Lead the development and management of a comprehensive data protection and privacy program, ensuring compliance with global privacy laws while collaborating with cross-functional teams to promote priv...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in guiding a dynamic team, managing project deliverables, finances, and customer expectations within a DoD environment. Oversee program activities, ensure excellence, and drive success...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.