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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$125K - $150K *

Optimize complex investigations by leading technology disputes, managing engagements, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with experts to deliver insights and solutions while ensuring quality and client...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's tackling complex technology disputes, leading investigations, and managing client engagements. Leverage your expertise in legal and IT advisory to drive impactful solutions and ment...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to lead complex technology disputes, managing engagements from scoping to execution. Collaborate with experts to deliver investigative solutions while mentoring junior staff and dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of technology disputes by leading complex investigations, managing client engagements, and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with experts to deliver innovative solutions and drive b...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$95K - $115K *

Champion data-driven space planning initiatives by analyzing complex inventories, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and delivering insights to enhance campus environments and optimize resour...

Today

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

$133K - $220K *

Drive innovation in research technology and security, overseeing strategy, architecture, and operations. Lead with authority to ensure compliance and scalability while resolving complex technical chal...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$97K *

Unlock potential by joining a collaborative team that conducts quantitative and qualitative research, supporting expert analysis in legal contexts while developing skills in applied economics and fina...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $185K *

Drive technical excellence by developing standards and processes for commissioning, ensuring consistent execution across projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workforce capabili...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$114K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving complex, cross-functional projects to modernize claims processes. As a Project Director, you'll lead initiatives, manage risks, and ensure alignment with organizational goal...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$114K - $180K *

Join a team that's leading complex, cross-functional projects to drive claims modernization. Oversee governance, reporting, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring alignment with organizational obje...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$114K - $180K *

Lead complex, cross-functional projects to drive successful implementation and alignment with organizational goals. Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to manage risks, ensure governan...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$114K - $180K *

Lead complex, cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to drive strategic direction, manage risks, and achieve succe...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$114K - $180K *

Seeking a strategic leader to drive complex, cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and effective implementation while collaborating with senior leadership and stakeho...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$114K - $180K *

Lead complex, cross-functional projects to drive claims modernization efforts. Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders, ensuring alignment and successful implementation while managing risk...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$80K - $118K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of high-throughput Chemistry innovation, driving hands-on experimentation and automation. Contribute to critical projects using advanced technologies to impact scie...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$215K - $240K *

Lead the charge in delivering comprehensive legal support across various business functions. Engage in contract negotiations, manage compliance, and facilitate collaboration with teams to ensure strat...

1 month ago

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

$130K - $195K *

Elevate research standards in home performance by leading SCORE's development and improvement. Collaborate with experts to integrate innovative methodologies and ensure alignment with industry best pr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$300K - $320K *

Champion innovative solutions by driving enterprise sales in Energy or Chemistry. Leverage 7+ years of experience to engage C-Suite executives, qualify prospects, and collaborate with cross-functional...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by overseeing Children's Behavioral Health Services, driving quality improvement initiatives, and expanding program offerings while ensuring compliance and financial performance in a...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $215K *

Empower progress at the intersection of policy and regulation by leading the development of strategic legislative initiatives that align with business objectives, driving impactful analysis, and foste...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$170K - $190K *

Transform organizational culture and effectiveness as a strategic HR leader. Drive talent management, employee relations, and compliance while partnering with executives to navigate growth and change...

Yesterday

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

$72K - $100K *

Lead the execution of integrated marketing campaigns, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize project management processes and enhance operat...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$72K - $100K *

Shape the future of integrated project management by leading diverse teams, ensuring flawless execution, and driving project success through strategic collaboration and effective communication across...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$72K - $100K *

Champion integrated project delivery by leading teams, managing schedules, and ensuring flawless execution. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to meet client goals while maintaining budget and...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$70K - $121K *

Transform data analytics and quality assurance initiatives by developing scalable SQL solutions and optimizing data pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and op...

Today

  •   Less than 5 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.