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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$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 1 week 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...

3 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

$70K - $121K *

Lead data initiatives by developing SQL solutions and optimizing data pipelines. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics capabilities and ensure data quality across operations, driving data-driven...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $295K *

Lead the charge in executing strategic data partnerships to enhance media ecosystems. Drive innovation and align global strategies with local execution, fostering collaboration to transform marketing...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$218K - $249K *

Shape the future of AI by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative AI-powered products, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform customer interactions and drive impactf...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$238K - $272K *

Join a team that's redefining AI applications by developing innovative models and collaborating with cross-functional experts to enhance customer experiences through cutting-edge technology and resear...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$238K - $272K *

Lead innovative AI research initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge AI models that enhance customer experiences and drive business impact across various applicat...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$218K - $249K *

Drive innovation by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop AI-powered solutions that enhance customer experiences, leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies throughout the resea...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$93K - $104K *

Explore advanced statistical methods to support ecological research and fisheries management. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to analyze complex datasets, develop models, and communicate find...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by coordinating complex projects, supervising staff, and ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering a collaborative environment for inno...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Engage in building robust data solutions that drive analytics and business insights. As a senior contributor, you'll lead complex projects from design to deployment, collaborating with stakeholders to...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead legal and risk operations, ensuring compliance and integrity across domestic and international initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to manage contracts, develop policies, and support govern...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$75K - $117K *

Lead the design and development of bioanalytical assays, ensuring feasibility and innovation. Collaborate with teams to enhance assay methodologies and provide technical guidance, while adhering to re...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$275K *

Lead the U.S. Litigation team to advance reproductive rights through strategic litigation, collaboration, and influence, ensuring alignment with goals and fostering a high-performing, inclusive team c...

4 weeks ago

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

$75K - $140K *

Elevate your career by owning complex, multi-channel production projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes and fostering strong client relationships in the pharmaceutical industry. Be the trusted partne...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$225K - $275K *

Shape the future of programmatic advertising by leading the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced real-time decisioning systems, ensuring peak performance and innovation in auction strategi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

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.