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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$100K - $125K *

Accelerate product innovation by leading cross-functional teams to define, develop, and launch data-driven software solutions for healthcare marketing. Influence product evolution and optimize user ex...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Transform the acquisition lifecycle by generating and managing critical data requirements, ensuring compliance and quality in contract deliverables while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Oversee the full lifecycle of industrial capital projects, ensuring safety, quality, and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams and manage project controls while driving successful outcomes for...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $160K *

Transform our brand identity and guide creative direction as our principal creative leader. Shape compelling narratives that resonate with customers and job seekers alike. Own all creative surfaces an...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$70K - $93K *

Unlock insights at the intersection of biomechanics and data science, driving predictive modeling and analysis of complex datasets to enhance understanding of aortic disease and improve patient outcom...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$120K - $145K *

Pioneer excellence in project execution by overseeing financials, scheduling, and mentoring. Ensure operational integrity and success across multiple projects while liaising with stakeholders for opti...

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to analyze data and develop AI/ML solutions addressing national security challenges. Collaborate on interdisciplinary research, perform statistical analysis, and contribute to inno...

3 days ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Elevate clinical research effectiveness by leading monitoring visits, ensuring the highest quality standards across diverse therapeutic areas, and facilitating communication between sites and internal...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by leading clinical research projects and ensuring compliance with timelines and standards. Collaborate with stakeholders and clinical sites to safeguard subjects' rights and data...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $165K *

Engage as a platform expert to drive advisor adoption and funding through insightful solutions, training, and relationship management. Utilize technical expertise to enhance workflows and ensure seaml...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $150K *

Optimize project execution by overseeing planning, scheduling, and resource management to align with client goals in high-stakes environments, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery while colla...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $170K *

Pioneer strategic partnerships within the pharmaceutical sector, leveraging expertise in programmatic trading and client engagement to deliver exceptional value and drive revenue growth through collab...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Lead complex clinical research initiatives, overseeing project management and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to achieve institutional goals while maintai...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$62K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advocating for individuals with disabilities through legal representation, investigation, and systemic reform. Engage in meaningful litigation and support initiatives t...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$62K - $115K *

Advance the rights of individuals with disabilities through legal representation, litigation, and advocacy. Collaborate with diverse professionals to address systemic issues and ensure compliance with...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$62K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advocating for individuals with disabilities. As a Staff Attorney, you'll provide legal representation, investigate cases, and collaborate with diverse professionals to...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$62K - $115K *

Elevate the rights of individuals with disabilities by providing legal representation, conducting investigations, and collaborating with diverse professionals to address systemic issues and foster sel...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in managing key client accounts, executing strategic fundraising campaigns, and collaborating with internal teams to drive successful outcomes while enhancing client relationships and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$84K - $108K *

Advance scientific research oversight by managing expedited submissions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading IRB operations. Collaborate with investigators and staff to maintain high sta...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $130K *

Bring your expertise to lead paid social strategies for diverse healthcare brands. Drive innovation, optimize campaigns, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve business goals while men...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Collaborate with the data governance team to develop and implement frameworks, ensuring data quality and adherence to specifications. Provide second-level support, assist in product delivery, and enga...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Elevate educational standards by leading a region of K-12 schools. Drive enrollment growth, enhance academic quality, and ensure operational success while fostering strong relationships with families...

2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $123K *

Champion secure research initiatives by leading a skilled IT team, managing Microsoft 365 and Azure services, and ensuring operational excellence in a collaborative environment focused on innovation a...

6 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Partner with us to enhance production capabilities for international defense programs, ensuring compliance with specifications and readiness assessments while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$209K - $388K *

Transform patient engagement strategies by leading a high-performing analytics team. Leverage advanced analytics and AI/ML to drive insights that enhance patient outcomes and optimize commercial strat...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.