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 - $110K *

Join a team that's driving high-profile projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality and budget adherence while fostering cross-functional collaboration and creative problem-solving for excep...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $110K *

Develop and oversee project management processes, ensuring efficient job flow and team coordination. Lead junior team members, maintain timelines, and support regulatory submissions while fostering a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $110K *

Contribute to impactful projects by overseeing performance improvement initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and drive results, while managing timelines and reso...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $115K *

Elevate your career by providing specialized expertise and leading projects of moderate complexity. Collaborate with teams to solve complex problems and deliver effective solutions that align with bus...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$180K *

Drive the evolution of brand identity by developing strategic visual designs and guidelines that enhance business objectives and ensure consistency across all platforms and campaigns...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Elevate the quality of resident care by overseeing compliance, quality assurance, and risk management programs. Collaborate with departments to implement policies and enhance care standards in accorda...

1 week ago

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

$195K - $215K *

Elevate your career by leading clinical contracts strategy to drive global trials. Collaborate with diverse teams, shape negotiation approaches, and ensure compliance while developing a high-performin...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $105K *

Engage in strategic creative leadership to drive high-quality brand work, develop campaigns, and foster client relationships while supporting the growth of a dynamic creative team in a collaborative e...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Transform your career by guiding scientific innovation for research leaders, leveraging Cradle's cutting-edge platform. Partner with sales to enhance customer strategies while shaping product evolutio...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $165K *

Drive the strategic and operational leadership of a multidisciplinary institute, enhancing neurological care through collaboration, innovation, and excellence in clinical and research initiatives. Fos...

Today

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

$63K - $102K *

Drive the management of multiple clinical research studies, ensuring compliance and quality. Serve as the key liaison among stakeholders, oversee trial initiation, patient recruitment, and budget mana...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$63K - $102K *

Lead the charge in managing clinical research projects, overseeing staff, and ensuring compliance with protocols. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance mental health interventions and streamline st...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$165K - $210K *

Contribute to a cutting-edge R&D team by managing complex programs, adhering to government standards, and ensuring effective communication across diverse technical teams to achieve operational success...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform digital experiences by leading strategic initiatives that enhance user engagement and drive measurable outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop actionable strategies that...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$72K - $100K *

Drive the production and publishing of high-quality podcasts, managing workflows, technical setups, and content optimization to enhance audience engagement and growth across multiple platforms...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$72K - $100K *

Unlock potential by managing podcast production workflows, ensuring high-quality audio/video capture, and optimizing content for distribution across platforms. Collaborate with hosts and guests to del...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$72K - $100K *

Support our dynamic podcast production by managing workflows, ensuring high-quality audio/video, and optimizing content for distribution. Collaborate with hosts and guests to deliver engaging episodes...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$72K - $100K *

Contribute to high-quality podcast production by managing workflows, coordinating recordings, and ensuring timely publishing. Leverage your expertise in audio/video editing to enhance content and driv...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $170K *

Shape the future of advertising strategy by leading cross-functional teams, uncovering cultural insights, and crafting compelling media solutions that resonate with clients and audiences alike. Drive...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $180K *

Lead a transformative data strategy, shaping AI integration while ensuring data security and actionable insights across multiple business functions. Collaborate with teams to drive operational efficie...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Shape the future of data strategy and AI integration by leading a dynamic, cross-functional team that transforms complex datasets into actionable insights, driving efficiency and innovation across the...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead and enhance laboratory operations while guiding a team of scientists in conducting experiments, troubleshooting equipment, and developing innovative testing methodologies to solve technical chall...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$165K - $248K *

Shape the future of data analytics by leading a high-performing team to deliver innovative solutions, drive strategic initiatives, and enhance decision-making across the organization through effective...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$113K - $130K *

Drive impactful communications strategies by managing client relationships, executing media engagement, and translating complex tech narratives into compelling stories. Lead a team to enhance client s...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$113K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping impactful communications strategies and media engagement. Lead client relationships, manage projects, and drive innovative storytelling in technology and science, while ment...

3 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.