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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Associate Director, Strategic Insights
$203K - $247K *
Lead competitive intelligence and strategic insights for immunology initiatives. Collaborate across functions to provide commercial assessments and forecasts, guiding portfolio strategy and executive...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Partner with us to advance nano-photonics research for wearable AR systems. You’ll design, build, and validate cutting-edge optical components in a collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on imm...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing player experiences through user-focused research. You'll conduct studies, analyze behaviors, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful pr...
3 days ago
$126K *
Champion high-quality program implementation and oversight across diverse areas, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while leading a team of Program Directors to drive organizational succes...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate operations by leading a high-impact team, ensuring seamless delivery of customized projects from design to installation while driving quality, safety, and efficiency across multiple concurrent...
Reposted 1 week ago
Manager, Data Management and Visualization
$90K - $100K *
Shape the future of data-driven solutions by leading innovative strategies and overseeing data management processes. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize campaign performance and ensure data int...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate regional performance by managing P&L, driving growth strategies, and leading a team to achieve financial and membership goals while ensuring operational excellence and member value...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive strategic HR initiatives as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, translating business goals into effective talent strategies. Collaborate across teams to enhance organizational effectiveness and...
1 week ago
$119K - $160K *
Empower brands to enhance digital experiences by leveraging Adobe Analytics and AEP. In this strategic role, you'll collaborate with clients to translate business goals into actionable insights, drivi...
1 week ago
Head of Research and Market Development - Senior Vice President
$190K - $215K *
Reimagine market intelligence by leading strategic insights, informing decision-making, and partnering across teams to drive growth opportunities in wealth management and alternatives...
3 weeks ago
$159K - $230K *
Elevate user experience by leading impactful research initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to uncover insights that drive product innovation and enhance usability, ensuring solutions m...
1 week ago
$72K - $87K *
Lead the charge in elevating clinical quality and mentorship within a dynamic team, fostering professional growth while delivering impactful behavioral support to families and children in a collaborat...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $105K *
Shape the future of laboratory operations by overseeing sample management, protocol compliance, and team development, ensuring efficient execution of clinical research protocols within established qua...
3 weeks ago
Senior Officer, Partnerships (Fundraising)
$161K - $180K *
Engage with diverse stakeholders to drive impactful fundraising initiatives, fostering partnerships that support conservation efforts. Leverage strong relationship-building skills to enhance Pew’s Env...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Transform the Survey Department by leading a talented team, enhancing operations, and driving strategic growth while ensuring quality and client satisfaction in a collaborative environment...
6 days ago
Director, Business Development
$120K - $150K *
Drive full-cycle sales for global clinical operations, fostering client relationships and developing strategic plans for service growth in alignment with company objectives...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in transforming cutting-edge AI research into reliable, high-performance products by optimizing and deploying models in real-time environments. Collaborate with researchers and engineers to enh...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Assistant Director, Clinical Research Business Operations
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing financial operations for cancer clinical trials, overseeing contracts and budgets. Collaborate across teams to enhance research resource management and ensure compliance wi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$68K - $100K *
Join our team as a Sr Program Coordinator, providing holistic support to graduate nursing students. Oversee onboarding, retention initiatives, and collaborate with faculty to enhance student experienc...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs-CA
$210K - $240K *
Lead the charge in shaping regulatory strategy for innovative medical devices. As the key regulatory authority, oversee submissions, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to drive the success...
Reposted today
$143K - $179K *
Shape and lead client implementations for a cutting-edge trading platform, guiding asset and wealth managers through system configuration and go-live processes while ensuring client satisfaction and p...
3 weeks ago
Director, Product Management - Connected Workflows
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of connected workflows by leading integration across product lines, driving value for healthcare providers through strategic collaboration and effective roadmap execution while empowe...
Reposted 6 days ago
$90K - $95K *
Optimize campaign performance by leveraging your expertise in addressable media. Manage client relationships, mentor junior team members, and drive innovative solutions to enhance business growth acro...
Today
Director, Data Strategy & Analytics, Retail
$140K - $160K *
Lead the charge in data strategy and analytics for Retail clients, driving innovation and optimizing media programs. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop actionable insights and measurement strate...
1 week ago
$230K - $270K *
Lead and manage complex industrial projects, ensuring successful delivery and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement program strategies and drive continuous improv...
1 week ago
What does a Research Director do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Browse Research Director listings on Ladders and review each opportunity's compensation, responsibilities, qualifications, and work arrangement to identify roles that match your goals.