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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$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading data strategy and analytics, driving infrastructure evolution, and fostering a high-impact team. Collaborate across departments to enhance decision-making and optimize data...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative social media programs that connect healthcare clients with their audiences. Drive strategic content development and manage cross-functional teams to ensure im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$82K - $125K *

Join our team to drive innovative analytics solutions, oversee diverse projects, and engage with clients. Leverage your expertise to transform data into actionable insights while mentoring junior anal...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Manage revenue growth by sourcing and activating enterprise customers, collaborating with the Cognition team to drive sales cycles and enhance product development, while navigating complex organizatio...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Grow your career with a dynamic GTM Manager role driving revenue by activating enterprise customers and collaborating with product teams. Leverage your technical expertise to lead sales cycles in a fa...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive revenue growth by managing the sales cycle and engaging enterprise customers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand technical challenges, and develop strategic initiatives to close...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$275K - $325K *

Unlock the potential of AI by taking charge of end-to-end model development, optimizing performance, and integrating cutting-edge solutions into products. Collaborate closely within a passionate team...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive impactful market research initiatives by overseeing project execution, ensuring quality deliverables, and translating insights into actionable strategies while mentoring junior team members and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$88K - $140K *

Drive the development of predictive analytics models to enhance digital assessment operations, collaborating across teams to optimize decision-making and reduce costs while supporting strategic goals...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$172K - $344K *

Lead strategic planning and execution of clinical research programs, managing multiple studies and partnerships with CROs and clinical sites to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and quality out...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $230K *

Transform the retail media landscape by leading programmatic activations across major platforms. Drive strategy, optimize campaigns, and enhance client relationships to deliver exceptional results in...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $230K *

Drive excellence in programmatic commerce by leading audience strategy, campaign management, and performance integration across multiple retail media networks. Collaborate with teams to optimize media...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$156K - $250K *

Advance your career by owning the global go-to-market strategy, focusing on high-touch services in an innovative and strategic role that connects hospitality excellence with cutting-edge technology to...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$149K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading programmatic media strategies, ensuring client success and operational excellence. Drive cross-team integration and mentor talent while navigating the evolving digital land...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$130K - $150K *

Unlock the potential of data-driven marketing strategies by leading a dynamic team. With over 10 years of experience, you'll drive insights and analytics, enhancing client engagement and delivering im...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$83K - $176K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in military systems assessment and analysis. You will conduct research, manage databases, and perform data analysis to support national security objectives and op...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's building a cutting-edge retention program for a high-growth tech company. Lead lifecycle marketing efforts focusing on subscriber growth, customer loyalty, and maximizing long-term...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer the development of a subscriber retention program for a high-growth tech firm. Lead a team to drive customer loyalty and revenue through strategic lifecycle marketing, focusing on activation a...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead clinical trials and mentor staff, ensuring compliance and excellence in research. Drive strategic growth while fostering collaboration and innovation in a fast-paced en...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $125K *

Contribute to strategic leadership and operational success in a donor-funded program dedicated to ensuring free information flow in challenging environments. Lead diverse teams, manage budgets, and bu...

3 weeks ago

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

$112K - $263K *

Unlock innovative solutions by leveraging your technical expertise to tackle complex challenges in cryptography, high-performance computing, and network defense. Collaborate with researchers and spons...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $277K *

Analyze and enhance the operational effectiveness of advanced Air Warfare programs, collaborating with military and civilian officials to provide independent assessments and drive strategic improvemen...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K *

Champion growth as you lead the Paid Media team to develop innovative paid social strategies, driving measurable business outcomes across diverse, high-growth brands while nurturing top talent in a dy...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Champion administrative excellence by leading multi-team support functions, enhancing service delivery, and driving operational performance. Collaborate with stakeholders to align priorities and foste...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead administrative support across multiple offices, ensuring high-quality service delivery, managing talent, and driving operational excellence to meet evolving business ne...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 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.