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Director Educational Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Educational Researcher will design empirical studies based on educational experiences and adult ... Evaluate research activities and share findings with the AUTLC Director, Office of Sponsored ...

Director Education Services

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$147K - $163K/yr

... educational research and regulatory compliance. By advising the Executive Director and partnering with Program Services leadership, the Director of Education Services translates complex state and ...

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Director Educational Research information

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do director educational research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director educational research in the United States is $191,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $229,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Educational Research do?

A Director of Educational Research oversees and manages research projects related to education, often within academic institutions, government agencies, or educational organizations. They design research studies, analyze data, and report findings to inform educational policy and practice. Their responsibilities also include securing funding, leading research teams, and ensuring that studies adhere to ethical and methodological standards. By guiding research efforts, they help improve educational outcomes and contribute to the field's knowledge base.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Educational Research, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Educational Research, you need advanced expertise in educational theory, research methodologies, data analysis, and usually a doctorate in education or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), research management platforms, and institutional review board (IRB) protocols is typically required. Outstanding leadership, project management, and collaboration skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for designing rigorous studies, leading research teams, and translating findings into impactful educational practices.

What is the difference between Director Educational Research vs Educational Program Manager?

AspectDirector Educational ResearchEducational Program Manager
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Education, Research, or related field; extensive research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Education or related field; program management experience
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, educational agenciesSchools, districts, educational nonprofits
Employer & Industry UsageEducational research organizations, government agenciesEducational institutions, school districts, nonprofits
Common Search & ComparisonHigh overlap in research skills and credentialsFocuses more on program implementation and management

The main difference is that a Director Educational Research primarily leads research initiatives and analyzes educational data, while an Educational Program Manager focuses on overseeing and implementing educational programs. Both roles require strong educational backgrounds, but their core responsibilities and work environments differ.

What are some of the primary challenges faced by a Director of Educational Research when leading large-scale research projects?

One of the main challenges for a Director of Educational Research is coordinating multidisciplinary teams while ensuring research aligns with institutional goals and complies with ethical standards. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on research oversight can be demanding, especially when managing multiple projects with tight deadlines. Additionally, securing funding and maintaining stakeholder engagement require strong communication and leadership skills. Directors must also stay current with advancements in educational research methodologies to guide their teams effectively.
What are the most commonly searched types of Educational Research jobs? The most popular types of Educational Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Educational Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.
Educational Research Scientist

Educational Research Scientist

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$118K - $309K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Application Window
Open date: July 10, 2025
Most recent review date: Friday, Jun 5, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Sunday, Jan 10, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Educational Research Scientist
Department of Surgery and the Center for Faculty Educators: University of California, San Francisco

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Surgery and the Center for Faculty Educators in the Office of Medical Education are seeking a full-time Education Research Scientist to engage in surgical education and join a team of health professions education researchers.
The Education Research Scientist is pivotal in driving UCSF's Department of Surgery and larger UCSF mission to advance medical education scholarship nationwide. This education scientist will engage with the Department of Surgery to advance education innovation and scholarship across the continuum of surgical education. The scientist will provide a strong theory base to the design and conduct of quantitative and qualitative education research studies to advance scholarship in surgical education related to learning, teaching, learner experience, and the effectiveness of educational interventions, programs, and technologies. The scientist also will join a team of education research scientists within the Center for Faculty Educators to collaborate in scholarly efforts and support the development of education scholars at UCSF. This joint position will require the individual to be on campus several times a week and promote a synergy between surgery and medical education that enhances UCSF's contribution to advancing professional education. The scientist will report to the Department of Surgery Vice Chair for Surgical Education and to the Director of Research in Center of Faculty Educators.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Provide education expertise to support innovation in surgical education for students, residents, fellows, and faculty.
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative research studies to advance education scholarship and evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions using rigorous methods.
  • Publish first and co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals and present at national meetings for surgery and medical education.
  • Participate in both surgery and education professional organizations and journals advancing to leadership positions.
  • Collaborate with clinical and doctoral faculty, fellows, residents, students, and staff on education scholarship and develop as a mentor, especially for Surgical Education Research Fellows, MA and PhD students.
  • Along with the other education scientists, provide leadership, teaching, and educational development programs across the UCSF education continuum that include education community building scholarly activities and formal educational programs.
  • Participate actively as a member of the UCSF Office of Medical Education scholarship team.
  • Undertake professional development with members of the education research unit and the Department of Surgery.
  • Contribute to grant writing and proposals to secure research funding and work jointly with the Department of Surgery Vice Chair for Research.
  • Assist in maintaining the accreditation of the surgery skills lab, provide leadership to the Surgical Education Fellowship, and facilitate collaboration with international surgical skills training programs.

This is a 1.0 FTE position. - 70% Department of Surgery and 30% Office of Medical Education. This position is an in-person position.
Qualifications:
  • Must have a Doctorate. Doctorate in education preferred, or applicable fields such as psychology, sociology, organizational psychology.
  • Research expertise: expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods are preferred but not required. All areas of research interest and expertise are welcome. Proficiency in advanced education technologies, including surgical skills simulation, virtual/augmented reality, and artificial intelligence in education, is particularly welcome.
  • Demonstrated academic productivity with first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and national presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team with other researchers, staff colleagues, and clinicians.
  • Familiarity with database and analytic software.
  • Qualified for appointment at any academic rank.
  • Familiar with health professions education is preferred.

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 5 . The minimum base salary range for this position is $118,000 - $309,800. This position includes membership in the health sciences compensation plan which provides for eligibility for additional compensation.
Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05674 .
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
  • Cover Letter
  • Statement of Research
  • Statement of Teaching

Reference requirements
  • 5 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
โ€ข "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
โ€ข UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
โ€ข UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
โ€ข APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA