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Executive Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We seek an Executive Director to lead research applying advanced machine learning techniques including deep learning and reinforcement learning to systematic strategies, portfolio construction, and ...

The Director of Clinical Research is the senior executive responsible for the strategic, operational, and regulatory leadership of the Presbyterian Healthcare Services clinical research enterprise.

Research Director Sports Medicine

New York, NY ยท On-site

$109K - $166K/yr

Director of the Executive Advisory Board, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Principal Investigator, National Institutes of Health and/or sponsor for each research project. * Contributes to the ...

We seek an Executive Director to lead research applying advanced machine learning techniques including deep learning and reinforcement learning to systematic strategies, portfolio construction, and ...

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Executive Research Director information

See salary details

$36.5K

$89.8K

$165.5K

How much do executive research director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive research director in the United States is $89,818.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive research director?

To excel as an Executive Research Director, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, strategic leadership, and a relevant advanced degree (often a PhD or equivalent). Familiarity with data analytics tools, project management software, and research compliance systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, team leadership, and critical thinking skills set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities are essential for guiding research initiatives, ensuring quality and compliance, and driving innovation at a strategic level.

What is an executive research director?

Executive Research Directors are senior leaders responsible for overseeing and guiding research activities within an organization. They set the research agenda, manage teams of researchers, and ensure that projects align with the organization's goals and standards. Typically, they collaborate with other executives to translate research findings into actionable strategies, secure funding, and represent the research division both internally and externally. Their role is crucial in maintaining the quality, integrity, and relevance of the organization's research initiatives.

What are some typical challenges an executive research director faces when leading multidisciplinary research teams?

Executive Research Directors often navigate the complexities of managing diverse teams composed of experts from various scientific or technical backgrounds. One common challenge is ensuring effective collaboration and communication among team members who may have different terminologies, methodologies, and priorities. Balancing strategic leadership with hands-on guidance, while also aligning research goals with organizational objectives, is another critical aspect of the role. Additionally, Executive Research Directors must stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements to steer projects in innovative directions and maintain competitiveness.

What is the difference between Executive Research Director vs Market Research Director?

AspectExecutive Research DirectorMarket Research Director
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (MBA, PhD) and extensive experience in research leadershipUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in marketing, business, or related fields with relevant experience
Work EnvironmentLeads research teams at executive levels, often in large corporations or consulting firmsOversees market research projects, often within marketing departments or research agencies
Industry UsageCommonly used in corporate strategy, consulting, and large organizationsPrimarily found in marketing, advertising, and consumer insights sectors

The main difference is that the Executive Research Director focuses on high-level research strategy and leadership across organizations, while the Market Research Director concentrates on specific market insights and consumer data to inform marketing strategies.

More about Executive Research Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Executive Research Director jobs? Cities with the most Executive Research Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Executive Research jobs? The most popular types of Executive Research jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Research Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Research Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Executive Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,818 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Executive Director, Research Oncology

Amgen, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Career Category
Research
Job Description
Join Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.
Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
Executive Director, Oncology Research
What you will do
Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role as the Executive Director, Oncology research you will drive the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. This is a high-visibility role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, lead cutting-edge science, inspire talent, and deliver meaningful impact for patients worldwide. Our Oncology Research team is at the forefront of this effort, advancing a bold pipeline of next-generation medicines.
The Executive Director will have extensive experience in oncology drug development, including proficiency leading large molecule and small molecule project teams from target discovery and validation to clinical candidate selection, and supporting clinical and translational studies. The Executive Director will have deep and broad knowledge of cancer biology, including cell signaling pathways, tumor genetics and subtypes, and mechanisms of response and resistance to existing therapeutics, will be essential. The ability to integrate large-scale human datasets, AI/ML, and translational insights into the research portfolio will be an advantage.
The Executive Director will have a central role in co-creating the next generation of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics. You will lead a research team, be responsible for a portfolio of preclinical programs, and drive preclinical activities to support clinical programs and external collaborations. You are a scientific leader who inspires your team and develops talent at all levels. Your strategic vision and scientific expertise will be balanced by flexibility, resilience, and a demonstrated ability to excel in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Responsibilities
  • Drive research strategy and execution for a differentiated oncology portfolio. This effort will initially focus on ADCs and is expected to expand into other modalities.
  • Lead and develop high-performing teams of project leaders and scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and growth.
  • Advance preclinical programs and partner cross-functionally with clinical development and biomarker teams to translate insights into next-generation therapies.
  • Leverage data and technology to accelerate discovery and decision-making.
  • Shape external collaborations, including academic partnerships and business development opportunities.

What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The candidate we seek is an experienced leader with the following qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Doctorate degree & 6 years of oncology research experience OR
  • Master's degree & 10 years of oncology research experience OR
  • Bachelor's degree & 12 years of oncology research experience AND
  • 6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing the allocation of resources

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Doctorate degree (PhD) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with at least 15 years of industry experience in oncology research following postdoctoral training.
  • Demonstrated success leading oncology drug discovery programs from early preclinical phase through IND/CTA submission.
  • Proven scientific accomplishment and innovation in oncology research as evidenced by high-impact publications, invited presentations to congresses, and inventorship on patents.
  • Experience establishing and leading success external partnerships and research collaborations that result in publications and/or that support clinical study design.
  • Experience leading diligence on business development opportunities that advanced to partnerships.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML models and application to drug development.
  • Inclusive, transparent leadership style that puts patients and science first and develops talent at all levels.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

They will also embody the Amgen leadership attributes which are:
  • Inspire: Create a connected, inclusive, and inspiring work environment that empowers talent to thrive
  • Accelerate: Enable speed that matches the urgency of patient needs by encouraging progress over perfection
  • Integrate: Connect the dots to amplify the collective power of Amgen to drive results for patients, staff, and shareholders
  • Adapt: Lead through change by adapting to an ever-changing environment and defining a clear course of action to deliver results

What you can expect of us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.
The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is $270,050 - $365,363. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
  • Comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Salary Range
270,050.95USD -365,363.05 USD