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Head Of Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valency Systems Inc

Head of Research

Berkeley, CA · On-site

The Position As our Head of Research , with a PhD or advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, you will set the research agenda, shaping how and what we build, and directly ...

BiomeSense

Head of Research

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Head of Research Compensation: $125K- $200K salary, up to 1% equity stock options Full benefits, including health coverage, PTO & parental leave About BiomeSense BiomeSense is a life sciences startup ...

Deeter Analytics Inc

Head of Research

Head of Research About Deeter Analytics Deeter Analytics is a privately held investment research and trading firm managing approximately ~$500M across public markets, alternatives, and private ...

Valency Systems Inc

Head of Engineering

Berkeley, CA · On-site

If you care about open science, advancing research at the speed of thought, and using AI to ... The Position As our Head of Engineering, you will report directly to the CEO. You will own the ...

The Georgetown University

Requirements Job Overview The Institute of International Economic Law ( IIEL ) at Georgetown Law is seeking a Co-Director, Head of Research, to lead the research, training, strategy, and program ...

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Head Of Research information

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do head of research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for head of 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 head of research do?

A head of research oversees the planning, execution, and management of research projects within an organization. They analyze data, develop strategies, and lead teams to generate insights that support decision-making and innovation. Strong analytical skills, leadership, and familiarity with research tools are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Head of Research, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and a relevant advanced degree, often a PhD. Familiarity with statistical software (like SPSS, R, or Python), research management tools, and experience with peer-reviewed publication processes are typically required. Strategic thinking, leadership, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for guiding research teams, securing funding, and delivering high-impact, actionable insights that drive organizational goals.

What is the difference between Head Of Research vs Research Manager?

AspectHead Of ResearchResearch Manager
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees (Master's or PhD), extensive research experienceBachelor's or Master's degree, relevant research experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, overseeing multiple projects and teamsManaging research projects, coordinating teams, and executing research plans
Industry UsageUsed in organizations to denote senior research leadershipCommonly used for mid-level research team leadership
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior research roles and responsibilitiesComparing mid-level research roles and team management

The Head Of Research typically holds a senior leadership position with advanced credentials, overseeing strategic research initiatives. In contrast, a Research Manager focuses on managing research projects and teams at a more operational level. Both roles are essential in research-driven organizations but differ in scope, responsibilities, and seniority.

What is the highest paying job in research?

The highest paying research jobs are often senior roles such as Chief Scientist, Director of Research, or Principal Investigator, typically found in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, or finance. These positions require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, with salaries often exceeding six figures annually.

Can I be a research fellow without a PhD?

A Head of Research typically requires a PhD or equivalent advanced degree, along with significant research experience. While some research fellow positions may accept candidates with a master's degree or relevant industry experience, leadership roles generally demand higher academic qualifications and a strong publication or project record.

How much does a director of R&D make in the US?

A Director of R&D in the US typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with salaries varying based on industry, company size, and experience. Senior roles may include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, reflecting the strategic importance of research and development leadership.

How does the Head of Research typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive organizational goals?

The Head of Research often works closely with product development, marketing, and executive leadership teams to align research initiatives with broader business objectives. This involves translating complex research findings into actionable insights, participating in strategic planning sessions, and ensuring that research priorities reflect market trends and organizational needs. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills and the ability to bridge gaps between technical research staff and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Regular cross-departmental meetings and joint project planning are common practices to foster alignment and drive innovation.
More about Head Of Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Of Research jobs? Cities with the most Head Of Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Research jobs? The most popular types of Of Research jobs are:
What states have the most Head Of Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Of Research jobs include:
Head Of Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Of Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

Head of Research

Valency Systems Inc

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About Valency
Valency Systems is a small, dynamic team of engineers, scientists, and researchers building the global hub for the agentic research era.
We're based in Berkeley, California, and we're building something that matters. If you care about open science, advancing research at the speed of thought, and using AI to accelerate discovery, we'd love to talk.
Our team is hybrid. We come together in person 3 days a week, with the option for 2 days of remote work.
The Position
As our Head of Research, with a PhD or advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, you will set the research agenda, shaping how and what we build, and directly influencing the trajectory of the product. This role reports directly to the CEO.
You'll be hands-on, collaborating with engineering and product leadership to make sure we're solving the right problems before we build the wrong things. If you thrive in a small, fast-moving environment where deep technical research has direct and immediate impact, this role was built for you.
What You'll Do
Set and drive the research agenda
  • Define the research roadmap, prioritizing work that reduces technical risk and accelerates delivery
  • Anticipate hard problems before they become expensive ones - running ahead of the engineering team to validate approaches and surface unknowns early
  • Establish research practices and standards that will scale as the team grows

Deep technical contribution
  • Leverage graph database, algorithm, and recsys knowledge to tackle complex data representation and retrieval challenges
  • Drive measurable improvements in system efficiency and operational cost through research-led optimization
  • Apply expertise in large-scale ML systems to improve model performance, system efficiency, and cost at scale

Cross-functional leadership
  • Be a true partner to the Head of Engineering and Head of Science - not a hand-off relationship, but a tight collaborative loop
  • Work in close alignment with those in product and customer-facing roles to maintain methodological rigor across research output
  • Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable guidance for engineers and non-technical stakeholders alike

People & culture
  • Manage and mentor (world class) junior researchers
  • Contribute to building a culture where curiosity, rigor, and pragmatism coexist

What We're Looking For
Required
  • PhD or advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field
  • Strong command of graph databases and graph algorithms
  • A track record of running independent research programs and turning findings into engineering decisions - not just papers
  • Comfortable operating with autonomy in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment

Preferred
  • Experience with bibliometrics and/or research evaluation methodologies - this is a meaningful plus given our domain
  • Record of academic publications
  • Hands-on experience designing and deploying large-scale ML systems in production
  • Familiarity with cost modeling and performance benchmarking for ML infrastructure

Why This Role
You'll have real influence over how a technically ambitious company thinks and builds. This is a founding-team-adjacent position - the research infrastructure you establish will define how we operate for years to come.
Compensation, Benefits & Equity
We offer a competitive salary, benefits, and meaningful equity in a company building something important from the ground up.
Work Authorization: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Apply