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Qualitative Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & INSIGHTS Location: Lake Mary, FL (Hybrid) Department: Research & Insights ... Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to produce actionable insights and thought leadership for ...

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Qualitative Research Director information

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do qualitative research director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for qualitative research director 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.

How does a qualitative research director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a research project?

As a Qualitative Research Director, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a central part of the role. You will regularly work with product managers, designers, data analysts, and marketing professionals to ensure research findings are aligned with business objectives. This involves leading workshops, presenting insights, and facilitating discussions to translate qualitative data into actionable strategies. Effective communication and the ability to synthesize complex feedback are key to fostering alignment and driving impactful decisions across the organization.

What is the difference between Qualitative Research Director vs Quantitative Research Manager?

AspectQualitative Research DirectorQuantitative Research Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Market Research, Sociology, or related field; experience in qualitative methodsBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Market Research, or related field; experience in quantitative methods
Work EnvironmentLeads qualitative research teams, designs focus groups, interviews, and ethnographiesOversees quantitative data collection, surveys, and statistical analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in marketing, consumer insights, and social research firmsCommon in market research agencies, consulting firms, and corporate analytics

The main difference between a Qualitative Research Director and a Quantitative Research Manager lies in their focus areas. The director specializes in qualitative methods like interviews and ethnographies, while the manager handles quantitative data and statistical analysis. Both roles require research experience but differ in techniques and leadership scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a qualitative research director?

A Qualitative Research Director needs expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and a strong academic background, often with a master's or PhD in social sciences or related fields. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software like NVivo, Atlas.ti, or MAXQDA, as well as experience in managing research projects, is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills help in guiding teams and engaging with stakeholders. These competencies ensure rigorous, insightful research outcomes that drive organizational decision-making and innovation.

What does a qualitative research director do?

A Qualitative Research Director leads and oversees qualitative research projects, such as focus groups, interviews, and ethnographic studies, to gain deep insights into human behavior, attitudes, and motivations. They are responsible for designing research methodologies, managing research teams, analyzing qualitative data, and presenting findings to clients or stakeholders. Their role is crucial in informing strategic decisions for businesses, nonprofits, or academic institutions by providing context-rich, detailed understanding of target audiences.
More about Qualitative Research Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Qualitative Research Director jobs? Cities with the most Qualitative Research Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Qualitative Research jobs? The most popular types of Qualitative Research jobs are:
What states have the most Qualitative Research Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Qualitative Research Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Qualitative Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

Senior Director, Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis - Remote, North America

Thermo Fisher Scientific

NC • Remote

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

First Shift (Days)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Patient-Centered Research (PCR) group helps sponsors to integrate the patient voice in all relevant healthcare decisions, from development over regulatory to reimbursement and product launch. For that, PCR uses a unique combination of scientific fields, including health sciences, psychometrics, epidemiology, psychology, health economics and others. Our work has helped identify and clarify unmet clinical needs, assess burden of illness and evaluate patient outcomes, preference and/or adherence, while supporting promotional and labeling claims on a global scale.

The Senior Director of Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis (QDA) is primarily responsible for the collection, organization and analysis of qualitative data on PCR projects, including: moderation of interviews and focus groups, management of vendors for dedicated qualitative research services, oversight of qualitative research technologies (incl., AI-enabled solutions), and qualitative data analysis. As part of this remit the Senior Director will be responsible for leading the development, improvement and implementation of quality and compliance assurance processes. The aim of this exciting role is to build a best-in-class qualitative research center of excellence that supports our scientific solution teams with its methodological expertise.

This role is critical for our mission to provide a full suite of services and offerings to achieve patient focused drug development.


What You’ll Do:

  • Develop and implement annual QDA business plans, including identifying and implementing a best-in-class qualitative delivery model.
  • Monitor industry developments to ensure the team has access to best-in-class capabilities. 
  • Collaborate with all PCR solution teams (i.e., clinical outcomes assessment, in-trial research, patient preferences, real-world experience and insights) to ensure the successful design and delivery of projects.
  • Manage staff, including interviewing and selection, job description preparation, professional development, goal setting, performance management and any other tasks associated with staff functions and management
  • Drive thought leadership to ensure continuous scientific improvement
  • Support opportunity management to optimize win rates, including leading the development of qualitative research strategies to meet client needs, and ensuring these are appropriately represented in proposals
  • Oversee the delivery of qualitative components of PCR studies, including qualitative data collection (incl., moderation), data management, and data analysis
  • Collaborate with external and internal vendors that support PCR with dedicated qualitative research services
  • Manage qualitative research technologies for data collection and analysis (incl., AI enablement)
  • Work with relevant internal stakeholders to develop, manage, improve and implement qualitative research standards and processes


Education and Experience:

  • PhD, Master’s or Bachelor’s (PhD preferred)
  • At least 12 years of qualitative research leadership in a relevant field with a track record of scientific outputs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Deep and demonstrated understanding of patient centered research, including a demonstrated knowledge of GCP and awareness of working in a regulatory environment.
  • Ability to develop business strategies and plans.
  • Understanding of budgeting and forecasting with the ability to interpret data with attention to detail
  • Proven ability to lead a team to deliver high quality scientific deliverables
  • Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication and staff management skills and experience required
  • Ability to work in a cross functional team
  • Ability to communicate complex information and ideas so that others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
  • Tact and sensitivity in matters relating to confidential material.
  • Fluency in written and oral English


Why Join Us?
When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience – and where your contributions truly make a difference.
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthrough.


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