ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nashville CARES

Research Director

Nashville, TN

$92K - $105K/yr

Research Director Location: Nashville, TN Job Type: Full-Time Reports to: Principal Investigators Salary Range: $92,000 - $105,000 annually Lead Meaningful Research That Improves Lives Join Nashville ...

Nashville CARES

Research Director

Nashville, TN

$92K - $105K/yr

Research Director Location: Nashville, TN Job Type: Full-Time Reports to: Principal Investigators Salary Range: $92,000 - $105,000 annually Lead Meaningful Research That Improves Lives Join Nashville ...

Nashville CARES

Research Director

Nashville, TN

$92K - $105K/yr

Research Director Location: Nashville, TN Job Type: Full-Time Reports to: Principal Investigators Salary Range: $92,000 - $105,000 annually Lead Meaningful Research That Improves Lives Join Nashville ...

Nashville CARES

Research Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

$92K - $105K/yr

Research Director Location: Nashville, TN Job Type: Full-Time Reports to: Principal Investigators Salary Range: $92,000 - $105,000 annually Lead Meaningful Research That Improves Lives Join Nashville ...

System1 Group

Research Director

New York, NY · On-site

Research Director * Location: US (New York) * Permanent * Salary: $154,500 About System1? In the words of one of our senior clients recently... "Market Research has changed more in the last 3 years ...

System1 Group PLC

Research Director

New York, NY · On-site

$154K/yr

Research Director * Location: US (New York) * Permanent * Salary: $154,500 About System1? In the words of one of our senior clients recently... "Market Research has changed more in the last 3 years ...

National University System

ENLACES Research Director

$79K - $120K/yr

The ENLACES Research Director is a key leadership role reporting directly to the Dean, Sanford College of Education. Leads, in collaboration with the Dean, research efforts with functional area ...

BioVid

Market Research Director

Bristol, PA · On-site

$130K/yr

Market Research Director Since day one, BioVid's formula for success has been driven by a collaborative, high-performing, and growth-focused culture, where talented individuals are empowered to push ...

LIMRA AND LOMA

Assistant Research Director

Windsor, CT · On-site

We are seeking an Assistant Research Director, Compensation Research to join our Compensation Research team. In this role, you will analyze financial services industry data, support benchmarking ...

BioVid

Market Research Director

Bristol, PA

Market Research Director Since day one, BioVid's formula for success has been driven by a collaborative, high-performing, and growth-focused culture, where talented individuals are empowered to push ...

BioVid

Market Research Director

Bristol, PA · Remote

Salary: 130,000+ Market Research Director Since day one, BioVids formula for success has been driven by a collaborative, high-performing, and growth-focused culture, where talented individuals are ...

Lumen Technologies

Strategy & Research Director

OR · Remote

$152K - $202K/yr

The Role The Director of Strategy & Research is a critical role in the transformation and growth story of Lumen. This role leads the creation of research insights leading to production of public ...

webAI Inc

AI Research Director

Austin, TX · On-site

The AI Research Director will lead webAI's advanced research initiatives across large language models, multimodal systems, edge inference, and distributed AI. This role drives the scientific vision ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsResearch JobsResearch Director Jobs

Research Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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.

What is the difference between Research Director vs Research Manager?

AspectResearch DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often advanced degreesBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; some roles prefer advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in research departments, overseeing multiple projectsManaging research teams and projects, focusing on execution
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, academic, and government research settingsCommon in corporate and academic research teams

The Research Director typically holds a higher strategic leadership role, overseeing research initiatives and setting long-term goals. The Research Manager focuses more on managing day-to-day research activities and team coordination. Both roles require strong research credentials, but the Research Director's scope is broader and more strategic.

What does a Research Director do?

A Research Director oversees the planning, execution, and management of research projects within an organization. They are responsible for setting research goals, developing strategies, and ensuring that projects align with the company's objectives. Research Directors lead teams of researchers, manage budgets, and analyze data to drive decision-making. Additionally, they often present findings to stakeholders and keep up-to-date with advancements in their field to maintain the organization's competitive edge.

How does a Research Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Research Director, you will frequently work with cross-functional teams, including product managers, data analysts, marketing professionals, and senior leadership. Collaboration often involves establishing research priorities, aligning on project goals, and communicating key findings to various stakeholders. Effective Research Directors facilitate regular meetings, provide clear direction to research staff, and ensure that research insights are integrated into broader organizational strategies. This collaborative approach is essential for delivering impactful research outcomes that support business objectives.

What Is a Research Director?

A research director manages a company’s research and development department. As a research director, you supervise team members, overseeing data collection and analysis, product design, and manufacturing. Other responsibilities include hiring and training new staff, conducting performance evaluations, and gathering information and preparing detailed reports about the progress and outcomes of research projects. The qualifications for a career as a research director are a doctorate in science and at least five years of management experience.

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

To thrive as a Research Director, you need advanced expertise in research methodology, data analysis, and project management, typically supported by a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software, data visualization tools, and research management systems is often required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for guiding research teams, ensuring the quality of deliverables, and aligning projects with organizational goals.
More about Research Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Director jobs? Cities with the most Research Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs? The most popular types of Research jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Research Director jobs? The top employers for Research Director jobs are:
What states have the most Research Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Director jobs are:
Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% 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.
Research Director

Research Director

Nashville CARES

Nashville, TN

$92K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Overview

Now Hiring: Research Director

Location: Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Principal Investigators
Salary Range: $92,000 – $105,000 annually

Lead Meaningful Research That Improves Lives
Join Nashville CARES, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic across Middle Tennessee through prevention, treatment, advocacy, and compassionate care.


We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Research Director to lead a major PCORI-funded research initiative focused on improving healthcare outcomes and advancing patient-centered research across multiple regions in the Southern United States.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative research leader who is passionate about public health, community impact, and evidence-based healthcare innovation.

Position Overview:

The Research Director will oversee the full lifecycle of a large-scale research project, including strategic planning, implementation, compliance oversight, stakeholder engagement, data management, and dissemination of findings.


This role partners closely with Principal Investigators, clinicians, analysts, community organizations, and cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of high-impact research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:
Research & Project Leadership

  • Lead all phases of the PCORI-funded research project
  • Ensure project milestones, timelines, and deliverables are successfully achieved
  • Drive strategic execution and operational oversight

Team Management

  • Supervise and mentor research staff, analysts, and coordinators
  • Foster collaboration, accountability, and professional growth within the team

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with advocacy groups, healthcare partners, and community organizations
  • Ensure research initiatives reflect patient priorities and community needs

Data & Research Oversight

  • Oversee data collection, management, and analysis activities
  • Maintain high scientific, ethical, and methodological standards

Grant Compliance & Reporting

  • Ensure compliance with PCORI guidelines, reporting requirements, and budget management
  • Support regulatory and ethical research compliance processes

Publications & Dissemination

  • Lead development of reports, presentations, and publications
  • Help communicate research findings to both professional and public audiences

Qualifications:

  • PhD or equivalent degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Services Research, or a related field
  • 5–7+ years of experience leading health research initiatives and multi-site studies
  • Experience managing PCORI-funded research strongly preferred
  • Strong leadership and project management skills
  • Experience with statistical and analytical tools such as SAS, R, or SPSS
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities
  • Deep commitment to patient-centered and ethical research practices

Why Join Us?

  • Make a direct impact in HIV prevention, care, and health equity
  • Work alongside passionate professionals in a collaborative environment
  • Contribute to innovative, community-focused healthcare research
  • Access ongoing professional development opportunities

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • 27 Days Paid Time Off Annually
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program

Equal Opportunity Statement:
Nashville CARES is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.