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Research Director Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

R&D Partners

Research Associate II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$27/hr

Our team offers well over 200 years of combined staffing experience providing consulting, direct ... R&D Partners takes a proactive approach to recruiting, establishing relationships with experienced ...

Phase2 Technology

Director, Biosphere 2

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

The Director holds a faculty appointment with associated research and teaching responsibilities and exercises broad authority and independent judgment in setting scientific priorities, guiding ...

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Research Director information

See Arizona salary details

$53.6K

$178.3K

$214.8K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for research director in Arizona is $178,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,300.00 and $213,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

More about Research Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Director jobs in Arizona?

For Research Director jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Director jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Director jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Research Director jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Research Director job openings:

Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $178,289 per year, or $85.7 per hour.

Vice Chair, Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (MD, MD/PhD, PhD) (COM-P)

University of Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

  • Strategic Leadership. Establish departmental research priorities and a strategic plan aligned with institutional goals; maintain oversight of the research portfolio; and identify growth opportunities across clinical, translational, outcomes, quality and health services research.
  • Research Team Leadership. Recruit, supervise and provide performance oversight for departmental research personnel-including the research director, research manager and clinical research coordinators-ensuring clear workflows, accountability and professional development.
  • Resource Stewardship. Oversee equitable, mission-aligned allocation of research funds, personnel, protected time and statistical and data support, prioritizing projects of greatest scientific and institutional value.
  • Regulatory Compliance. Ensure all research adheres to IRB, institutional, federal and sponsor requirements, and promote a culture of ethical research conduct.
  • Faculty and Learner Development. Mentor faculty, residents, fellows and students; facilitate research teams and study design; and cultivate a culture in which research is accessible, mentored and valued.
  • Scholarly Productivity. Drive timely, high-quality publication and presentation output, track scholarly products and direct the department's Annual Scholarly Day.
  • Grant Development. Identify funding opportunities (NIH, PCORI, foundations, industry, philanthropy), support faculty in grant development and build a sustainable pipeline of fundable proposals.
  • Institutional Collaboration. Serve as the department's principal liaison to institutional research leadership and facilitate cross-departmental and multicenter collaboration.

PerformanceMetrics

  • Current, well-organized research portfolio with timely IRB compliance.
  • Increased faculty and learner research participation.
  • Sustained publication output in high-impact journals.
  • Growth in extramural grant submissions and awards.
  • Improved workflows, accountability and timely project completion.

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