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Research Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Research Director information

See Indiana salary details

$54.7K

$182.1K

$219.3K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for research director in Indiana is $182,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,900.00 and $217,900.00 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.

How to become a research director?

To become a research director, candidates typically need a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field, extensive experience in research roles, and strong leadership and project management skills. Progression often involves advancing through research positions, developing expertise, and demonstrating the ability to oversee large projects and teams.

What does a research director do?

A research director oversees research projects, manages teams of researchers, and develops strategies to meet organizational goals. They analyze data, ensure research quality, and often coordinate with other departments to implement findings effectively. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and familiarity with research tools are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying job in research?

The highest paying research roles are often senior positions such as Chief Scientific Officer or Director of Research in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, or finance. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures annually.

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.

How much do research directors make in the US?

Research directors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $150,000, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior research directors or those in specialized fields can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $200,000 with bonuses and benefits included.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Research jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Director jobs in Indiana? For Research Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Research Director jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Research Director job openings:
Clinical Research Director (P4-P5)

Clinical Research Director (P4-P5)

Eli Lilly and Company

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$101K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
Eli Lilly and Company seeks a Clinical Research Director (P4-P5) to identify and deliver strategic initiatives in support of global clinical trials. Develop and optimize sponsor oversight documents, processes, and activities. Lead business integration, planning, and implementation efforts. Identify areas for process improvements and efficiency gains. Oversee vendor performance, productivity, and accountability. Evaluate consolidated quality elements, identify trends, and initiate actions to mitigate risk. Ensure inspection readiness related to vendor partnerships. #LI-DNI
Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy or a closely related scientific field followed by 5 years of progressively responsible experience with Phase 2 and Phase 3 Global trials for global Clinical Research. Experience must include a minimum of: 3 years of experience with managing global clinical research organizations or external vendor oversight for the execution of clinical trials; 3 years of experience with quality management to ensure inspection readiness; 3 years of experience with trial risk management; 3 years of experience with clinical trial/site data analytics to ensure improved quality of clinical trial data; experience in utilizing Excel and Power BI for analysis and reporting and use of electronic data capture tools for patient reported outcomes; and technical experience with and application of GCP ICH requirements for application across a global environment. Up to 25% domestic and international travel required. #LI-DNI
Job location: Indianapolis, IN
To apply, please visit https://jobsearch.lilly.com/ and enter job requisition number R-107966 when prompted. Alternatively, please send your resume, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Drop Code 1093, Indianapolis, IN 46285.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$101,379.00 - $181,067.00 per year
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
#WeAreLilly

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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876