ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

MediSphere Medical Research Center, LLC

Be Seen First

Clinical Research Assistant II

Evansville, IN · On-site

Position Summary The Clinical Research Assistant provides direct support to Clinical Research Coordinators and Investigators in the conduct of clinical trials. This position is designed as a ...

Actalent

Research Navigator

Indianapolis, IN

$28 - $35/hr

Collaborative environment with direct exposure to physicians, medical leadership, and research sponsors Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN. Pay and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch JobsResearch Director JobsResearch Director Jobs in Indiana

Research Director information

See Indiana salary details

$54.7K

$182.1K

$219.3K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Research Director jobs in Indiana look for?

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

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Research Director jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Research Director job openings:

Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,053 per year, or $87.5 per hour.

Clinical Research Director (P4-P5)

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.
Biotechnology Research and Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Initial Therapeutics, Inc.external

$101.38 - $181.07/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Overview

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.

Qualifications

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.

  • 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;
  • Experience with electronic data capture tools for patient reported outcomes;
  • Technical experience with and application of GCP ICH requirements for application across a global environment.

Up to 25% domestic and international travel required.

Location

Job location: Indianapolis, IN

Application

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.

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities

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.

EEO Statement

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.

Compensation and Benefits

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply