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Research Director Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Director of R&D and Laboratory Operations The Director of R&D Laboratory Operations for Pivotal is responsible for strategic leadership, daily management, and continuous improvement of research and ...

Research Coordinator

Reno, NV · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Job Title Research Coordinator Summary The Data Specialist reports to the Local Manager. The Data ... direct and sublet space, etc. * Update C&W exclusive listings on a monthly basis * Collect ...

Site Director

Reno, NV · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Site Director Status: Full Time Classification: Exempt Location: In Person, Nation's Finest Site ... Research & identify new funding sources to supplement or expand Nation's Finest services. Develop ...

Site Director

Reno, NV · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Site Director Status: Full Time Classification: Exempt Location: In Person, Nation's Finest Site ... Research & identify new funding sources to supplement or expand Nation's Finest services. Develop ...

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Research Director information

See Reno, NV salary details

$57.3K

$190.8K

$229.8K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for research director in Reno, NV is $190,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,100.00 and $228,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Reno, NV?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Reno, NV are:

What job categories do people searching Research Director jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Director jobs in Reno, NV are:

What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Research Director jobs?

Cities near Reno, NV with the most Research Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Director job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $190,759 per year, or $91.7 per hour.

Associate Director Research Laboratory Sciences

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.

Reno, NV • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Charles River Laboratories rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Description

We are seeking as Associate Director, Research Laboratory Sciences for our Safety Assessment site located in Reno, NV.

Manage assigned scientific staff and provide scientific direction, operational oversight, and provide mentorship for junior staff. Develop and maintain strong client/sponsor relationships and participate in business development activities. Additional responsibilities include serving as the subject matter expert and primary scientific contact for internal and external clients and the on-site support of their programs, as well as ensuring the regulatory compliance of laboratory procedures, documentation, and data management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Efficiently perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws to include interviewing, hiring, training, and development of employees.
  • Develop organizational strength by hiring, identifying and developing personnel who are scientifically and/or technically strong.
  • Establish culture and atmosphere to maintain good retention and low turnover using available tools and metrics. 
  • Operate as a subject matter expert to provide leadership, expert consultation and mentorship to cross-functional company teams.
  • Collaborate and consult with prospective Sponsors, providing scientific expertise and developing ongoing Sponsor relationships. Assist with providing costing estimates for components of applicable studies.
  • Lead implementation of new procedures and refinement of existing procedures to meet current and future business needs.
  • Effectively plan, assign and direct work within one or more operational areas.
  • Maintain critical thinking, troubleshooting and time management skills aligned with needs of operational areas.
  • Provide leadership for the robust development of novel methods within one or more operational areas, demonstrating proficiency with lab skills and understanding of scientific and regulatory concepts in experimental design.
  • Establish and maintain best practices and processes for training, mentoring and transition of developed methods.
  • Skillfully oversee the design, conduct, interpretation and reporting of studies as needed.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills through both formal and informal collaboration and discussions with peers, supervisor, team, cross-site, and externally with collaborators and sponsors.
  • Ensure laboratory tasks and operations are executed in compliance with SOPs, protocols, regulatory requirements as needed.
  • Review and approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protocols, policies, best practices and study procedures.
  • Maintain contemporaneous knowledge of regulatory requirements.
  • Effectively utilize project management systems.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications

•    Education: PhD or international equivalent in a science related field required. 
•    Experience: 10 or more years’ experience in the contract research or pharmaceutical industry conducting scientific research. Experience in a GLP (discovery) environment required. Management experience required. Experience with financial business planning and project management experience preferred. 
•    An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. 
•    Excellent verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. 
•    Demonstrated independent analytical and problem-solving abilities. 
•    Demonstrated proficiency in managing a laboratory area. 
•    Demonstrated knowledge and full understanding of GLP regulatory requirements and industry standards. 
•    Ability to develop and maintain client/sponsor relationships and direct client/Sponsor programs. 
•    Ability to interact appropriately with all levels of employees. 
•    Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
•     Ability to work in a dynamic, detailed driven environment. 
•    Ability to apply leadership, negotiation, interpersonal, and managerial skills. 
•    Ability to oversee multiple projects, prioritize work and meet deadlines. 
•    Computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, instrumentation and analysis software. 
•    This position may require occasional travel.

WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS: 
•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform general office and/or laboratory procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, typing/entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards. 
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

The base pay range for this position is between $150,000 to $170,000. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market.  Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.


About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life.  Based on your position these may include:  bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For more information, please visit www.criver.com.


What Charles River Laboratories employees say

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About Charles River

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1947