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Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Research Director information

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 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.

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.
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Research Director jobs near you
ENLACES Research Director

ENLACES Research Director

National University System

Remote

$79K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Compensation Range:
Annual Salary: $79,930.00 - $120,000.00
In addition to a CV, applicants must submit one original, peer-reviewed research publication in which they served as either the first or second author. The submitted sample must demonstrate scholarly expertise in quantitative research methods or a mixed methods research design with a substantial quantitative component. The publication should reflect the applicant's ability to contribute to rigorous empirical research, data analysis, and evidence-based scholarship relevant to the field of community based healthcare, mental health or education as related to student achievement.
Position Summary
The ENLACES Project is a federally funded Full-Service Community School (FSCS) implementation grant. 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 oversight across research, grants/RFPs, & policy, and support with developing research related to measuring and evaluating the efficacy of services provided to children, families and teachers in a full-service community schools initiative. This role is responsible for developing and executing a research agenda across ENLACES in close collaboration with senior leadership at National University.
The ENLACES Research Director is responsible for leading research team efforts including school-district level initiatives and partnerships related to research, including impact evaluations, quasi-experimental research and mixed methods studies, pilot/case studies, and research-practice partnerships. This position also serves as a key leader to help translate research into practice and ensure services align with evidence-based practices. This position assists executives and/or senior directors in defining organizational goals and strategic plans that have a critical impact on the success of functional areas and organizations. This role will also help secure additional grant funds for research, as well as oversight over graduate and undergraduate students and other research assistants.
Essential Functions
  • Develop and execute a research agenda for Full-Service Community Schools implementation centered on efficacy, outcomes, and children/family growth
  • Partner with National University faculty/staff to create structures for staff and graduate and undergraduate students to participate in research activities
  • Research and evaluate the development and delivery of programs utilizing quantitative and mixed-methods research designs
  • Produce research briefs, white papers, and tools to enhance user experience; and engage with other units within National University (e.g., Cause Research Institute) to enhance research efforts. Collaborate with researchers, graduate students, and post-docs at NU Cause Research Institute, Sanford College of Education, JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences, and School of Health Professions to co-develop a robust research agenda supporting ENLACES.
  • Engage in research-practice partnerships with partner districts and strategic partners to better understand ways in which innovative solutions from ENLACES are implemented.
  • Manage research projects with a research team (graduate students and RAs), as well as weigh variety of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring research projects stay on track and within budget.
  • Participate in training, coaching, and supporting graduate and undergraduate students in engaging in research projects.
  • Collect, assemble, and maintain datasets related services provided to children, families, and teachers through ENLACES.
  • Analyze data to generate evidence that can influence policy and practice
  • Write research reports, briefing memos, summaries of journal articles, books, blogs and news articles individually and in collaboration with other researchers and scholars (internal and external).
  • Present results of empirical analysis in interesting and easy to understand table and graphical formats.
  • Contribute to writing grants to support continuation of grant funding that supports community school initiatives.
  • Support the content development of RFPs
  • Partner with external clients and consultants to support research and evaluation.
  • Review content, products, and materials to ensure they align with evidence-based practices
  • Attend conferences and seminars as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Direct supervisory of grant specialists, graduate students, data analysts, and research assistants (3-5 reports)

Requirements:
Education & Experience:
  • Doctoral degree in education, psychology, research methodology or related field with a minimum of three years of related experience required.
  • Five (5) years' experience leading research projects (project director, task leads) required.
  • Project management and continuous improvement experience highly preferred.
  • Experience with data collection or evaluation in community- and school-based settings preferred.
  • Experience with mixed-methods research preferred.
  • Experience building and maintaining partner relationships preferred.
  • Experience with grant writing preferred.
  • Experience designing analyses with practice implications preferred.
  • Schedule flexibility is required for late afternoon, evening, and weekend events when they occur.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:
  • Ability to take big ideas and concepts to develop research projects and communicate effectively to others
  • Strong attention to detail in writing and speaking.
  • Ability to develop and execute projects through effective project management strategies.
  • Can motivate and effectively manage a team, building upon strengths.
  • Ability to provide training and support to graduate and undergraduate students and staff.
  • Dynamic speaking and strong writing skills to communicate precisely and effectively with multiple audiences.
  • Interpersonal qualities: a sense of urgency and engagement; strong leadership capabilities; demonstrated work-ethic and commitment to high-quality service; confidence and excitement about change; a personal presence that is active and inclusive; demonstrated skill to promote and enhance diversity.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Proven ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.

Location: Remote, USA
Travel: Travel to San Diego is approximately 20%, or 4-5 days per month.
#LI-Remote
Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate's qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University's total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the "whole you" with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.
National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 4,500 faculty and staff and serves over 45,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our student population, including adult learners and working professionals.
National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University.

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