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Research Operations Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35K

$110.9K

$184.9K

How much do research operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for research operations director in Chicago, IL is $110,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $139,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research operations director?

A Research Operations Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the infrastructure, processes, and resources that support research activities within an organization. They manage teams, budgets, and systems to ensure research projects run efficiently and comply with regulatory standards. Their role often includes improving workflow, implementing best practices, and supporting researchers with tools and training. The goal is to streamline research operations and enhance the impact of research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research operations director?

To thrive as a Research Operations Director, you need expertise in research management, process optimization, and budgeting, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, compliance systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for leading teams and coordinating complex projects. These skills ensure efficient research operations, compliance with regulations, and the successful delivery of research outcomes.

What are the main challenges a research operations director faces in supporting cross-functional research teams?

A Research Operations Director often navigates challenges such as coordinating resources across multiple research projects, ensuring consistent processes, and managing communication between diverse stakeholders like researchers, product managers, and leadership. Balancing the needs of various teams while maintaining research quality and compliance can be complex, especially as organizations scale. Effective directors establish standardized procedures, foster a culture of collaboration, and implement tools that streamline workflows to address these challenges.

What is the difference between Research Operations Director vs Research Manager?

AspectResearch Operations DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or PhD) and extensive experience in research managementUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree with several years of research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple research teams, manages operations, and aligns research strategies with organizational goalsManages specific research projects or teams, focusing on execution and deliverables
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, tech companies, and research institutionsFound across various industries including tech, healthcare, and market research firms

The Research Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and operational management of research functions, while the Research Manager handles day-to-day project execution. Both roles require research expertise, but the director role involves broader leadership and organizational responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Research Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Research Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Research Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Operations Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,926 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Research Business Operations, Director

Chicago, IL • On-site

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about Shirley Ryan AbilityLabexternal

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you'll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You'll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none - one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You'll play a role in something that's never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.
Job Description Summary
The Research Business Operations, Director develops the business strategy for SRALab's portfolio of research commercialization, industry partnerships, sponsored clinical trials, research collaborations, and technology licensing initiatives that advance new therapeutic options for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's patient populations. In partnership with the Chief Scientific Officer, Scientific Chair of Technology & Innovation, Office of General Counsel, Office of Research Administration, Medical Director of SHARE and International Programs, and SRALab's clinical and research leaders, the Director sets priorities, evaluates opportunities, and drives enterprise-wide execution in support of Advancing Human Ability™.
The Director serves as the principal strategic advisor and business partner to the Scientific Chair of Technology & Innovation, helping shape commercialization and partnership priorities and translating them into executable business, clinical, and research programs. The Director co-leads portfolio strategy, opportunity assessment, contract and budget strategy, cross-functional implementation, and performance oversight for industry-sponsored research and strategic partnerships. This role is accountable for ensuring that collaborations are strategically aligned, financially viable, operationally efficient, appropriately governed, and successfully executed.
Job Description
The Research Business Operations, Director will:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive business development and partnership strategy for research commercialization, industry-sponsored research, and technology development in alignment with the Scientific Chair's and SRAlab's enterprise priorities.
  • Direct the planning and initiation of SRAlab's portfolio of industry-sponsored clinical trials and research collaborations, in collaboration with the Office of Research Administration, including portfolio prioritization, timelines, resource allocation, budgeting, site coordination, regulatory requirements, risk management, and performance tracking.
  • Lead business and financial negotiations for clinical trial agreements, research collaboration agreements, and related industry contracts in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel and Office of Research Administration, and direct the development of commercially and operationally sound budgets.
  • Develop and oversee financial strategies, budgets, forecasts, pricing frameworks, and negotiation parameters for sponsored research and commercialization initiatives; lead negotiations with industry sponsors, in collaboration with the Office of Research Administration, to ensure appropriate cost recovery, margin alignment, risk management, and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Establish cross-functional resource and staffing plans with the Office of Research Administration and SHARE leadership to support the effective execution and scalable growth of sponsored clinical trials and research collaborations.
  • Develop and oversee strategic relationships with partner institutions, including academic medical centers, to expand access to capabilities, sites, expertise, and other resources required for successful conduct of clinical trials and research collaborations.
  • Lead enterprise-wide, cross-functional initiatives and governance processes involving legal, business, marketing, research, fundraising, clinical, and operational leaders; establish shared priorities, decision pathways, accountability, and performance expectations.
  • Serve as one of SRAlab's senior business representatives with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, digital health, and academic partners; cultivate executive-level relationships, identify and evaluate collaborative research and product development opportunities, and lead business negotiations to ensure strategic alignment, equity, accountability, and clear decision and execution pathways.
  • Establish and monitor portfolio-level performance metrics, financial and operational dashboards, forecasts, and risk indicators; regularly report results, opportunities, and corrective actions to research and executive leadership.
  • Advise the Scientific Chair, Chief Scientific Officer, and other research leaders on market dynamics, partnership models, commercialization pathways, investment priorities, and the business implications of emerging opportunities.

Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Reporting Relationships
  • Reports directly to the Scientific Chair of Technology & Innovation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline required; MS or PhD is a strong plus
  • MBA preferred but not required
  • Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, contracting, and operational requirements for the conduct of clinical research and industry-sponsored programs
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in research business operations, business development, strategic partnerships, commercialization, or sponsored research within healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, digital health, or an academic medical center environment; ten (10) years of relevant experience is preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership in structuring and negotiating complex collaborative research agreements, clinical trial agreements, strategic partnership agreements, and associated financial terms with industry sponsors.
  • Strong understanding of product-focused commercial research and development, technology transfer, intellectual property, clinical development, and commercialization processes.
  • Outstanding enterprise leadership, portfolio management, and program execution skills, with a proven track record of influencing cross-functional teams and building durable executive relationships with corporate and institutional partners
  • Exemplary executive communication, influencing, negotiation, judgment, and conflict-management skills
  • Ability to establish strategy, operating discipline, performance metrics, and decision frameworks while working effectively in a fast, innovative, fluid, and entrepreneurial environment

Working Conditions
  • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Pay and Benefits*:
Pay Range:
$110,800.00 - $184,000.00
Benefits:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits
*Benefits and benefits' eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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