1

Senior Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Scientist

Manhattan, NY

$108K - $137K/yr

This Senior Research Scientist will work under the direction of Principal Investigator and Medical Director for Geriatric Emergency Medicine, Dr. Ula Hwang. She is the PI of the NIA-funded Geriatric ...

Senior Research Scientist

New York, NY ยท On-site

$107K - $137K/yr

This Senior Research Scientist will work under the direction of Principal Investigator and Medical Director for Geriatric Emergency Medicine, Dr. Ula Hwang. She is the PI of the NIA-funded Geriatric ...

Senior Research Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

We are actively seeking a Senior Research Manager to join the Murphy Research team ... In this role, you will direct the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse ...

Senior Research Scientist

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$65K - $120K/yr

This Senior Research Scientist will work under the direction of Principal Investigator and Medical Director for Geriatric Emergency Medicine, Dr. Ula Hwang. She is the PI of the NIA-funded Geriatric ...

The Sr. Clinical Research Director will provide leadership to ensure all operations support quality patient care and clinical research and comply with all Command, federal, state, regulatory, TBI CoE ...

Senior Research Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

We are actively seeking a Senior Research Manager to join the Murphy Research team ... In this role, you will direct the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse ...

Senior Research Librarian

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

... research tools and direct consultants to appropriate sources. * Evaluate diverse sources of ... Senior Director, Information Resources. * Provide orientation and instruction regarding IR ...

Senior Research Librarian

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

... research tools and direct consultants to appropriate sources. * Evaluate diverse sources of ... Senior Director, Information Resources. * Provide orientation and instruction regarding IR ...

Senior Research Manager

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

We are actively seeking a Senior Research Manager to join the Murphy Research team ... In this role, you will direct the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Research Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do senior research director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 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 a senior research director?

A Senior Research Director is a high-level professional responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, planning, and execution of research projects within an organization. They lead research teams, manage budgets, set research priorities, and ensure that projects align with organizational goals. Senior Research Directors also play a key role in mentoring staff, fostering innovation, and maintaining the quality and integrity of research outputs. Their expertise is often critical for decision-making and long-term growth in academic, corporate, or non-profit settings.

How does a senior research director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive research initiatives?

A Senior Research Director often leads multidisciplinary teams that may include data scientists, product managers, and marketing professionals. Collaboration involves setting research priorities, aligning objectives across departments, and ensuring that insights are effectively communicated to stakeholders. Regular meetings, strategy sessions, and joint project planning are common, allowing the Senior Research Director to integrate diverse perspectives and support impactful decision-making. This cross-functional approach is essential for translating research findings into actionable business strategies.

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

AspectSenior Research DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD, Master's), extensive research experienceBachelor's or Master's, some research experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, overseeing multiple projects, high-level decision makingManaging research teams, coordinating projects, data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, academic, and government research settingsCommon in corporate and academic research departments

The Senior Research Director typically holds higher credentials and leads strategic initiatives across multiple projects, while the Research Manager focuses on managing research teams and day-to-day operations. Both roles are essential in research organizations but differ in scope and seniority.

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

To thrive as a Senior Research Director, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and project management, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, SAS, or R), research management platforms, and experience with compliance standards are often required. Strategic thinking, leadership, and strong communication skills enable effective guidance of research teams and collaboration with stakeholders. These skills ensure high-quality research outcomes, innovation, and organizational impact.
More about Senior Research Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Research Director jobs? Cities with the most Senior Research Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Research jobs? The most popular types of Senior Research jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Research Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Research Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

$96K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Sr. Research Scientist
Job no: 495868
Work type: Full Time
Location: Troy, NY
Categories: Research: Microelectronics, Research: Materials & Manufacturing, Researchers and Research Support, CFHE
Job Summary:
The Sr. Research Scientist works as a member of the Center leadership team to lead and perform complex or leading edge research, and will be responsible for the Power Electronics Applications Laboratory (PEAL) and the Center's research collaboration with the power electronics industry by leveraging the capabilities of PEAL. The Scientist is responsible for overseeing the operation of PEAL, including lab safety and supervision of lab users. Additionally, the Scientist will work with Center leadership to develop research collaborations with the power electronics industry. The position involves working directly with industrial partners to assist them with the development and implementation of testing and characterization of different aspects of power electronics, including wide bandgap power semiconductors, power converter static and dynamic behavior, component characterization, and the development of simulation models and analytical tools.
Who we are:
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. โ†—๏ธŽ
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Doctorate (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related field
  • Five (5) or more years of experience in power electronics, preferably in industry, including:
    • Developing and executing R&D projects with industry partners.
    • Demonstrated expertise and practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
      • Power electronics hardware across a broad range of power and switching frequencies
      • Wide bandgap power devices and emerging applications
      • Hands-on experience with power electronics characterization methods, procedures, and tools
      • Programming for basic analysis in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools, along with project management and reporting
      • Laboratory safety procedures

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to apply mastery and broad understanding in areas of expertise to practical scientific or technical projects
  • Excellent analytical, technical, reasoning and innovative problem solving skills
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing situations
  • Ability to balance conflicting priorities
  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively and courteously with internal and external constituents
  • Knowledge of appropriate field specific systems, equipment and techniques of collecting & recording data
  • Ability to analyze and interpret technical data
  • Ability to communicate technical data in a clear, concise manner
  • Knowledge of and ability to pay strict attention to research protocol
  • Ability to remain calm and composed when dealing with difficult situations or people

Representative Job Duties:
  • Lead research team in the formulation of research direction, conception of research ideas and execution of research projects in areas of expertise, emphasizing collaboration with industry.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for new research proposals in areas of expertise. Develop research proposals independently or in cooperation with other Center researchers.
  • Direct the daily operation of CFES Power Electronics Applications Laboratory (PEAL) in compliance with accepted laboratory standards, safety regulations, and other applicable requirements.
  • Supervise, educate, train and manage users including students, researchers, faculty and industry personnel on proper use of PEAL. Authorize use of equipment and coordinate access by users.
  • Maintain and support PEAL spaces and equipment, make recommendations on improvement and upgrade as appropriate.
  • Lead and execute Center research collaboration with the power electronics industry by leveraging PEAL capabilities.
  • Provide technical support and consultation to Center industry partners in areas of expertise, including wide bandgap power electronics, test methods and procedures, and different applications.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for new research projects emphasizing collaboration with industry. Develop research proposals independently or in cooperation with other Center researchers.
  • Contribute to technical publications as well as presentations and communications to existing and potential new partners and research sponsors.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift:
Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required
Travel:
No travel
Driving:
No Driving
Starting Salary/Rate:
Expected hiring range: $80,000 - $138,000 / yr
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application instructions:
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
Job Posted Date:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation and Benefits Information:
Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
Advertised: 06 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App