Director Of Research Operations Jobs
Director Of Research Operations jobs are open across academia, biotech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare systems, and research-focused nonprofits, from manager-level to senior director, with specializations in clinical research operations, scientific program management, and research compliance. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United.
- Experience in soft condensed matter and/or mechanical metamaterials.
- Strong research skills and experience in experimental design and data analysis.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United.
- Experience in soft condensed matter and/or mechanical metamaterials.
- Strong research skills and experience in experimental design and data analysis.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
Director Of Research Operations Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsDirector Of Research Operations Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Technology & Software
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of research operations jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in life sciences, public health, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-site or multi-study clinical or scientific research programs
- Working knowledge of IRB processes, GCP guidelines, and regulatory compliance frameworks
- Proficiency with research management systems such as OnCore, Veeva, or similar platforms
- Experience developing and monitoring research budgets, contracts, and grant expenditures
- Strong record of leading cross-functional teams across scientific, clinical, and administrative functions
Tips for Your Director Of Research Operations Job Search
Quantify your research portfolio management impact
Your resume should show study counts, budget sizes you've overseen, and cycle-time improvements you drove. Directors of research operations are evaluated on operational outcomes, so replace vague responsibilities with measurable results tied to protocol timelines or resource allocation.
Highlight IRB and regulatory compliance experience clearly
Many postings screen for IRB submission experience, GCP certification, or familiarity with FDA or ICH guidelines. List these explicitly in a credentials section rather than burying them in job descriptions, since applicant tracking systems filter on these terms before a human ever reads your file.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of research operations openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by research phase and setting
A director role in an academic medical center differs sharply from one at a contract research organization or a biotech startup. Filter your search by institution type so your cover letter can speak directly to the operational model, funding structure, and stakeholder mix that employer actually runs.
Prepare a cross-functional leadership narrative
Interview panels for this role typically include lab leads, finance, and compliance. Prepare examples that show you've coordinated across those groups simultaneously, not just managed up or down. Concrete stories about resolving resource conflicts or budget reallocations under deadline land better than general leadership claims.
Negotiate scope and reporting structure, not only pay
In research operations, your authority over staffing, vendor contracts, and protocol prioritization matters as much as compensation. During offer discussions, clarify what decisions you own versus what require committee approval, since scope mismatches cause most early exits in director-level research ops roles.
Director Of Research Operations Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of research operationss?
The companies hiring the most director of research operationss right now include University of Florida, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Virginia Commonwealth University, with the largest share of openings in California, Florida, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Academic medical centers, large health systems, and mid-stage biotech firms consistently account for the highest volume of postings.
How many director of research operations jobs are remote?
About 63% of director of research operations openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote availability concentrated in program management, regulatory operations, and grants administration functions. Roles that require direct oversight of on-site labs, clinical coordinators, or specimen handling are far more likely to require in-person or hybrid presence.
How do you become a director of research operations?
Most directors of research operations move up from research coordinator, study manager, or clinical operations manager roles, building expertise in regulatory compliance, budgeting, and multi-study oversight along the way. Earning GCP certification and gaining experience with IRB submissions strengthens your candidacy. Demonstrating that you've led cross-functional teams and managed research portfolios independently is the clearest signal that you're ready for a director-level role.
Can you get a director of research operations job with limited experience?
Breaking in at the director level with limited experience is difficult, but moving up from a senior coordinator or manager role within the same institution is the most common path. Building deep expertise in one area, such as regulatory submissions, budget management, or protocol development, and then leading a high-visibility project can accelerate promotion into an operations director role faster than lateral moves between organizations.
What does the director of research operations interview process look like?
The process typically involves an initial screening call with HR or a talent partner, followed by a panel interview with research leadership, compliance, and finance stakeholders. Candidates are often asked to walk through how they've managed a complex study or resolved a regulatory or budget challenge. A final round may include a presentation or case exercise demonstrating how you'd approach operational planning or resource prioritization for the team.
Where can I find and apply to director of research operations jobs?
You can find and apply to director of research operations jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each listing from the same place.
See All 31 Director Of Research Operations Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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