Entry Level Research Director Jobs
New grad research director jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings mix on-site, remote, and hybrid settings across Education, Food & Beverage, and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, with employers like CYTOKINETICS, Yeshiva University, and Dairy Management hiring at this level now.
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INTRODUCTION
KRQE Media Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is seeking a dynamic and analytical Research Director to lead audience research initiatives that support our television, digital, and sales operations. This position is responsible for analyzing audience trends, consumer behavior, and market data to provide actionable insights that drive revenue growth and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with Sales, News, Marketing, and management teams to develop compelling research presentations, identify market opportunities, and strengthen KRQE's competitive position across all platforms.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Overseeing, analyzing and maintaining all research information and functions from Nielsen, Kantar, Marshall Marketing, Strata, Google Ad Manager and other tools that support and enhance the sales and marketing effectiveness of our brands in the marketplace
- Provide valuable research data to Sales, News and Promotions departments. For example, compiling and distributing relevant ratings facts, trends and analysis, ratings successes and challenges
- Prepare inventory and performance reports for sales managers within deadlines
- Gather campaign data for proof of performance presentations for Sales & Marketing clients
- Manage local digital campaign operations
- Communicate with corporate digital ad operations to maintain campaign effectiveness
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Marketing or Communications degree or equivalent experience or Statistics
- Minimum of 2-3 years of media research experience
- Knowledgeable about media related software including Wide Orbit, Kantar, Google Ad Manager and other comparable software
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Problem-solving and deductive reasoning skills
- Clear and concise communications both through writing & presentation skills
- Organizational skills for daily responsibilities & special projects for sales and marketing team
- Knowledge of media campaigns through linear and digital platforms
- Comfortable presenting alongside a team of account executives and Management on key client meetings
- Highly proficient in all Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)
SCAM ALERT:
Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or money. Recruiters with Nexstar Media Group and its local stations will only contact you through official job boards, LinkedIn, or email with Nexstar.tv domain or official station email addresses (example:@wreg.com). Be cautious of any outreach claiming to be from Nexstar or its recruiters via any other messaging platforms or personal email addresses. We will not contact you using a @gmail email address. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a job inquiry or offer, email us at corporaterecruiters@nexstar.tv.
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Food & Beverage
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Media & Entertainment
- Technology & Software
Entry Level Research Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level research director job?
Employers hiring at this level look for candidates who can demonstrate research methodology skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to synthesize findings into clear recommendations. A thesis project, internship, or independent research initiative can substitute for years of full-time experience. Highlighting specific tools you know, such as survey platforms or data analysis software, and showing how your work influenced a decision gives your application a concrete edge.
Which companies hire entry level research directors?
Companies hiring entry level research directors right now include CYTOKINETICS, Yeshiva University, and Dairy Management, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level covers both large organizations with structured research teams and smaller firms where an entry level candidate can take on broad responsibilities from the start.
Are there remote entry level research director jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by industry and employer. About 43% of entry level research director openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, making flexible arrangements accessible at this stage. Candidates open to hybrid or fully remote roles will find a wider pool of openings than those limiting their search to on-site positions only.
Are these new grad research director jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior research director roles. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or academic research toward eligibility, and accepts a portfolio or capstone project in place of extensive professional history. Look for language like "entry level," "junior," or "recent graduates encouraged to apply" as a signal the employer is open to candidates starting out.
Which industries hire the most entry level research directors?
Entry Level research director roles concentrate in Education, Food & Beverage, and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors tend to drive hiring at this level because their research functions are expanding and they actively develop junior talent rather than requiring an established leadership record before making a first hire.