Research Director Jobs in Idaho
Research Director jobs in Idaho concentrate in higher education, healthcare research, and agricultural sciences, with the market anchored by universities, regional health systems, and agribusiness institutions. The most active hiring metros are Boise, Moscow, and Pocatello, where employers such as Boise State University, St. Luke's Health System, and the University of Idaho regularly seek senior research leaders. The most in-demand specialties are clinical research, agricultural and environmental science, and policy research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS
*THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO BE CONSIDERED.*
Want to work with a cohesive team with a mission to improve the health of Idahoans within the Division of Behavioral Health?
We are looking for one (1) Research Analyst Principal for our Oversight and Statewide Operations Bureau (OSO). This position will implement the organization and use of information at every level in the Division of Behavioral Health to produce data driven decision making through data analytics. The incumbent will serve as the Subject Matter Expert for data and oversees training and outreach efforts to encourage data governance compliance across all Division of Behavioral Health bureaus. This position manages large datasets and strategizes data harvesting for analytics purposes.
This position can be filled in Boise, Twin Falls, Coeur d'Alene, or Lewiston. The assigned work location will depend on workstation availability at a DHW office.
This position may be eligible for limited telework after successful completion of probation and necessary training. Approval to telecommute is not guaranteed and subject to termination at any time.
BENEFITS:
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:
- We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit at retirement.
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
- Paid parental leave
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax (full-time/30+ hours per week)
- 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
- Deferred compensation plan
- Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Wide variety of training opportunities
- Some positions offer flexible hours and/or telecommuting
- Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
- Employee assistance program
Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
- Assist programs in the development of appropriate performance measures, identifying and assessing approaches to automate or otherwise streamline activities, including data collection and reporting.
- Develop data visualizations and dashboards using Tableau to distill complex information in clear, visually appealing formats.
- Write new Structured Query Language (SQL) queries or modify existing SQL queries to answer questions/aid programs to extract data insights.
- Translate and communicate technical findings into actionable insights and disseminate results in various formats, including written reports, graphics, tables, and oral presentations.
- Review, interpret and analyze information and data, utilizing statistical tools and research methodologies.
- Edit, modify, and validate data from various sources to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Research and develop data governance standards, workflows, policies, and procedures in line with healthcare delivery and regulatory systems.
- Build complex Excel formulas based on multiple spreadsheets.
- Prepare and present results, progress reports, outcome and quality measures, and any additional data to federal partners and/or other stakeholders through written, narrative, graphic, tabular forms and/or through oral presentations.
- Review and approve data results, reports, outcome and quality measures for the Bureau team.
You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position. It is highly recommended to attach a one-page cover letter to your application to demonstrate how you meet the requirements below.
- Experience that demonstrates considerable knowledge of modeling and trend analysis and simulation techniques. Typically gained by completion of at least two semesters of college level statistics in modeling, trend analysis and simulation techniques, AND at least two years of relevant practical experience and training in those areas OR at least three years of relevant practical experience and training in those areas OR Experience or a combination of coursework and experience that represents the knowledge level above.
- Experience planning, developing, and implementing complex research and statistical projects and presenting the results. Typically gained by at least one year of work experience planning, developing, and implementing complex research and statistical projects, and presenting the results. Experience should include independently identifying or defining the scope of the project; analyzing the problem requiring research and statistical analysis; developing the research project; and implementing and presenting the research results.
- Experience using and interpreting output of a statistical analysis software package. Typically gained by at least one year of experience using and interpreting statistical output from a statistical analysis software package (e.g. SAS, SPSS, STATA, Number Cruncher, Excel, Minitab, etc.).
Below is preferred experience. It is not required for the position but applicants with this experience may receive consideration over other applicants.
- Demonstrated experience using database applications such as “SQL Developer”, statistical and data visualization software such as “R” and “Tableau”. Typically gained by one year of work experience using database applications.
- Demonstrated experience of working with large and complex data sets. Typically gained through one year of work experience working with large and complex data sets.
- Demonstrated experience analyzing health-related data such as medical claims data and Electronic Health Record (EHR) data. Typically gained by two semesters of college coursework or one year of work experience.
- Experience compiling and analyzing statistical data and drawing conclusions. Typically gained by at least one year of work experience compiling and analyzing statistical data and drawing conclusions.
Learn About a Career with DHW
***PLEASE NOTE: application assistance is not available after the business hours listed below, on the weekends, or on holidays and you must apply before 4:59 pm on the closing date. When applying, use CHROME as your browser to avoid complications.
If you have questions, please contact us at:
Email is the quickest way to get an answer to your questions.
(answered Monday through Friday during business hours MST)
EMAIL: dhwjobs@dhw.idaho.gov
PHONE: (208) 334-0681
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
See All 15 Research Director Jobs in Idaho
Find roles in Idaho that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in Idaho
Where Idaho roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in Idaho
A snapshot from current Idaho openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Idaho9

- State of Idaho1

- Micron Technology1

- Mountain West Retail1

- Idaho State University1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education9
- Science & Research2
- Electronics & Hardware1
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What Idaho Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across Idaho.
- Doctoral degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, social sciences, or a related discipline
- Minimum of seven to ten years of progressively responsible research experience, including team leadership
- Demonstrated success securing external grants and managing research budgets at an institutional level
- Experience working with Idaho-based research compliance standards including IRB protocols and state agency requirements
- Strong publication record or equivalent demonstrated expertise in the candidate's primary research domain
- Ability to build partnerships with Idaho state agencies, industry stakeholders, or federal research sponsors
Research Director Jobs in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in Idaho?
Most research director roles in Idaho require a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, followed by several years of research and leadership experience at an institution or organization. Idaho does not require a state-issued license specific to research directors, but positions in clinical or healthcare research typically require compliance with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare regulations and institutional review board certification. Candidates who build experience managing grants, publishing research, and leading teams at Idaho universities or health systems move most reliably into director-level roles.
How much do research directors make in Idaho?
Research directors in Idaho earn a median of about $124,800 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $80,790 for the lowest 10% to over $204,550 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in Idaho?
Idaho research director roles are posted by University of Idaho, State of Idaho, and Micron Technology and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Idaho's research director hiring is concentrated among its anchor research universities, regional health systems, and agricultural science organizations that maintain ongoing funded research programs.
Which Idaho cities have the most research director jobs?
Moscow, Boise, and Pocatello have the most research director openings in Idaho. Boise drives the largest share of listings through its concentration of health systems, state agencies, and a growing technology sector, while Moscow and Pocatello reflect the research activity centered at the University of Idaho and Idaho State University, both of which maintain active grant-funded research programs across multiple disciplines.
Are there remote research director jobs in Idaho?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical or advisory fields, since research directors in Idaho often oversee on-site labs, clinical teams, or field programs requiring physical presence. About 9% of research director openings tied to Idaho are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, which reflects the mixed nature of the role. The parts of the work most suited to remote arrangements are grant writing, administrative oversight, and strategic planning rather than direct research supervision.
How can I get hired as a research director in Idaho with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is to enter through a research coordinator, research scientist, or associate director role at an Idaho university, health system, or state agency and build toward leadership from there. Boise State University, the University of Idaho, and Idaho State University all post entry and mid-level research positions that serve as pipelines for director-level advancement. Gaining IRB coordinator certification, securing a co-investigator credit on a funded grant, or completing a postdoctoral appointment at one of these institutions gives candidates a concrete edge when applying for director roles.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in Idaho?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in Idaho on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 15 Research Director Jobs in Idaho
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