Research Director Jobs in Massachusetts
Research Director jobs in Massachusetts are in strong demand, concentrated in biotech and life sciences, academic research, healthcare systems, and technology policy, with openings at every level from newly promoted associate director to senior vice president of research. Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester anchor the market, where employers like Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Biogen consistently hire research directors across clinical, translational, and applied science functions. The most sought-after specializations include clinical research operations, biomedical and translational science, and health policy research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The senior scientific leader will be responsible for exploring the biology of gut-brain axis hormones at the intersection of metabolism, neurobiology and immunology. This person will develop and execute this strategy, spanning both internal discovery workstreams and external scientific collaborations. The successful candidate is a hands-on scientific leader who can frame the central biological questions, generate and interpret data across in vitro, in vivo, and human/translational systems, and translate mechanistic insight into a portfolio-relevant strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
•
Develop the scientific strategy exploring the biological and mechanistic links between gut-brain axis hormones and peptides and metabolism, neurobiology, and immunology.
•
Build and lead the scientific team to execute that strategy, including leadership of a matrixed, multi-disciplinary team prosecuting this science at the bench.
•
Identify and manage key external collaborations that support the scientific strategy. Provide the scientific and operational leadership to run these partnerships, ensuring lab-based studies deliver on their scientific objectives and stay aligned with immunology strategy and portfolio needs throughout the life of the collaboration.
•
Evaluate external opportunities, using scientific breadth and depth to vet the science and strategic fit of potential partnerships alongside External Innovation colleagues, with a focus on immunometabolic health and immunology.
•
Partner across research and development groups to maintain regular communication of these discovery biology activities with translational and clinical development teams.
•
Contribute as a member of the Immunology Discovery Research Lead team by helping shape the scientific portfolio and develop talent by providing thoughtful review of projects across the entire Immunology portfolio (not only immunometabolic health) and identifying development opportunities aligned with scientists' interests.
Required Qualifications:
•
Ph.D. and relevant post-doctoral training in immunology, neuroscience, immunometabolism, or related field
•
8+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies
•
Experience in both gut-brain axis hormones and peptides (such as incretins and amylin) biology and the biology of chronic immunologic diseases, as demonstrated through authoring of peer reviewed manuscripts and/or patents
Additional skills/preferences:
•
Experience collaborating with internal and external partners across geographies to build and advance strategies and deliver impactful business outcomes.
•
Demonstrated ability to build high performing scientific teams and lead in a matrix environment with emphasis on innovation and teamwork.
•
Proven ability to positively impact team culture and to demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
•
Attention to detail and critical thinking in complex environments. Able to prioritize work for teams and meet target timelines.
•
Excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration/team spirit
•
Impeccable organizational skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in AI applications for business.
•
Experience in external innovation, business development, and performing due diligence.
•
Hands-on experience and demonstrated success in drug discovery and development working across multiple autoimmune diseases.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$168,000 - $290,400
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
#WeAreLilly
The senior scientific leader will be responsible for exploring the biology of gut-brain axis hormones at the intersection of metabolism, neurobiology and immunology. This person will develop and execute this strategy, spanning both internal discovery workstreams and external scientific collaborations. The successful candidate is a hands-on scientific leader who can frame the central biological questions, generate and interpret data across in vitro, in vivo, and human/translational systems, and translate mechanistic insight into a portfolio-relevant strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
•
Develop the scientific strategy exploring the biological and mechanistic links between gut-brain axis hormones and peptides and metabolism, neurobiology, and immunology.
•
Build and lead the scientific team to execute that strategy, including leadership of a matrixed, multi-disciplinary team prosecuting this science at the bench.
•
Identify and manage key external collaborations that support the scientific strategy. Provide the scientific and operational leadership to run these partnerships, ensuring lab-based studies deliver on their scientific objectives and stay aligned with immunology strategy and portfolio needs throughout the life of the collaboration.
•
Evaluate external opportunities, using scientific breadth and depth to vet the science and strategic fit of potential partnerships alongside External Innovation colleagues, with a focus on immunometabolic health and immunology.
•
Partner across research and development groups to maintain regular communication of these discovery biology activities with translational and clinical development teams.
•
Contribute as a member of the Immunology Discovery Research Lead team by helping shape the scientific portfolio and develop talent by providing thoughtful review of projects across the entire Immunology portfolio (not only immunometabolic health) and identifying development opportunities aligned with scientists' interests.
Required Qualifications:
•
Ph.D. and relevant post-doctoral training in immunology, neuroscience, immunometabolism, or related field
•
8+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies
•
Experience in both gut-brain axis hormones and peptides (such as incretins and amylin) biology and the biology of chronic immunologic diseases, as demonstrated through authoring of peer reviewed manuscripts and/or patents
Additional skills/preferences:
•
Experience collaborating with internal and external partners across geographies to build and advance strategies and deliver impactful business outcomes.
•
Demonstrated ability to build high performing scientific teams and lead in a matrix environment with emphasis on innovation and teamwork.
•
Proven ability to positively impact team culture and to demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
•
Attention to detail and critical thinking in complex environments. Able to prioritize work for teams and meet target timelines.
•
Excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration/team spirit
•
Impeccable organizational skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in AI applications for business.
•
Experience in external innovation, business development, and performing due diligence.
•
Hands-on experience and demonstrated success in drug discovery and development working across multiple autoimmune diseases.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$168,000 - $290,400
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
#WeAreLilly
See All 43 Research Director Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Electronics & Hardware
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across Massachusetts.
- Advanced degree in a relevant scientific, clinical, or policy field required
- Minimum of seven or more years of progressive research experience required
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional research teams and managing budgets
- Strong publication record or equivalent evidence of research output and impact
- Experience with IRB protocols, regulatory compliance, or federal grant management
- Familiarity with Massachusetts-based research funding sources such as the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
Research Director Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in Massachusetts?
Most research director roles in Massachusetts require an advanced degree, typically a doctoral or master's degree in a relevant scientific, clinical, or policy field, combined with substantial research leadership experience. Massachusetts does not issue a state license specific to research directors, but roles in clinical research often require familiarity with IRB standards and federal grant compliance. Many candidates build toward the role through senior scientist, principal investigator, or research manager positions at Massachusetts universities, hospitals, or life sciences firms.
How much do research directors make in Massachusetts?
Research directors in Massachusetts earn a median of about $267,290 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $153,490 for the lowest 10% to over $329,820 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring research directors in Massachusetts right now include IPSEN, Whoop, and AstraZeneca, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Massachusetts's dense concentration of academic medical centers, biotech firms, and federally funded research institutions means demand is distributed across both large anchor employers and specialized research-stage companies in the Greater Boston and Cambridge corridors.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most research director jobs?
Boston, Cambridge, and Waltham have the most research director openings in Massachusetts. Boston and Cambridge dominate because of their concentration of academic medical centers, biotech headquarters, and federally funded research institutions, while Worcester draws significant demand from UMass Memorial Health and the emerging life sciences corridor around the Worcester Biotechnology Park.
Are there remote research director jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical fields, since many research director roles require on-site oversight of labs, clinical teams, or institutional facilities. About 71% of research director openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting selective flexibility. The portions of the role most likely to be done remotely include grant writing, data analysis, reporting, and strategic planning functions.
How can I get hired as a research director in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a senior scientist, research manager, or principal investigator role at a Massachusetts academic medical center or life sciences company, then building toward director-level responsibility. Large Massachusetts employers such as Mass General Brigham, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Broad Institute run structured research fellowship and postdoctoral programs that provide a direct bridge to leadership tracks. A strong federal grant record, IRB experience, or a project management credential in clinical research gives candidates a measurable edge when competing for first director roles.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current Massachusetts openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and target institutions, and apply directly to each one.
See All 43 Research Director Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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