Research Director Jobs in Minnesota
Research Director jobs in Minnesota concentrate in academic research, healthcare systems, and nonprofit and public policy sectors, with strong demand at the senior leadership level across the Twin Cities and beyond. Minneapolis and St. Paul anchor the market, where institutions like the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and 3M maintain dedicated research leadership teams. The most sought-after specialties include clinical and translational research, policy and program evaluation, and applied market research. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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See related jobsWe support and empower our employees to grow their careers in an environment that encourages a sense of belonging and a connection to doing good. We’re not afraid to roll up our sleeves to make our goals a reality and work together to solve for our customers. We reward and recognize our employees based on our values of Aspire to Greatness, Respect All, Own It, Working Together, Persist with Passion.
- Lead the clinical strategy and evidence-generation roadmap for Laborie's Urology franchise, including Optilume Stricture, Optilume BPH, and diagnostic and therapeutic product portfolios.
- Drive the development and execution of multi-year clinical programs that support product innovation, regulatory submissions, indication expansion, and lifecycle management.
- Build, mentor, and lead a team of Clinical Project Managers, Clinical Scientists, and clinical research professionals while fostering a culture of scientific rigor and operational excellence.
- Partner closely with Regulatory Affairs, R&D, Medical Affairs, Product Management, Marketing, Quality, and Post-Market Surveillance to align clinical evidence strategies with business objectives.
- Represent Laborie with key opinion leaders, investigators, professional societies, research organizations, and external partners worldwide.
- Influence executive decision-making through the application of clinical insights, competitive intelligence, and evidence-based recommendations that drive franchise growth.
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific, clinical, biomedical, engineering, or related healthcare discipline.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in Clinical Research, Clinical Affairs, Medical Affairs, or a related function within the medical device industry.
- 5+ years of people leadership experience managing clinical research professionals and/or managers.
- Strong leadership, strategic planning, project management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (MS, MPH, PhD, PharmD, DNP, MD, or equivalent).
- Experience in urology, pelvic health, interventional therapies, drug-device combination products, or related medical device markets.
- Experience supporting both product development and commercially marketed medical devices.
- Paid time off and paid volunteer time
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account with Company Funded Contributions
- 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Parental Leave and Adoption Services
- Health and Wellness Programs and Events
- Awarded 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation Gold Level
Laborie provides equal employment opportunities and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Laborie is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our services, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities.
We support and empower our employees to grow their careers in an environment that encourages a sense of belonging and a connection to doing good. We’re not afraid to roll up our sleeves to make our goals a reality and work together to solve for our customers. We reward and recognize our employees based on our values of Aspire to Greatness, Respect All, Own It, Working Together, Persist with Passion.
- Lead the clinical strategy and evidence-generation roadmap for Laborie's Urology franchise, including Optilume Stricture, Optilume BPH, and diagnostic and therapeutic product portfolios.
- Drive the development and execution of multi-year clinical programs that support product innovation, regulatory submissions, indication expansion, and lifecycle management.
- Build, mentor, and lead a team of Clinical Project Managers, Clinical Scientists, and clinical research professionals while fostering a culture of scientific rigor and operational excellence.
- Partner closely with Regulatory Affairs, R&D, Medical Affairs, Product Management, Marketing, Quality, and Post-Market Surveillance to align clinical evidence strategies with business objectives.
- Represent Laborie with key opinion leaders, investigators, professional societies, research organizations, and external partners worldwide.
- Influence executive decision-making through the application of clinical insights, competitive intelligence, and evidence-based recommendations that drive franchise growth.
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific, clinical, biomedical, engineering, or related healthcare discipline.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in Clinical Research, Clinical Affairs, Medical Affairs, or a related function within the medical device industry.
- 5+ years of people leadership experience managing clinical research professionals and/or managers.
- Strong leadership, strategic planning, project management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (MS, MPH, PhD, PharmD, DNP, MD, or equivalent).
- Experience in urology, pelvic health, interventional therapies, drug-device combination products, or related medical device markets.
- Experience supporting both product development and commercially marketed medical devices.
- Paid time off and paid volunteer time
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account with Company Funded Contributions
- 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Parental Leave and Adoption Services
- Health and Wellness Programs and Events
- Awarded 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation Gold Level
Laborie provides equal employment opportunities and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Laborie is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our services, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities.
See All 5 Research Director Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Banking & Financial Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across Minnesota.
- Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a relevant research discipline required
- Minimum seven to ten years of progressive research experience, including team leadership
- Demonstrated record of securing external grants or managing large-scale research budgets
- Deep subject-matter expertise in clinical, social science, or applied research methods
- Experience presenting findings to executive stakeholders, boards, or regulatory bodies
- Proficiency with research management platforms and institutional review board processes
Research Director Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in Minnesota?
Most research directors in Minnesota hold a doctoral degree in their field along with several years of progressively senior research roles. In clinical or healthcare research settings, familiarity with IRB protocols and compliance requirements specific to Minnesota health institutions is expected. In nonprofit or government contexts, demonstrated grant management experience carries significant weight. Many Minnesota employers promote from within, so building expertise as a senior researcher or program evaluator at a university, health system, or research organization is the most common path.
How much do research directors make in Minnesota?
Research directors in Minnesota earn a median of about $136,450 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,050 for the lowest 10% to over $289,790 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in Minnesota?
Companies currently hiring research directors in Minnesota include Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, CentraCare, and University of St Thomas, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Minnesota's concentration of large health systems, research universities, and Fortune 500 headquarters means demand for research leadership is spread across multiple sectors rather than any single industry.
Which Minnesota cities have the most research director jobs?
The cities with the most research director openings in Minnesota are Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Maple Grove. The Twin Cities metro dominates because it is home to the University of Minnesota's flagship research campus, major health systems including Fairview and Allina Health, and corporate research operations at companies like 3M and UnitedHealth Group, while Rochester draws openings through Mayo Clinic's extensive clinical and translational research programs.
Are there remote research director jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, and more than many leadership roles, since research directors in policy, market research, and program evaluation can often work remotely. About 0% of research director openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting growing flexibility at the senior level. The functions most likely to allow remote work include grant writing, data oversight, and strategic planning, while lab-based or clinical research roles typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a research director in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic path for candidates without director-level experience is to move into a senior researcher, research manager, or program evaluator role at a Minnesota university, health system, or public agency first. The University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic both run postdoctoral and research associate programs that build the credentials and networks needed for leadership roles. Lateral moves from adjacent positions such as clinical research coordinator, policy analyst, or data science manager can also open the door, particularly when paired with a relevant advanced degree.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location preferences.
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