Research Director Jobs in New Jersey
Research Director jobs in New Jersey are in strong demand, concentrated in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, academic research, and public policy, with openings at every level from newly promoted associate director through senior enterprise leadership. The busiest hiring markets are Princeton, New Brunswick, and Newark, anchored by major institutions and corporations such as Johnson and Johnson, Rutgers University, and Merck. The most in-demand specialties are clinical research, health policy, and biomedical research management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Applications for this posting will be accepted until November 13, 2026.
ADP is hiring a Managing Editor & Director – ADP Research.
- Do you excel at transforming economic research, labor market data, and complex analysis into compelling stories that influence business leaders, policymakers, and the public?
- Are you an experienced editor with the confidence and judgment to challenge assumptions, strengthen arguments, and uphold the highest editorial standards?
Well, this may be the role for you. Ready to make your mark?
*** Hybrid (Roseland, NJ) and remote options may be considered for this role. ***
As Managing Editor & Director, you will define and elevate the editorial standard for ADP Research, a leading source of labor market data and evidence-based insights on the economy and the world of work. Our work helps business leaders, policymakers, and the public understand workforce change with greater clarity and confidence.
In this high-impact role, you will work closely with economists, researchers, and senior partners across the business to shape rigorous analysis into distinctive, credible, audience-ready content.
You will bring a deep grounding in economics, business journalism, or research-driven thought leadership along with exceptional editorial judgment. You know how to identify the strongest story, sharpen the central insight, challenge overstatement, and strengthen the quality of the thinking on the page. You are equally comfortable editing long-form research, framing digital content, and guiding senior contributors toward clearer, more compelling work.
ADP Research powers the monthly National Employment Report, a widely followed economic indicator, as well as the weekly NER Pulse, in-depth reports, and analytical content that reaches audiences across digital, media, and live platforms.
Like what you see? Apply now!
Learn more about ADP at jobs.adp.com
What you’ll do:
Here’s what you can expect on a typical day:
- Lead the editorial development of research reports, analytical articles, presentations, and digital content from concept through publication
- Manage website content through the CMS: Create, input, edit, format, organize, and publish content and digital assets, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with editorial and brand standards.
- Set and uphold a distinctive editorial voice and consistently high standards for clarity, rigor, tone, and accuracy
- Partner with economists, data scientists, and subject-matter experts to translate complex analysis into compelling, audience-centered narratives
- Edit for structure, argument, insight, and precision, not only for language and flow
- Apply strong editorial judgment to research claims, data interpretation, and methodology
- Spot logical gaps, weak framing, and overstatement before publication
- Develop headlines, framing, and story packages that increase relevance, reach, and impact
- Shape digital and social content that extends the influence of ADP Research across channels
- Use audience insight and performance analytics to strengthen content strategy over time
- Provide editorial leadership for executive messaging, media-facing content, and external thought leadership
- Influence stakeholders across functions while protecting the quality and integrity of the final product
Experience. You have 10+ years of experience in writing, editing, or leading editorial work in economics, labor market analysis, business journalism, financial reporting, public policy, or research-driven content.
TO SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE:
- Deep experience editing analytically rigorous content in economics, finance, labor market analysis, or adjacent fields
- Exceptional writing, editing, and copyediting skills, including strong command of American English and Associated Press style
- Proven ability to translate complex concepts, data, and research findings into clear, digestible, high-impact language
- Strong instinct for identifying the core story, clarifying the main message, and shaping content for the intended audience
- Demonstrated skill in fact-checking, numerical precision, and strengthening research-based writing through thoughtful challenge.
- Experience managing multiple fast-moving projects while maintaining a consistently high editorial bar
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including the confidence and tact to work effectively with senior contributors
- Experience managing and publishing content through content management systems, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, analytics platforms, and workflow or collaboration tools.
- You will have a bachelor’s degree in economics, journalism, English, communications, a related field, or equivalent.
For additional comfortability in the role:
- Experience in business journalism, economic reporting, or high-level thought leadership publishing
- Experience supporting a public-facing research brand or executive thought leadership platform
- Experience with multimedia storytelling and digital audience growth
- Experience working across global or highly matrixed teams
YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE BECAUSE YOU CAN:
- Collaborate. We value courage, ownership, and respect to find the best solutions together.
- Deliver at epic scale. Your work will shape learning experiences for associates and clients worldwide.
- Be surrounded by curious learners. We stay agile, learn from mistakes, and grow together.
- Act like an owner & doer. You’ll set direction and see your strategy come to life.
- Give back to others. We do the right thing for our clients, associates, and communities.
- Join a company committed to equality and equity. We’re building a culture where everyone belongs.
What are you waiting for? Apply today!
Find out why people come to ADP and why they stay: https://youtu.be/ODb8lxBrxrY
(ADA version: https://youtu.be/IQjUCA8SOoA )
#LI-JR3
#LI-HYBRID
#LI-REMOTE
- Actual compensation will not be less than the applicable minimum wage or minimum exempt salary requirement under federal, state and local laws.
A little about ADP: We are a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration and a leader in business outsourcing services, analytics, and compliance expertise. We believe our people make all the difference in cultivating a down-to-earth culture that embraces our core values, welcomes ideas, encourages innovation, and values belonging. We've received recognition for our work by many esteemed organizations, learn more at ADP Awards and Recognition.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at ADP: ADP is committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace, and is further committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristic including: race, color, genetic information, creed, national origin, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lawful alien status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status or disability. Hiring decisions are based upon ADP’s operating needs, and applicant merit including, but not limited to, qualifications, experience, ability, availability, cooperation, and job performance.
Ethics at ADP: ADP has a long, proud history of conducting business with the highest ethical standards and full compliance with all applicable laws. We also expect our people to uphold our values with the highest level of integrity and behave in a manner that fosters an honest and respectful workplace. Click https://jobs.adp.com/life-at-adp/ to learn more about ADP’s culture and our full set of values.
See All 24 Research Director Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
- Energy
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across New Jersey.
- Advanced degree such as a PhD or master's in a relevant research discipline required
- Minimum seven to ten years of progressive research experience with demonstrated leadership
- Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary research teams and cross-functional projects
- Experience overseeing budgets, grant applications, and regulatory compliance processes
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publication or commercialized research outcomes
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and federal research compliance standards in New Jersey institutions
Research Director Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in New Jersey?
Most research directors in New Jersey reach the role through a combination of a doctoral or master's degree in their field and several years leading research teams or programs. There is no single state-issued license for the title, but roles in clinical or health-related research typically require familiarity with New Jersey Department of Health research compliance standards and IRB certification. Candidates with experience at major New Jersey research universities or pharmaceutical companies move into director roles most reliably.
How much do research directors make in New Jersey?
Research directors in New Jersey earn a median of about $207,030 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $136,840 for the lowest 10% to over $317,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in New Jersey?
Employers hiring research directors in New Jersey right now include NS Pharma, Colgate-Palmolive, and RWJBarnabas Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New Jersey's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters and research universities means demand is particularly consistent in the Princeton corridor and the greater New Brunswick area.
Which New Jersey cities have the most research director jobs?
The cities with the most research director openings in New Jersey are Newark, Princeton, and Camden. Princeton and New Brunswick lead because of the pharmaceutical industry cluster and Rutgers University's research enterprise, while Newark draws openings from healthcare systems and public policy organizations headquartered in the metro.
Are there remote research director jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, and more than many senior roles, since research directors often focus on strategy, oversight, and reporting rather than hands-on lab work. About 63% of research director openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the analytical and managerial nature of the position. The functions most commonly performed remotely include grant writing, data analysis oversight, and cross-team program management.
How can I get hired as a research director in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a research manager or senior research associate role first, then building toward a director title over time. Large New Jersey employers such as Rutgers University and the major pharmaceutical companies in the Princeton corridor regularly hire research coordinators and project managers who advance internally. Completing an IRB certification and building a record of contributed publications or completed grant cycles gives candidates a concrete edge when applying to director-track positions.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find a role that fits and apply directly.
See All 24 Research Director Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director Jobs