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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Job Description
WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?
RBC Capital Markets Global Research is a leading provider of innovative, data-driven insights to engage clients and guide investment decisions. Our research reaches across a universe of companies and multiple asset classes, leveraging deep expertise combined with advanced data science techniques.
We are seeking an experienced Director of Research Technology to lead our research technology organization, responsible for directing technology activities and initiatives that power our research business. You will drive the modernization of our technology infrastructure, streamline research workflows for business users, and architect scalable, cloud-native solutions that enable our research teams to deliver innovative insights at scale.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
- Partner closely with senior research leaders, business stakeholders, and product teams to translate business strategy into a modern, resilient technology platform.
- Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team including full-stack developers, data engineers, project managers, and business analysts, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on delivery excellence and continuous improvement.
- Drive the modernization of legacy systems and platforms, upgrading the technology stack to cloud-native architectures, microservices, and contemporary frameworks while maintaining continuity for business-critical workflows.
- Design and oversee the development of software and pipelines that support the complete research lifecycle from analyst ideation and content authoring, compliance, to publication and external distribution via our client-facing portal.
- Architect and implement a scalable, shared data foundation leveraging cloud technology and modern data pipeline technologies to streamline research workflows and enhance delivery of data-driven analysis across our coverage universe.
- Establish and enforce engineering best practices across the organization.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?
Must have:
- Demonstrated experience successfully leading and developing technology teams of 15+ members across multiple disciplines.
- Proven track record of modernizing legacy systems and migrating applications, with experience managing the complexity of transitioning business-critical platforms while minimizing disruption.
- 12+ years of software development and architecture experience, with at least 5+ years in a leadership capacity directing technology teams and strategy.
- Technical expertise across full-stack development using modern languages and frameworks including Java, .NET, Python, and React/Angular.
- Experience designing and implementing distributed systems, microservices architectures, and cloud-native applications using containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern DevOps practices including CI/CD pipelines.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience building or modernizing research, publishing, or content management platforms, particularly those serving financial services or investment research clients.
- Familiarity with generative AI models and their practical applications in enterprise software, content automation, or analytics workflows.
- Background in Financial Services, capital markets technology, or investment research businesses.
- Track record of building high-performing, inclusive teams and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
What’s in it for you?
We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.
- A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicable
- Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
- Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
- A world-class training program in financial services
- Flexible work/life balance options
- Opportunities to do challenging work
The expected salary range for the above position is $210,000 - $275,000 depending on factors including but not limited to the candidate's experience, skills, registration status; market conditions; and business needs. This salary range does not include other elements of total compensation, including a discretionary bonus and benefits such as a 401(k) program with company-matching contributions; health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; and paid time-off plan.
RBC's compensation philosophy and principles recognize the importance of a highly qualified global workforce and plays a critical role in attracting, engaging and retaining talent that:
Drives RBC's high performance culture
Enables collective achievement of our strategic goals
Generates sustainable shareholder returns and above market shareholder value
#LI-POST
#TECHPJ
Job Skills
Application Development, Application Maintenance, Applications Architecture, Cloud Technology, Commercial Acumen, Containerization, Content Authoring Tools, Design, Enterprise Application Delivery, Full Stack Development, Information Technology Management, Information Technology Trends, Innovation, JavaScript, Microservices Architecture, Programming Languages, RESTful APIs, System Applications, Teamwork, Web Application DevelopmentAdditional Job Details
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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above
Our Employment Opportunities
At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.
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See All 28 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
- Education
- Chemicals & Materials
- Energy
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
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 Merck, Colgate-Palmolive, and Rutgers University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Princeton, Newark, and Wayne. 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 40% of research director openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of August 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 28 Research Director Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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