Research Director Jobs in North Carolina
Research Director jobs in North Carolina are in consistent demand, with activity concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical and biotech development, public health, and clinical trials across a market that accommodates both mid-career professionals and senior-level leaders. The heaviest hiring is in the Research Triangle Park area, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem, where institutions and companies like RTI International, Duke University Health System, and Labcorp maintain ongoing research operations. The most sought-after specialties are clinical research, health policy research, and applied social science research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Director JobsOverview
Open roles7
Top employerCambrex
Top cityCharlotte, NC
Cities hiring5
Work type50% Remote
Top industryEducation
Showing 5 of 7+ Research Director jobs
Director of Institutional Research and Chief Data Officer
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Added 1w ago
Fayetteville State University
Director of Institutional Research and Chief Data Officer
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Added 1w ago
Director Clinical Quality & Research Programs - Abdominal Wall Reconstruction & Hernia Center
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Added 3w ago
Novant Health
Director Clinical Quality & Research Programs - Abdominal Wall Reconstruction & Hernia Center
Charlotte, North Carolina
Added 3w ago
Associate Director, Research Administration - National Center for Clinical Trials (NCCT)
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Added 1mo ago
Atrium Health
Associate Director, Research Administration - National Center for Clinical Trials (NCCT)
Charlotte, North Carolina
Added 1mo ago
Associate Director, Research Administration - National Center for Clinical Trials (NCCT)
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Added 1mo ago
Advocate Aurora Health
Associate Director, Research Administration - National Center for Clinical Trials (NCCT)
Charlotte, North Carolina
Added 1mo ago
Medical Director, Trauma & Trauma Research
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Added 4mo ago
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Medical Director, Trauma & Trauma Research
Raleigh, North Carolina
Added 4mo ago
Added 1w ago
Director of Institutional Research and Chief Data Officer
Fayetteville State University·Fayetteville, North Carolina
Job functions:
Hybrid
Master's degree
1,001-5,000 employees
Job Description
Position Number:
000952
Full-Time Or Part-Time:
Full Time
Time Limited Position:
No
Number of Vacancies:
1
Department:
Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning
Posting Number:
0401905
SHRA/EHRA:
Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
Job Category:
Professional
Hiring Range:
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Overall Position Competency:
Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
Primary Purpose of the Organization:
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning engages in ongoing, university-wide evaluative processes to measure achievements and outcomes as they relate to the institution’s mission and strategic priorities. The overall goal is to determine whether the institution’s units and departments are addressing the institution’s mission and priorities using a variety of assessments. In addition, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning provides data and information to assist leadership in effective and evidenced-based decision making. Data is also provided to the System Office, regional accreditors, and other critical reporting agencies. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning is also primarily responsible for continuing the accreditation status of the university through the regional accreditor. Institutional Effectiveness is central to the accreditation standards of the institution and its various programs.
The Broad Focus Arears of the Office is as follows:
Continuous Improvement:
Create an effective institutional process about ongoing planning and evaluation, with the intent to improve upon the effectiveness of meeting the mission, achieving, or reaching the University’s vision, which results in delivering a higher quality experience for all institutional stakeholders
Strengthen Assessment Strategies:
Implement a systematic process of gathering and interpreting information relevant to our objectives, initiatives, priorities, and operations to evaluate performance, the effective use of resources, and to make improvements.
Develop a Plan for Data/ Information Dissemination:
Provide timely and accurate information/data to leadership and stakeholders to facilitate making evidence-based decisions which is associated with institutional sustainability.
Ensure Data Integrity:
Streamline the data gathering process and ensure data integrity.
Primary Purpose of the Position:
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; however, it is not eligible for fully remote work. Selected candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of campus.
The Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer supervises all institutional data requirements, projects, and initiatives. This position is responsible for working collaboratively with all University stakeholders, including administrative units, faculty, staff, and students for the collection of institutional data in support of the University’s strategic priorities, internal planning, data needs and external reporting. In addition, the Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer provides leadership in managing institution-wide data and analytical requirements and ensures the integrity and accuracy of institutional data and reports data to The System Office, the Department of Education, accrediting agencies, and stakeholders.
The Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer supervises all institutional data requirements, projects, and initiatives. This position is responsible for working collaboratively with all University stakeholders, including administrative units, faculty, staff, and students for the collection of institutional data in support of the University’s strategic priorities, internal planning, data needs and external reporting. In addition, the Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer provides leadership in managing institution-wide data and analytical requirements and ensures the integrity and accuracy of institutional data and reports data to The System Office, the Department of Education, accrediting agencies, and stakeholders.
Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer:
- Provide accurate and timely data and information to accrediting bodies, the UNC system, and governmental agencies, internal and external customers, and stakeholders
- Lead Academic Affairs technology integration initiatives
- Provide support and training for Argos, IPEDS, and other critical technology
- Initiate data governance procedures and best practices and develop and implement data visualization strategies.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements:
- Graduate of an accredited university with a master’s degree or higher.
- At least 3 years of progressively responsible administrative or professional analytical experience in higher education.
- Some experience in guiding an institutions data management system.
- Proficient in the use of a range of information technology systems.
- Possesses superior written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the demonstrated ability to build a team.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:
- Knowledge of higher education accreditation standards and processes.
- Knowledge of best practices in the higher education academic assessment community.
- Knowledge of accreditation requirements for higher education; major issues and trends in adult higher education, teaching and adult learning.
- Skills in quantitative data management and advanced statistical analysis.
- Skills in qualitative data collection and analysis techniques including focus group interviews, survey design.
- Ability to manage multiple complex tasks without direct supervision.
- Ability to coordinate institutional planning and accreditation processes.
- Provide evidence of developing/writing accreditation standards.
- Have a working knowledge of accreditation/assessment software.
Preferred Qualifications:
- SQL Experience
- Python Experience
- Power Bi Experience
- Predictive Modeling Experience
Special Instructions To Applicants:
Notice to Applicants:
Please make sure that the work history listed on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, Do Not Use the phrase “see resume.”
Please list at least three (3) professional references to include a current supervisor. References will only be contact if you are selected for the position and with your permission.
Please list at least three (3) professional references to include a current supervisor. References will only be contact if you are selected for the position and with your permission.
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Additional Information for Applicants:
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified prior to employment. Transcripts should be provided for all earned degrees and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. Transcript requests are the responsibility of the candidate.
EEO Statement:
This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable).
Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Veteran's Statement:
Fayetteville State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.
Fayetteville State University
Director of Institutional Research and Chief Data Officer
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Added 1w ago1,001-5,000 employees
Job functions:
Hybrid
Master's degree
Job Description
Position Number:
000952
Full-Time Or Part-Time:
Full Time
Time Limited Position:
No
Number of Vacancies:
1
Department:
Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning
Posting Number:
0401905
SHRA/EHRA:
Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
Job Category:
Professional
Hiring Range:
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Overall Position Competency:
Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
Primary Purpose of the Organization:
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning engages in ongoing, university-wide evaluative processes to measure achievements and outcomes as they relate to the institution’s mission and strategic priorities. The overall goal is to determine whether the institution’s units and departments are addressing the institution’s mission and priorities using a variety of assessments. In addition, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning provides data and information to assist leadership in effective and evidenced-based decision making. Data is also provided to the System Office, regional accreditors, and other critical reporting agencies. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning is also primarily responsible for continuing the accreditation status of the university through the regional accreditor. Institutional Effectiveness is central to the accreditation standards of the institution and its various programs.
The Broad Focus Arears of the Office is as follows:
Continuous Improvement:
Create an effective institutional process about ongoing planning and evaluation, with the intent to improve upon the effectiveness of meeting the mission, achieving, or reaching the University’s vision, which results in delivering a higher quality experience for all institutional stakeholders
Strengthen Assessment Strategies:
Implement a systematic process of gathering and interpreting information relevant to our objectives, initiatives, priorities, and operations to evaluate performance, the effective use of resources, and to make improvements.
Develop a Plan for Data/ Information Dissemination:
Provide timely and accurate information/data to leadership and stakeholders to facilitate making evidence-based decisions which is associated with institutional sustainability.
Ensure Data Integrity:
Streamline the data gathering process and ensure data integrity.
Primary Purpose of the Position:
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; however, it is not eligible for fully remote work. Selected candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of campus.
The Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer supervises all institutional data requirements, projects, and initiatives. This position is responsible for working collaboratively with all University stakeholders, including administrative units, faculty, staff, and students for the collection of institutional data in support of the University’s strategic priorities, internal planning, data needs and external reporting. In addition, the Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer provides leadership in managing institution-wide data and analytical requirements and ensures the integrity and accuracy of institutional data and reports data to The System Office, the Department of Education, accrediting agencies, and stakeholders.
The Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer supervises all institutional data requirements, projects, and initiatives. This position is responsible for working collaboratively with all University stakeholders, including administrative units, faculty, staff, and students for the collection of institutional data in support of the University’s strategic priorities, internal planning, data needs and external reporting. In addition, the Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer provides leadership in managing institution-wide data and analytical requirements and ensures the integrity and accuracy of institutional data and reports data to The System Office, the Department of Education, accrediting agencies, and stakeholders.
Director of Institutional Research & Chief Data Officer:
- Provide accurate and timely data and information to accrediting bodies, the UNC system, and governmental agencies, internal and external customers, and stakeholders
- Lead Academic Affairs technology integration initiatives
- Provide support and training for Argos, IPEDS, and other critical technology
- Initiate data governance procedures and best practices and develop and implement data visualization strategies.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements:
- Graduate of an accredited university with a master’s degree or higher.
- At least 3 years of progressively responsible administrative or professional analytical experience in higher education.
- Some experience in guiding an institutions data management system.
- Proficient in the use of a range of information technology systems.
- Possesses superior written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the demonstrated ability to build a team.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:
- Knowledge of higher education accreditation standards and processes.
- Knowledge of best practices in the higher education academic assessment community.
- Knowledge of accreditation requirements for higher education; major issues and trends in adult higher education, teaching and adult learning.
- Skills in quantitative data management and advanced statistical analysis.
- Skills in qualitative data collection and analysis techniques including focus group interviews, survey design.
- Ability to manage multiple complex tasks without direct supervision.
- Ability to coordinate institutional planning and accreditation processes.
- Provide evidence of developing/writing accreditation standards.
- Have a working knowledge of accreditation/assessment software.
Preferred Qualifications:
- SQL Experience
- Python Experience
- Power Bi Experience
- Predictive Modeling Experience
Special Instructions To Applicants:
Notice to Applicants:
Please make sure that the work history listed on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, Do Not Use the phrase “see resume.”
Please list at least three (3) professional references to include a current supervisor. References will only be contact if you are selected for the position and with your permission.
Please list at least three (3) professional references to include a current supervisor. References will only be contact if you are selected for the position and with your permission.
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Additional Information for Applicants:
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified prior to employment. Transcripts should be provided for all earned degrees and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. Transcript requests are the responsibility of the candidate.
EEO Statement:
This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable).
Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Veteran's Statement:
Fayetteville State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.
See All 7 Research Director Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Charlotte
3 jobsRaleigh
1 jobHigh Point
1 jobChapel Hill
1 jobFayetteville
1 jobResearch Director Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across North Carolina.
- Advanced degree such as a PhD or master's in a relevant research discipline required
- Proven experience leading research teams and managing multiyear research programs
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publication, grant writing, or funded research portfolio
- Experience with IRB protocols, regulatory compliance, and research ethics standards
- Familiarity with North Carolina university, government, or life sciences research environments preferred
- Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and research data management platforms
Research Director Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in North Carolina?
Most research director roles in North Carolina require an advanced degree, typically a PhD or master's in a relevant field such as public health, life sciences, social sciences, or a discipline aligned with the employer's research focus. North Carolina does not require a state-issued license specifically for research directors, but roles in clinical research often expect CCRP or CCRC credentials. Hiring institutions such as universities, health systems, and contract research organizations in the Research Triangle area prioritize candidates with demonstrated leadership over funded research programs.
How much do research directors make in North Carolina?
Research directors in North Carolina earn a median of about $173,870 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $101,810 for the lowest 10% to over $305,970 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in North Carolina?
Employers hiring research directors in North Carolina right now include Cambrex, Atrium Health, and Novant Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. North Carolina's concentration of major research universities, global pharmaceutical companies, and public health organizations in the Research Triangle Park region makes it one of the more active markets for this role in the Southeast.
Which North Carolina cities have the most research director jobs?
Charlotte, Raleigh, and High Point are the North Carolina cities with the most research director openings. The Research Triangle area drives the majority of demand because of its dense cluster of universities, federal agencies, and life sciences employers, while Charlotte generates openings through its growing healthcare and financial research sectors and Winston-Salem benefits from large academic medical centers and health research institutions anchored there.
Are there remote research director jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, and more than many senior leadership roles, because research directors in policy, public health, and applied social science can manage teams and produce deliverables without a fixed on-site presence. About 100% of research director openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that demand across the state. Fully remote arrangements are most common in health policy research, program evaluation, and data-intensive roles where lab access or direct participant contact is not required.
How can I get hired as a research director in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a research director role from a senior researcher, research manager, or principal investigator position within a North Carolina institution. Large employers such as Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and RTI International regularly post research coordinator and associate research scientist roles that build toward director-level responsibility. Completing a postdoctoral appointment at a North Carolina research university, earning a CCRP credential, or building a grant portfolio through an assistant professor or staff scientist position can accelerate the transition into a director title.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 7 Research Director Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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