Research Director Jobs in Ohio
Research Director jobs in Ohio are actively sought across the state's deep base of academic medical centers, pharmaceutical and biotech firms, nonprofit research institutes, and university-affiliated programs, with openings ranging from early-career research management roles through senior and executive-level positions. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati anchor most of the hiring, where employers such as The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, and Procter and Gamble maintain consistent demand for research leadership. The most in-demand specialties are clinical and translational research, consumer insights and market research, and policy-oriented social science research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- Address:
395 W 12th AveColumbus,OH
- Job Number: R155654
- Posted Date: 7/28/2026
- Type: Full time
Current Employees and Students: Please log in to Workday to use the internal job search and application process.
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine is seeking an accomplished physician-scientist or PhD scientist-leader to serve as the Director of Cardiovascular Research and Innovation within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. This individual will provide strategic vision, operational leadership, and mentorship to build and sustain a nationally competitive cardiovascular research enterprise spanning basic, translational, clinical, outcomes, and implementation science. The Director will champion innovation by integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital health, precision medicine, and data science, into the division's research portfolio. This role is critical, ensuring that the division's research mission thrives amid evolving landscapes, accelerating technological change, and the imperative to translate discovery into improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Requirements
- Board Eligible/Certified
- Successful completion of a US accredited Cardiovascular Medicine fellowship
- Advanced training in Preventative Cardiology or Lipidology
- Minimum of 5–10 years of clinical experience in cardiology practice
- Eligible for an Ohio license
- Clinical or translational research experience preferred
- Qualify for an academic appointment at The Ohio State University. Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with previous training and experience
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine comprises more than 60 cardiologists with focus areas that include general cardiology, interventional and structural heart disease, electrophysiology, adult congenital heart disease, heart failure, heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, pulmonary vascular disease, women’s cardiovascular disease, cardiac MRI/CT, and cardio-oncology. The Division is affiliated with the Ross Heart Hospital, which ranked as a “Best Hospital” in the top 50 in the nation as reported by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to the 60 cardiologists, there are six fellowship programs: core cardiovascular medicine fellowship, interventional cardiology fellowship, electrophysiology fellowship, heart failure and cardiac transplant fellowship, adult congenital heart disease fellowship, and cardiovascular diagnostic imaging fellowship. The Division provides services in over 12 counties in Ohio and Kentucky.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday by clicking the "Apply" button. Application materials must include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. All inquiries and nominations should be directed in confidence to: Richard Gumina, MD, PhD, Division Director, Cardiovascular Medicine: c/o Tiffany Bauman, MBA | Physician & Faculty Recruitment | Tiffany.Bauman@osumc.edu
Faculty Defined
Clinical faculty (regardless of rank) - Persons with titles of associate professor-clinical and professor-clinical. These faculty will have earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD), doctorate (PhD) or other terminal degree in the relevant field. Clinical faculty members are not eligible for tenure and are appointed for terms of three to five years. They may be reappointed to successive terms. Their principal career focus is the delivery of exemplary clinical care, and may include teaching, and/or research.
Tenure-Track faculty (regardless of rank) - Persons with the titles of assistant professor, associate professor, or professor who are eligible for tenure or who have obtained tenure. These faculty will have earned a doctorate (PhD), Doctor of Medicine (MD) or other terminal degree in the relevant field of study. Their primary career focus centers on research, service, and teaching. Tenure-track faculty with MD or MD/PhD degrees may also be involved in clinical care.
Research Faculty (regardless of rank) - Persons with the titles of research assistant professor, research associate professor, or research professor. These faculty will have earned a doctorate (PhD) or other terminal degree in the relevant field of study. Research faculty members are not eligible for tenure and are appointed for terms of one to five years. Their principal career focus is research.
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, with more than 5,000 learners, is the only academic medical center in central Ohio. Recognized as a Tier 1 school for research in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Medical Schools” list, it ranks among the top 16 medical schools for research in the nation. It also remains in Tier 2 for primary care, further demonstrating its strength across the academic spectrum. Known for its innovative curriculum, cutting-edge research, and excellence in clinical care through The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the college continues to advance its mission of education, discovery, and community impact. With more than 2,700 faculty across 20 clinical departments, eight basic science departments, and the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ohio State is shaping the future of academic medicine - locally, nationally, and globally.
The Wexner Medical Center
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center consists of The Ohio State University Health System, the College of Medicine, the Health Sciences Library, and the Faculty Group Practice. It is committed to providing world-class care, and we're proud to celebrate our 33rd consecutive year ranked on the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals list. This year, it was recognized with nine nationally ranked specialties out of 15, and four were selected as high performing. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center as the top hospital in Columbus. The Wexner Medical Center is rated as high performing in 17 out of 22 common procedures and conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, arrhythmia, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia, prostate cancer, spinal fusion, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Our new hospital tower, opened in 2026, is the largest single-facility project ever undertaken at Ohio State. It’s designed to enhance a unified Ohio State Wexner Medical Center campus, providing world-class patient care, leading-edge research, and outstanding clinical training.
The University
Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.
The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual-career partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, and identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.
In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).
Columbus, Ohio
Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. In addition to its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to Ohio State ATI in Wooster.
Screen reader users may encounter difficulty with the online application. For assistance with applying, please contact hr-accessibleapplication@osu.edu. If you have questions while submitting an application, please review these frequently asked questions.
Thank you for your interest in working at Ohio State.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
See All 6 Research Director Jobs in Ohio
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Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across Ohio.
- Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline such as life sciences, social science, or public health
- Five or more years of progressive experience managing research teams or programs
- Demonstrated record of winning and administering competitive grants or sponsored research funding
- Experience designing and overseeing multi-site or cross-functional research studies
- Strong knowledge of IRB protocols, research compliance, and federal regulatory requirements
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software and data management systems used in the field
Research Director Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in Ohio?
Most research directors in Ohio begin with a doctoral degree, or at minimum a master's degree, in a field aligned with their research area, such as biomedical sciences, public health, psychology, or business. Ohio does not require a state-issued license specific to the research director title, but roles at academic medical centers or hospitals often require IRB certification and, in clinical settings, Good Clinical Practice credentials. Building experience as a principal investigator, program manager, or senior researcher within Ohio's university systems or healthcare networks is the typical path to promotion.
How much do research directors make in Ohio?
Research directors in Ohio earn a median of about $137,170 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,720 for the lowest 10% to over $217,760 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in Ohio?
Employers hiring research directors in Ohio right now include OhioHealth, American Electric Power, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Ohio's concentration of academic medical centers, Fortune 500 consumer goods companies, and federally funded research institutions means demand comes from a wide mix of sectors beyond any single industry.
Which Ohio cities have the most research director jobs?
Columbus, Marietta, and Cleveland account for the most research director openings in Ohio. Columbus leads because of The Ohio State University and its affiliated health system, Cleveland draws heavily from its world-class medical research corridor anchored by Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, and Cincinnati's concentration of consumer goods headquarters and research-intensive manufacturers sustains steady demand across corporate and academic settings.
Are there remote research director jobs in Ohio?
Yes, and more than many leadership roles, because research direction often involves oversight, writing, and stakeholder coordination that can be done remotely. About 100% of research director openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting genuine flexibility in the market. Strategy, grant development, data oversight, and literature synthesis tend to be the most remote-compatible functions, while roles requiring direct lab supervision or participant-facing clinical research remain primarily on-site.
How can I get hired as a research director in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral fellowship or research coordinator role at one of Ohio's major research universities or health systems, such as Ohio State, Case Western Reserve University, or Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. From there, moving into a program manager or associate director position builds the supervisory and budgetary experience that research director roles require. Completing a Project Management Professional credential or a clinical research coordinator certification strengthens candidacy, and applying to internal promotion pipelines at large Ohio institutions is often more effective than competing externally at the director level.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current Ohio openings across industries and hiring organizations. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
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