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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Showing 5 of 7+ Research Director jobs
- Address:
410 W 10th AveColumbus,OH
- Job Number: R161090
- Posted Date: 10/26/2026
- Type: Full time
Current Employees and Students: Please log in to Workday to use the internal job search and application process.
Scope of Position
The mission of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) includes three main areas of focus: clinical care, professional development, and research.
The Director of Nursing Research is responsible for overseeing the Nursing Research Department and providing vision, strategic direction, and leadership for nursing research to the OSUWMC and the OSUWMC -The James. The Director of Nursing Research will work closely with nursing leadership and staff to strategically plan and align nursing research initiatives with the organization’s strategic mission as well as the Magnet™ Recognition Program. The Director of Nursing Research is responsible for integrating patient care, education, and research, and is accountable for the conduct of nursing research throughout the OSUWMC Health System and the OSUWMC – The James. This research expert will be instrumental in developing educational programs that support the translation of the research process into practical steps for nursing staff, thereby promoting professional growth and skill development. The Director of Nursing Research will develop and foster research opportunities within the clinical setting for nurses, interprofessional teams and learners consistent with the organization’s strategic plan. The Director will mentor nursing staff, leaders, and students to conduct research that focuses on improving clinical care, quality outcomes, patient safety, and enhancement of the nursing practice environment within a high-reliability organization (HRO).
Position Summary
The Director of Nursing Research is a member of the nursing leadership team and contributes to the development and execution of the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. The Director of Nursing Research functions as an expert resource and consultant to staff and leaders within the organization whose research interests relate to nursing, patient care, and/or healthcare culture/well-being. The Director of Nursing Research provides support to the nurse scientists and research teams and is responsible for developing and overseeing the organizational infrastructure to support nursing research at OSUWMC and OSUWMC - The James.
Minimum Qualifications
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in nursing, and curriculum vitae will demonstrate a progressive contribution to the body of nursing research, experience working in an academic medical center, and experience supervising / leading teams. Additionally, the candidate will have experience as a hospital-based nurse scientist mentoring staff through the nursing research process while supporting the Magnet™ Recognition Program standards. Other desired qualities include a commitment to diversity, interprofessional education and collaboration, and the ability to mentor leaders, peers, clinical nurses, as well as students.
For Hire: Earned doctorate including preparation in quantitative analysis with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Seven years of nursing leadership experience is required. Current Ohio Registered Nurse license. Demonstrated expertise in clinical nursing research and scholarship. Demonstrated ability to write and publish in professional journals. Professional certification in Nursing Administration or clinical practice is required with an expectation of attainment within 18 months of hire.
Career Roadmap
FUNCTION: Nursing
SUBFUNCTION: Nursing Science
CAREER BAND: People Leader - Managerial
CAREER LEVEL: M4
Join The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as the Director of Nursing Research and lead the vision, strategy, and growth of a nationally recognized nursing research program. As a key member of the nursing leadership team, this role advances nursing science, evidence-based practice, and innovation across The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The James.
The Director of Nursing Research serves as an expert consultant and resource to nurses, interdisciplinary teams, and leaders, while overseeing nurse scientists, research staff, and research infrastructure that supports the generation of new knowledge and the advancement of Magnet® standards. This leadership opportunity is ideal for a collaborative and forward-thinking nursing leader passionate about advancing patient care through research and discovery.
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.
- Address:
410 W 10th AveColumbus,OH
- Job Number: R161090
- Posted Date: 10/26/2026
- Type: Full time
Current Employees and Students: Please log in to Workday to use the internal job search and application process.
Scope of Position
The mission of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) includes three main areas of focus: clinical care, professional development, and research.
The Director of Nursing Research is responsible for overseeing the Nursing Research Department and providing vision, strategic direction, and leadership for nursing research to the OSUWMC and the OSUWMC -The James. The Director of Nursing Research will work closely with nursing leadership and staff to strategically plan and align nursing research initiatives with the organization’s strategic mission as well as the Magnet™ Recognition Program. The Director of Nursing Research is responsible for integrating patient care, education, and research, and is accountable for the conduct of nursing research throughout the OSUWMC Health System and the OSUWMC – The James. This research expert will be instrumental in developing educational programs that support the translation of the research process into practical steps for nursing staff, thereby promoting professional growth and skill development. The Director of Nursing Research will develop and foster research opportunities within the clinical setting for nurses, interprofessional teams and learners consistent with the organization’s strategic plan. The Director will mentor nursing staff, leaders, and students to conduct research that focuses on improving clinical care, quality outcomes, patient safety, and enhancement of the nursing practice environment within a high-reliability organization (HRO).
Position Summary
The Director of Nursing Research is a member of the nursing leadership team and contributes to the development and execution of the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. The Director of Nursing Research functions as an expert resource and consultant to staff and leaders within the organization whose research interests relate to nursing, patient care, and/or healthcare culture/well-being. The Director of Nursing Research provides support to the nurse scientists and research teams and is responsible for developing and overseeing the organizational infrastructure to support nursing research at OSUWMC and OSUWMC - The James.
Minimum Qualifications
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in nursing, and curriculum vitae will demonstrate a progressive contribution to the body of nursing research, experience working in an academic medical center, and experience supervising / leading teams. Additionally, the candidate will have experience as a hospital-based nurse scientist mentoring staff through the nursing research process while supporting the Magnet™ Recognition Program standards. Other desired qualities include a commitment to diversity, interprofessional education and collaboration, and the ability to mentor leaders, peers, clinical nurses, as well as students.
For Hire: Earned doctorate including preparation in quantitative analysis with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Seven years of nursing leadership experience is required. Current Ohio Registered Nurse license. Demonstrated expertise in clinical nursing research and scholarship. Demonstrated ability to write and publish in professional journals. Professional certification in Nursing Administration or clinical practice is required with an expectation of attainment within 18 months of hire.
Career Roadmap
FUNCTION: Nursing
SUBFUNCTION: Nursing Science
CAREER BAND: People Leader - Managerial
CAREER LEVEL: M4
Join The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as the Director of Nursing Research and lead the vision, strategy, and growth of a nationally recognized nursing research program. As a key member of the nursing leadership team, this role advances nursing science, evidence-based practice, and innovation across The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The James.
The Director of Nursing Research serves as an expert consultant and resource to nurses, interdisciplinary teams, and leaders, while overseeing nurse scientists, research staff, and research infrastructure that supports the generation of new knowledge and the advancement of Magnet® standards. This leadership opportunity is ideal for a collaborative and forward-thinking nursing leader passionate about advancing patient care through research and discovery.
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 7 Research Director Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
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 The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Akron Children's, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Akron, and Cincinnati 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 November 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.
See All 7 Research Director Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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