Description

A research director oversees an organization's research and development department. The research director drives team members to use the scientific method to push the boundaries of human knowledge and develop new technologies that expand the frontier of an industry.The research director uses their scientific and technical knowledge to aid team members in their specific tasks, ranging from data collection to data analysis to product design to manufacturing. They must also perform the essential functions of senior management, such as acquiring new team members, training staff, monitoring team performance, and terminating personnel as necessary. The research director must also endure that adequate records are kept and write detailed reports on research project progress and outcomes. The research director regularly meets with executives to make reports; they usually work in technical offices and are rarely required to travel.Due to the highly technical nature of the position, companies usually require a research director candidate to possess a Ph.D. in a scientific field. The position also usually requires five to seven years of management experience. Furthermore, the candidate often must demonstrate exceptional communication and presentation skills.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Research Director with 9+ years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Lead and manage a team of researchers, providing guidance and support in their projects, and ensuring the quality of their work.
  • Develop and implement research strategies, including identifying research objectives, designing methodologies, and overseeing data collection and analysis.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify research needs, establish partnerships, and secure funding for research projects.
  • Stay updated with current trends and advancements in the field, and provide thought leadership by publishing research findings, presenting at conferences, and contributing to industry publications.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Research Director, the following qualifications are required:

  • A Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field is essential to demonstrate expertise and research capabilities. Strong knowledge of research methodologies and data analysis techniques is also required.
  • Candidates must have a strong portfolio of research projects and publications, showcasing their ability to lead and conduct significant research in their field. Previous experience in securing research funding is highly desirable.
  • As a Research Director, the candidate will be responsible for leading and managing a research team. Excellent leadership and management skills are necessary to effectively oversee the team's projects, provide guidance, and ensure the successful completion of research goals.
  • Research Directors should possess strategic thinking abilities to identify research opportunities, develop innovative research plans, and drive the organization's research agenda.

Essential Skills For Research Director

1

Analytics

2

Research and Analysis

3

People Management

Skills That Affect Research Director Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

People Management

2%

Research Analysis

1%

Career Prospects

As a Research Director with 9+ years of experience in Canada, there are several alternative roles you can explore. Here are four options to consider:

  • Senior Research Scientist: This role involves leading and managing research projects, analyzing data, and providing scientific expertise to support decision-making.
  • Innovation Manager: A position focused on driving innovation within an organization, including identifying new opportunities, developing research strategies, and fostering collaboration.
  • Data Scientist: A role that involves analyzing and interpreting complex data sets to uncover insights, develop predictive models, and drive data-driven decision-making.
  • Strategy Consultant: This position involves providing strategic advice and guidance to organizations, conducting market research, analyzing industry trends, and developing business strategies.

How to Learn

The role of Research Director in Canada is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. With increasing emphasis on research and development across industries, the demand for qualified research directors is expected to rise. A 10-year analysis reveals a steady upward trend for this job role, reflecting the importance of data-driven decision-making in organizations. The future looks promising for employment opportunities in this field, with a plethora of companies and institutions seeking research directors to drive innovation and stay competitive. Google's latest data points highlight a positive outlook for the growth of this position in Canada.