Director of Research Compliance

Impact: Regulatory, Ethical, Operational

Directs and oversees research compliance programs, ensuring adherence to federal, state, sponsor, and university regulations. Develops, implements, and monitors policies and procedures, provides guidance and training to researchers, and manages research personnel.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Sometimes
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Occasional
Schedule flexibility
Moderate
Remote work
Hybrid
Typical work hours
45-55
Stress level
High

At a glance

Median salary
$150,000
Entry-level
$120,000
Senior
$190,000
Growth by 2033
Average
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
High
Typical student debt
$50,000 - $100,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Policy Development
  • Risk Management

Soft skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Leadership

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Master's degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
7
Years to senior
12
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Compliance Officer
      2. Senior Compliance Officer
      3. Assistant Director
      4. Director

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Low
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3/10
      Prestige
      8/10
      Social perception
      Low

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