Director of Nursing Research
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
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Job Description
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Job Title
Director of Nursing Research
Department: Health System Shared Services | HS Nursing Enterprise Leadership
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
Additional Information:
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.
Location: University Hospital - Doan Hall (0089)
Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours
40
Shift: First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the vision, strategy, and infrastructure for nursing research across the medical center, overseeing nurse scientists, research staff, and research teams. Mentor nurses, leaders, and learners; provide expert consultation; and advance research, evidence-based practice, patient care, and Magnet standards.
Requirements
Requires a PhD in nursing, an earned doctorate with quantitative analysis preparation, a nursing bachelor’s or master’s degree, and a current Ohio RN license. Candidates must have seven years of nursing leadership experience, clinical nursing research expertise, academic medical center and team leadership experience, and a record of writing and publishing; professional certification in nursing administration or clinical practice is required or expected within 18 months of hire.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 10+ years of experience
Key Skills
Registered Nurse Career Context
Of the 50 active Nursing Leadership listings this role was benchmarked against, 24% are remote, 56% have no call, 72% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Ohio is 92.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 61.3% of Ohio clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 5.1 / 10 · top 25% in nursing leadership | ranked against 1,187 Nursing Leadership listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | not listed | Nursing Leadership median $115k (middle half $100k–$135k)126 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost of living | Ohio index 92.8 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Nursing Leadership listings in Ohio | 264 active | 5,940 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 24% remote · 56% no call · 72% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Ohio Registered Nurse listings: 8% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 4% offer loan repayment264 active listings, Oct 2026 |
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