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Director Research Development Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

R&D Partners

Research Associate II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$27/hr

R&D Partners is seeking to hire a Research Associate II in Tucson, AZ . Your main responsibilities ... Our team offers well over 200 years of combined staffing experience providing consulting, direct ...

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All JobsResearch Development JobsDirector Research Development JobsDirector Research Development Jobs in Arizona

Director Research Development information

See Arizona salary details

$61K

$151.6K

$200.4K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Arizona is $151,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,800.00 and $180,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Research Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Research Development, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, project management, and grant writing, usually backed by a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is essential, along with certifications like CRA (Certified Research Administrator) being advantageous. Strategic thinking, leadership, and excellent communication skills are critical for building collaborations and guiding multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for securing funding, ensuring research integrity, and driving innovative projects to successful completion.

How does a Director of Research Development typically collaborate with other departments to drive innovation within an organization?

A Director of Research Development often works closely with cross-functional teams such as product management, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership to align research initiatives with organizational goals. This role involves facilitating communication between departments, ensuring that research projects support strategic objectives, and integrating insights from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration helps drive innovation, as the Director ensures that research outcomes are actionable and directly contribute to product or service enhancements. Regular meetings, joint project planning sessions, and clear reporting structures are common practices to maintain alignment and foster a culture of innovation.

What is the difference between Director Research Development vs Research Scientist?

AspectDirector Research DevelopmentResearch Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD preferred), leadership experienceTypically a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team management, cross-department collaborationLaboratory or field research, data analysis, experimentation
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, corporate R&DUniversities, research labs, industry R&D
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in research developmentDetails about research-focused roles and career paths

The main difference between a Director Research Development and a Research Scientist lies in their responsibilities and focus. The Director oversees strategic planning, manages teams, and collaborates across departments, while the Research Scientist conducts experiments, analyzes data, and advances scientific knowledge. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the Director typically has more leadership experience and works in a broader strategic context.

What does a Director of Research Development do?

A Director of Research Development leads and manages the planning, coordination, and execution of research strategies within an organization. They are responsible for identifying funding opportunities, fostering collaborations, and overseeing proposal development to secure grants and support research initiatives. Additionally, they work with faculty or research teams to ensure compliance with regulations and alignment with institutional goals, while supporting innovation and the growth of research programs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Arizona? For Director Research Development jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Director Research Development jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Director Research Development job openings:
Director Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 87% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,625 per year, or $72.9 per hour.
Director of Research & Development (AZ)

Director of Research & Development (AZ)

The Williams Company

Phoenix, AZ

$150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

We are conducting a search for a Director of Research and Development for a food/beverage manufacturer in Arizona. The Company is a well-recognized firm and has a strong reputation. An attractive compensation package is offered. A degree is required. Candidate MUST have previous research and development AND production experience to be considered for this position. A microbiological background is a plus. This could be an excellent opportunity to enhance your career personally and professionally.