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Director Research Development Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

R&D Test Engineer Apply now Job no: 502926 College / VP Area: Research Office Work type: Staff ... Highly self-motivated self-starter capable of working independently with minimal direct supervision ...

Research Associate I

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Lead application focused research efforts that provide direct technical support to R&D projects in paints and coatings, construction materials, water, and the energy industries, fostering innovation.

Research Associate I

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Lead application focused research efforts that provide direct technical support to R&D projects in paints and coatings, construction materials, water, and the energy industries, fostering innovation.

Research Associate I

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Lead application focused research efforts that provide direct technical support to R&D projects in paints and coatings, construction materials, water, and the energy industries, fostering innovation.

Showing results 21-40

Director Research Development information

What does a director 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director research development?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Delaware?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Delaware?

For Director Research Development jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Delaware are:

Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago


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Job description

R&D Test Engineer

Apply now Job no: 502926
College / VP Area: Research Office
Work type: Staff
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Engineering, Research & Laboratory, Full Time

Pay Grade: 32E
 
Context of Job:
 
The University of Delaware, in close collaboration with industry, academic, and national laboratory partners including Chemours, Plug Power, West Virginia University, and the National Laboratory of Rockies (NLR), has established the Center for Clean Hydrogen (CCH). The Center's mission is to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy through advanced research and development in green hydrogen production, fuel cells, and carbon capture technologies. CCH operates state-of-the-art research facilities and large-scale test infrastructure to support both fundamental research and industry-facing development.

The Center is seeking a highly motivated and versatile Engineer to support cutting-edge hydrogen technology programs in a fast-paced, adaptive research environment. The Engineer will play a critical role in the design, setup, commissioning, and operation of hydrogen research infrastructure at CCH. This is a hands-on position requiring strong technical breadth, rapid learning ability, and the capacity to manage multiple projects independently with minimal supervision. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, research staff, students, and external partners to deliver high-impact research outcomes on aggressive timelines.
 
Major Responsibilities:
  • Support the setup, commissioning, and operation of large-scale electrolyzer test stands, including a 150 kW PEM electrolyzer test stand and a 300 kW AEM electrolyzer test stand.
     
  • Support the design, assembly, and operation of segmented electrolyzer cells and stacks with integrated inline diagnostics.
  • Establish and operate advanced analytical and diagnostic equipment in support of inline degradation and performance analysis of electrolyzer, including ICP-MS, XRF, Ion Chromatography (IC), SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR.
  • Operate and support research activities using spark-ablation based nanoparticle deposition equipment (VS Particle P1 nanoprinter).
  • Design and build new laboratory-scale electrolyzer and electrochemical test stands.
  • Contribute to system troubleshooting, performance optimization, and operational efficiency improvements.
  • Assist with procurement, installation, and commissioning of new laboratory equipment.
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards, with particular emphasis on hydrogen safety practices.
     
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline and six years of relevant industrial experience.
     
  • Experience with hydrogen-related research or industrial systems; experience with industrial-scale fuel cell or electrolyzer plants is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of electrolyzer systems, including cell architecture, materials, stack design, and balance-of-plant (BoP) components such as pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and sensors.
  • Solid skills in 3D CAD modeling for electrolyzer cell and stack design, with basic understanding of CNC machining and component fabrication. Hands-on machine shop experience is a plus.
  • Working knowledge of electrical engineering and control systems, including the ability to read and create basic electrical diagrams.
  • Mechatronics engineering background and experience on PLC-based control systems are highly desirable.
  • Experience operating or working with analytical and characterization equipment commonly used in electrochemical and materials research.
  • Good coding skills, with proficiency in Python for data analysis and visualization; demonstrated ability to utilize AI coding tools effectively.
  • Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices, particularly those related to hydrogen systems.
  • Experience with hydrogen-related codes, standards, and certification processes (e.g., UL, NFPA) is a plus.
  • Rapid learner with a genuine interest in acquiring new technical skills preferred.
  • Highly self-motivated self-starter capable of working independently with minimal direct supervision preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results on short timelines preferred.
  • Strong focus on operational efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement preferred.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills in a dynamic, collaborative environment preferred.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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