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Director Research Development Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Operator

Newark, DE · On-site

$35K - $44K/yr

R&D Partners is seeking to hire a Packaging Operator in Newark, DE. Your main responsibilities as a ... Our team offers well over 200 years of combined staffing experience providing consulting, direct ...

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Director Research Development information

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 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 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, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

US Medical Head, Early Assets

AstraZeneca

Wilmington, DE • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Introduction to role
Are you ready to turn ideas into life-changing medicines? At AstraZeneca, scientific innovation drives everything we do to address unmet patient needs. In this role, reporting to the US Executive Director Early Assets, the US Medical Head, Early Assets leads ambitious US medical strategies for our early pipeline, shaping how novel therapies are developed and introduced. The role provides scientific leadership to cross-functional teams, builds a strong external network across US disease areas where AstraZeneca has pipeline programs, and ensures US perspectives are embedded into global development plans. This is a chance to influence early asset strategy across a complex matrix, connect science with real-world practice, and help set the course for future standards of care!
Accountabilities
  • Lead the US medical strategy for early pipeline assets, ensuring alignment with portfolio priorities and long-term business objectives.
  • Act as the internal medical authority for emerging therapies, partnering closely with global medical, R&D, clinical, commercial, and market access colleagues.
  • Develop robust translational and early clinical development plans that integrate medical insights, real-world data opportunities, and evolving standards of care.
  • Drive the development of clear, compelling scientific narratives that support outstanding launches and practice-changing evidence.
  • Guide study design elements such as endpoints, comparators, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and real-world evidence strategies to enable future US access, labeling, and promotion.
  • Build and maintain a comprehensive external engagement plan across key programs and disease areas, including leadership of medical advisory boards and strategic collaborations with external experts.
  • Champion evidence generation activities across phases and data types to inform clinical decision-making and support healthcare system adoption.
  • Influence cross-functional decision-making by connecting insights from the healthcare ecosystem with internal strategy - asking bold questions, challenging assumptions, and turning ideas into action.

Essential Skills/Experience
  • Sophisticated Scientific Degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or international equivalent
  • 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry (medical, marketing, R&D, market access roles), or working in a relevant health system setting (clinical, pharmacy, pathway design etc.)
  • Deep medical, clinical or scientific expertise in CV and metabolism (especially in obesity/weight management). Experience/knowledge in immunology and/or cell therapy also preferred.
  • Experienced business leader able to deliver results in a complex matrix environment
  • US regulatory strategy knowledge including product approval, label requirements/negotiation
  • Proven track record to build internal/external networks and to collaborate internally/externally
  • Substantial evidence generation/data expertise, e.g. clinical trial experience (conducted Ph2, Ph3 or Ph4 studies), and/or substantial RWE experience

Desirable Skills/Experience
  • Global and/or R&D experience, or consistent track record of supporting early asset or first-in-class product development
  • Proven experience beyond medical affairs (e.g. in a marketing/R&D/market access role)

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
AstraZeneca offers a setting where medical leaders sit at the intersection of science and strategy, influencing decisions from early clinical development through to real-world evidence and practice change. Work alongside experts across Research & Development, Medical and Commercial to align diverse perspectives, shape disease area strategies, and see how evidence translates into better outcomes for patients. Expect an environment that values curiosity, encourages new ideas, moves at pace, and provides broad scope for growth across therapy areas and functions as our pipeline expands!
If this role sparks your interest and you are ready to help shape the future of healthcare, apply now to join AstraZeneca's journey of turning science into real impact for patients.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $331,874 to $497,810 Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Date Posted
29-Jul-2026
Closing Date
14-Sep-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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