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Director Research Development Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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The Director is responsible for the ongoing evaluation, development, monitoring, and continuous improvement of research operations and regulatory processes while ensuring compliance with federal and ...

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Director Research Development information

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$48.9K

$121.6K

$160.7K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Florida is $121,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Florida?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Director Research Development jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Director Research Development job openings:

Director Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,590 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Associate Director, Research Administration

Gainesville, FL • On-site

University of Florida
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about University of Floridaexternal

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Associate Director, Research Administration
Job no: 539629
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Grant or Research Administration
Department:11010000 - RE-VP FOR RESEARCH
Classification Title:
Associate Director, Research Administration
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Master's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.
Job Description:
Research Program Development & Execution
  • Lead development of applied research programs aligned with ARNS Lab core technical areas, including AI-enabled systems engineering, microelectronics and hardware security, space and radiation-tolerant systems, advanced materials, and biosecurity.
  • Translate sponsor priorities and mission needs into executable research concepts and program plans.
  • Coordinate faculty engagement across UF to assemble interdisciplinary teams aligned with sponsor-driven opportunities.
  • Support early-stage program planning for secure research activities in coordination with security and compliance leadership.
  • Participate in planning of the laboratory physical space and critical technology capabilities

Proposal Development & Capture Support
  • Support and, where appropriate, lead the development of complex, multi-investigator proposals, white papers, RFIs, and concept papers for federal sponsors, including DoD and Intelligence Community partners.
  • Provide strategic input on proposal framing, technical narratives, teaming structures, and alignment with sponsor mission priorities.
  • Coordinate proposal timelines, inputs, and reviews in collaboration with UF Research, Sponsored Research, and Contracts offices.
  • Assist in developing reusable proposal materials, technical capability descriptions, and standard content for ARNS Lab submissions.

Sponsor, Industry, and Partner Engagement
  • Support engagement with government sponsors, defense primes, and small businesses to identify collaboration opportunities and shape future programs.
  • Participate in meetings, briefings, and site visits with external partners as a representative of the ARNS Lab.
  • Help structure collaborative research models, including partnerships, consortia, CRADAs, and MOUs, in coordination with ARNS Lab leadership.
  • Serve as a bridge between external partners and internal UF research capabilities.

Strategic Planning & Internal Coordination
  • Support the Executive Director in refining and updating the ARNS Lab's short- and long-term research strategy.
  • Assist in defining research priorities, sequencing program growth, and identifying capability gaps.
  • Coordinate with internal UF partners (UF Research, Compliance, Security, HR, Communications) to ensure research programs are executable and compliant.
  • Contribute to internal planning documents, briefings, and leadership updates.

Lead DIU sponsored Innovating for Defense program
  • Serve as the program champion for UF's Innovating for Defense program and develop a strategy for execution locally at UF and across the state university system (SUS).
  • Interface with DIU stakeholders and Program Director and lead program administration.
  • Participate in sourcing student projects from National Security stakeholders.
  • Interface with student groups to advance innovative products, prototype and concepts.

Expected Salary:
Commensurate with Education and Experience.
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Preferred:
  • Experience supporting or managing federally funded research programs, particularly within the national security, defense, or intelligence domains.
  • Demonstrated experience with proposal development for DoD, IC, or other federal sponsors.
  • Familiarity with applied research environments, systems engineering, or technology transition.
  • Experience with DoD or other government contracting mechanisms
  • Strong strategic thinking, writing, and communication skills.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, evolving organizational environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, applicants mut provide a cover letter, resume and list of professional references.
A criminal background check is required.
This is not a remote work position, and it is located on the University of Florida's main campus in Gainesville, FL.
This position is open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.
This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.
Health Assessment Required:No
Advertised: 10 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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About University of Florida

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853

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