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Director Research Development Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Caerus Corp

Research & Development Engineer

Blaine, MN · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

... direct impact on product innovation and company growth. Work Location: This is a fully onsite ... We are seeking a dedicated Research & Development Engineer to join our Research & Development team.

CAERUS CORP

Research & Development Engineer

Blaine, MN

$75K - $120K/yr

... direct impact on product innovation and company growth. Work Location: This is a fully onsite ... We are seeking a dedicated Research & Development Engineer to join our Research & Development team.

Cypress HCM

Director of R&D

New Hope, MN

Director of R&D - Medical Devices New Hope, MN Full-Time | $150,000-$200,000 + Bonus + Stock Options A leading medical device company in the Twin Cities is seeking a Director of Research ...

Land O'Lakes

R&D Manager

Arden Hills, MN

$123K - $185K/yr

R&D Manager We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Manager of Process Technology R&D to ... Serve as both a people leader with direct people leadership responsibilities (~20% of time) and a ...

Murphy Research

Senior Research Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

In this role, you will direct the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse range of Fortune 500 companies. All of our researchers work across industries on diverse projects with ...

Murphy Research

Senior Research Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

In this role, you will direct the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse range of Fortune 500 companies. All of our researchers work across industries on diverse projects with ...

Andersen

New Product Development Manager

Bayport, MN · On-site

$111K - $172K/yr

This leader will have direct supervision over design engineers and will report to the Research Development Director. This role is responsible for the delivery of engineering solutions that support ...

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Director Research Development information

See Minnesota salary details

$64.2K

$159.4K

$210.6K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Minnesota is $159,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,200.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Director Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,357 per year, or $76.6 per hour.

Director, Research & Development (Principal Scientist)

Agropur Cooperative

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site

$153.70 - $192.10/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

## Director, Research & Development (Principal Scientist)Postulerlocations: USA Minnesota Eden Prairietime type: Temps pleinposted on: Publié il y a 11 jour(s)job requisition id: JR33312## Type d'emploi:PermanentPeople are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone’s impact truly matters.*Working at Agropur means contributing to stronger communities through dairy products.***An environment aligned with a clear purpose:*** Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance* 401(k) with 7% company contributions* 3 weeks Paid Time Off* Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays* Paid parental leave* Advancement Opportunities* Salary range 008: $153,700-$192,100 (Salary will be determined based on skills, education, training & experience related to the position)**How you will contribute:*** Serve as the organization's leading dairy science expert and strategic advisor.* Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, scientific trends, and growth opportunities.* Develop innovation strategies that align technical capabilities with business objectives.* Build and leverage partnerships with universities, research organizations, and industry networks.* Lead technology scouting and evaluate opportunities for commercial application.* Prioritize and govern R&D investments to maximize business impact and resource effectiveness.* Support commercialization efforts through scientific expertise, technical risk assessment, and regulatory collaboration.* Foster knowledge sharing and innovation across business units.* Influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to accelerate strategic initiatives and growth.**What will enable you to contribute:*** Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Dairy Science, Food Science, or a related discipline* 15+ years of experience in dairy research, innovation, product development, or scientific leadership* Broad expertise across dairy ingredients, cheese, fresh dairy products, and processing technologies* Proven track record leading innovation programs and translating scientific opportunities into business value* Strong portfolio management, prioritization, and stakeholder alignment capabilities* Experience managing external research partnerships and technology scouting initiatives* Strong business acumen and ability to influence senior leaders in a matrixed environment* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills* Experience within regulated food industries; Canadian and U.S. market experience preferred**A role that is meaningful and delivers lasting impact.**#LI-AL1*Agropur accueille des personnes de toutes origines et de tous horizons. Nous sommes fier.ère.s d'être un employeur avec une communauté diverse et nous nous engageons à offrir une expérience respectueuse et inclusive à tous les employé.e.s et candidat.e.s. Nous collaborerons donc avec les candidat.e.s qui demanderont des mesures d’adaptation. Prendre note qu’une connaissance adéquate du français est requise pour les postes offerts au Québec. Agropur a recours à des technologies d’intelligence artificielle afin d’appuyer nos recruteurs dans la présélection, l’évaluation et la sélection des candidats à ce poste.**Dans ce texte, l’emploi du masculin pour désigner des personnes n’a d’autres fins que celle d’alléger le texte. Conformément aux directives de l’OQLF, la connaissance de l’anglais est exigée pour ce poste afin de communiquer avec des collègues et des partenaires situés à l’extérieur du Québec.* #J-18808-Ljbffr

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