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Director Research Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Review & Approval of key developmental documents which have high impact within the organization and ... Logical approach to judgement and decision making based on original thinking, direct experience ...

Review & Approval of key developmental documents which have high impact within the organization and ... Logical approach to judgement and decision making based on original thinking, direct experience ...

... Director, Research Quality to provide strategic guidance to OneR and partner practices in the development, implementation, and optimization of SOPs and procedural documents to support compliant ...

Development CHemist

Piney Flats, TN ยท On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Available Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire About the Opportunity Our confidential manufacturing client is seeking an innovative Development Chemist to support the research, development, and ...

Available Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire About the Opportunity Our confidential manufacturing client is seeking an innovative Development Chemist to support the research, development, and ...

Position Summary The Development Director is an executive leadership position responsible for ... Lead foundation and government grant strategy with Grant Writer, including prospect research ...

Development Director

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

The Development Director will have primary responsibility for corporate and individual donor ... Lead foundation and government grant strategy with Grant Writer, including prospect research ...

Development Director

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$75K/yr

Position Summary The Development Director is an executive leadership position responsible for ... Lead foundation and government grant strategy with Grant Writer, including prospect research ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Research Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$59.4K

$147.7K

$195.1K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Tennessee is $147,676.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $176,100.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,676 per year, or $71 per hour.

Director, R&D - Formulation & Tech Transfer

Revance

Johnson City, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead formulation design, development, optimization, and scale-up activities.

  • Manage multiple development projects, ensuring timely and successful execution.

  • Partner with cross-functional teams to support product launches and commercialization.


Job description

Job Summary:
The Director, R&D - Formulation & Tech Transfer is a fast-paced role combining strong technical leadership with people-management responsibility, and requires deep expertise in cosmetic and OTC skincare formulation development. The position also leads technical transfer and scale-up, ensuring key technical information is effectively communicated to Manufacturing, to support successful commercial production.
Reporting to: Vice President, Research & Development
Location: Johnson City, TN - onsite
Responsibilities/Essential Duties:
  • Strategic Leadership:
    • Develop and execute formulation strategies aligned with business goals.
    • Identify innovation opportunities, emerging technologies, and market trends.
    • Prioritize R&D projects and manage R&D resources to enable product development pipeline.
  • Product Development:
    • Lead formulation design, development, optimization, and scale-up activities.
    • Oversee prototype development, stability testing, and product performance evaluation.
    • Ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
    • Provide technical leadership for formulation and manufacturing challenges.
  • Project Management:
    • Manage multiple development projects, ensuring timely and successful execution.
    • Monitor project risks, budgets, and resource allocation.
    • Drive continuous improvement in product development processes.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration:
    • Partner with Quality, Manufacturing, Marketing, and commercial teams to support product launches and commercialization.
    • Coordinate with suppliers and external partners as needed.
  • Compliance:
    • Ensure compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, and industrial standards.
    • Maintain development documentation and support audits, and regulatory submissions.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree & 10+ years' directly related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph. D. in Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
  • 10+ years' formulation and product development experience.
  • 5+ years' leadership experience, managing R&D teams.
  • Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization.
  • Strong knowledge of formulation science, process development, scale-up, and commercialization.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and analyze complex formulation problems.
  • Effective multi-tasking and project planning skills are critical to meet aggressive deadlines.
  • Experience in a regulated environment.
  • Familiarity with DOE, stability studies, risk assessment, and project management.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Company Summary:
Crown is a proud member of the Revance Portfolio of skincare offerings. Revance is a fast-growing global aesthetics and skincare company focused on providing innovative aesthetics and market-leading skincare offerings throughout every stage of life. With a differentiated portfolio of products spanning 60 countries, Revance meets the evolving needs of patients and consumers worldwide through continued innovation and commercialization of new products and treatments.
What Revance invests in you:
  • Competitive Compensation including base salary and annual performance bonus.
  • Flexible PTO, holidays, and parental leave.
  • Generous healthcare benefits, HSA match, 401k match, employer paid life and disability insurance, pet insurance, wellness discounts and much more!

This section of the job description is required by the American with Disability Act (ADA). The ADA requires that job descriptions reflect the physical and mental demands required to effectively perform the essential duties of the job. The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against a "qualified individual with a disability" in all aspects of the employment relationship. A "qualified individual with a disability" is "an individual who meets the education, experience, skill, and other job-related requirements of a position held or desired, and who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a specified job."
Revance is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.