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Director Research Development Jobs in Houston, TX

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Director Research Development information

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$62.6K

$155.4K

$205.3K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Houston, TX is $155,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,900.00 and $185,300.00 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Director Research Development jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Director Research Development job openings:

Director Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,381 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Director, Research Infrastructure Development

UT MD Anderson

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.


Summary

In partnership with the Vice President of Research Operations, the Office of the Chief Scientific Officer, and Facilities leadership, this position provides strategic and administrative leadership for all research space and property management activities in support of the mission of MD Anderson Cancer Center. Responsibilities include oversight of research facilities planning, design and construction, research equipment acquisitions, maintenance and operations, and the renovation and modernization of research spaces.


Under the direction of the Vice President of Research Operations and in alignment with the Chief Scientific Officer, this leader develops and executes strategies that support institutional and programmatic priorities. The role oversees the delivery of comprehensive facilities services, including space administration, capital and operational project management, facilities planning, and operational excellence across assigned research facilities. Working collaboratively with executive leadership and key stakeholders, the incumbent builds strong partnerships and promotes integrated, institution-wide solutions to advance MD Anderson's research mission and objectives.


Key Functions

  • Lead strategic planning, allocation, utilization, and governance of research space across the research enterprise.
  • Partner with Research Operations, Facilities leadership, and subject matter experts to oversee planning, design, construction, renovation, and activation of research facilities and infrastructure projects.
  • Execute the Research Master Facilities Framework, including oversight of the South Campus research buildout and other strategic facility initiatives, while optimizing space utilization and developing collaborative research neighborhoods.
  • Develop and implement research space policies, standards, and metrics to support transparent, data-driven

decision-making.

  • Oversee capital and non-capital projects, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, operational excellence, sustainability, and high-reliability principles.
  • Serve as the research operations representative and advocate for major facility projects, including infrastructure planning, construction quality, regulatory compliance, and future-state research facility development.
  • Evaluate facility impacts of capital equipment acquisitions, laboratory relocations, and faculty recruitment initiatives to ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
  • Benchmark facilities and research infrastructure practices against leading institutions to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to support the long-term transformation of the research enterprise through effective facilities planning and operational readiness.
  • Lead the development of executive summaries, business plans, strategic analyses, presentations, and project-related documentation to support executive decision-making, institutional planning, and research facilities initiatives.
  • Represent the Chief Scientific Officer and Research Operations on institutional committees, task forces, and leadership forums, while leading enterprise-wide research emergency operations, business continuity planning, and operational readiness efforts to ensure continuity of the research mission during planned and unplanned events.
  • Foster collaborative partnerships across the institution and promote professional development, innovation, and

continuous improvement within research operations and facilities programs.


Education

Required: PhD in Natural sciences or related field. Candidates with a master's degree and significant leadership experience in research operations, facilities planning, or related fields may be considered.


Experience

Required: Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading and managing research operations or facilities in an academic medical center, including five (5) years of direct supervisory responsibility. Management experience must demonstrate progressive advancement in role, scope, and operational complexity.


Preferred: Seven (7) or more years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management within a research environment, including a minimum of five (5) years of direct supervisory responsibility. Experience must demonstrate sustained advancement in scope, operational complexity, and organizational impact, with increasing levels of management accountability over time.

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