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Director Research Development Jobs in Washington, DC

StarKist Co.

Director, Research & Development

Reston, VA · On-site

$190 - $250/hr

Director, Research & Development Regular Full-Time Reston, VA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1310 This position is located in Reston, VA This position is not remote work US Citizenship or Green Card ...

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

Position Overview Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team. As a key member of our Cognitive Intel ...

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team. As a key member of our Cognitive Intel Solutions (Sensors ...

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Position Overview Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team. As a key member of our Cognitive Intel ...

ALS Association

Senior Director, Research

Washington, DC · On-site

$135 - $155/hr

The Senior Director will be responsible for a broad portfolio of research activities, including funding program development, application solicitation, grant reviews, contract negotiations, and ...

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Director Research Development information

See Washington, DC salary details

$74.2K

$184.3K

$243.5K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Washington, DC is $184,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $152,900.00 and $219,700.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Washington, DC are:

Director Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $184,281 per year, or $88.6 per hour.

Director, Research & Development

StarKist Co.

Reston, VA • On-site

$190 - $250/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director, Research & Development

Regular Full-Time Reston, VA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1310

This position is located in Reston, VA
This position is not remote work
US Citizenship or Green Card Holder - no sponsorship available

PURPOSE -

  • Lead the Research & Development Team including Innovation & Product Development, Base Product & Process Development, Packaging Development, and Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs workstreams. Partner with the plants on R&D initiatives.
  • Act as the liaison between the non-technical areas as well as the technical areas todevelop andexecute new and base products and process strategies to grow the overall business and enable cost savings.
  • Responsible for the communication of new and base business activities and strategies with non-technical areas such as Marketing & Innovation,Trade Marketing, Market Research, Finance,andSales. Also provide the technical communication to the technical areas such as QA, Operations, Packaging, and specific factory or co-manufacturing locations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES –

  • Develop New Products & Innovation : Develop New Products or Next-Generation Innovation including the development of new product formulas and packaging (internally through R&D associates or externally working through consultants or suppliers) to deliver within agreed timeline, quality, and cost parameters. Work with internal or co-manufacturing locations on start-up and commercialization.
  • Optimize Base Business Products & Process : Reformulate or restage base products or refine processes within agreed timeline, quality and cost parameters. Work directly with manufacturing locations for process improvements.
  • Maintain and Optimize R&D Support Systems & Technical Services : Provide Technical Services and R&D Systems to optimize product development work stream and timelines, process systems, formula systems, ingredient specifications, nutritional labeling and ingredient statements that meet all departments expectations and deliver projects on time.
  • P ro v idePackaging Engineering and Nutrition & Regulatory Services : Deliver Packaging and Nutrition & Regulatory Services to support Base Business & Innovation initiatives to maintain and grow the StarKist business.
  • Co-Pack Management & Support: Oversee internal co-packing partnerships and third-party manufacturing relationships, ensuring product formulations, quality standards, and process specifications are consistently executed at co-packer facilities.
  • Support plants with Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams, ensuring R&D specifications are accurately translated and maintained across all plants including contract manufacturing sites.
  • Lead technical oversight of plant and co-packing relationships, including formulation transfer, scale-up trials, and troubleshooting to ensure new product development translates successfully from pilot to commercial production.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES -

  • 20+ years of overall professional experience in various product and process development technologies and management, strong understanding of processing equipment and low acid thermal and retort processing. Strong understanding of federal regulations and nutritional labeling. Experience with new packaging development.
  • 5-10 yearsof management experience leading a R&D/technical teamin a position of similar complexity, scope, size and international impact.
  • Experience in CPG/Food required.
  • BS or MS and wide range of product and process development experience.
  • Must be able to travel by plane - approximate travel 30%. (includes international, passport required)
  • Must be capable of travel for extended periods (extended: 5-15 days)

The approximate pay range for this position is $190,000 to $250,000. This range is provided as a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

StarKist Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. EOE/AA/Vet/Disability

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