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Head Of Research And Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valency Systems Inc

Head of Research

Berkeley, CA · On-site

The Position As our Head of Research , with a PhD or advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, you will set the research agenda, shaping how and what we build, and directly ...

Dr. Squatch

Head of R&D

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Squatch is seeking a Head of R&D to lead the next phase of technical and product innovation across the organization. We are seeking a hands-on technical leader who can help scale and evolve the ...

BiomeSense

Head of Research

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Head of Research Compensation: $125K- $200K salary, up to 1% equity stock options Full benefits, including health coverage, PTO & parental leave About BiomeSense BiomeSense is a life sciences startup ...

Dr. Squatch

Head of R&D

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Squatch is seeking a Head of R&D to lead the next phase of technical and product innovation across the organization. We are seeking a hands-on technical leader who can help scale and evolve the ...

Dr. Squatch

Head of R&D

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Squatch is seeking a Head of R&D to lead the next phase of technical and product innovation across the organization. We are seeking a hands-on technical leader who can help scale and evolve the ...

Deeter Analytics Inc

Head of Research

Head of Research About Deeter Analytics Deeter Analytics is a privately held investment research and trading firm managing approximately ~$500M across public markets, alternatives, and private ...

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All JobsHead Of Research And Development Jobs

Head Of Research And Development information

See salary details

$65.5K

$162.7K

$215K

How much do head of research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for head of research and development in the United States is $162,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $194,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Of Research And Development vs Research Manager?

AspectHead Of Research And DevelopmentResearch Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire R&D strategy, innovation, and product development at a high levelManages research projects, teams, and day-to-day research activities
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD, Master’s), extensive experience in R&D leadershipBachelor’s or Master’s degree, relevant research experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, cross-departmental collaborationResearch labs, project teams, operational focus
Industry UsageCommon in large corporations and innovation-driven companiesFound in both large and small organizations, more operational

The Head Of Research And Development focuses on strategic leadership and innovation at an organizational level, while the Research Manager handles daily research activities and team management. Both roles require strong research credentials, but the Head Of R&D typically has more extensive experience and a broader scope of responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head of research and development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Of Research And Development, you need a strong background in scientific research or engineering, advanced degrees (often a PhD or Master's), and proven leadership experience in innovation-driven environments. Expertise in project management software, data analysis tools, and familiarity with intellectual property management are typically required, along with certifications in management or relevant technical fields. Strategic thinking, exceptional communication, and the ability to inspire and manage multidisciplinary teams are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring efficient project delivery, and maintaining a competitive edge in research-intensive industries.

What does a head of research and development do?

A Head of Research and Development (R&D) is responsible for leading the development of new products, services, or technologies within an organization. They oversee research teams, set strategic goals, manage budgets, and ensure projects align with company objectives. This role also involves staying updated on industry trends, fostering innovation, and collaborating with other departments to bring ideas from concept to market. The Head of R&D plays a crucial role in maintaining the company's competitive edge and driving growth through innovation.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by a head of research and development when bringing new products to market?

A Head of Research and Development often navigates challenges such as aligning innovative ideas with business objectives, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring projects stay on time and within budget. Balancing creative experimentation with regulatory compliance and risk management is crucial, as is fostering collaboration between R&D, marketing, and manufacturing departments. Additionally, responding to rapidly changing market trends and integrating new technologies can add complexity, making adaptability and strong leadership essential for success in this role.
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Head Of Research And Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Of Research And Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Head of Research & Development - Water Technologies

SCM Metal Products Inc

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

The Global Head of R&D is responsible for building and leading a high-impact, global research, development, and technical innovation organization focused on non-chemical water technologies, metal-based media systems, and industrial process applications.


As a key member of the leadership team, this role defines and executes the global innovation strategy to deliver differentiated technologies, strengthen the company's intellectual property position, and accelerate commercialization. The role ensures strong alignment between R&D, commercial priorities, and operational execution to drive sustainable growth across global industrial water markets.   


 Strategy & Business Impact

  • Define and execute the global R&D and innovation strategy aligned with business growth objectives, market needs, and competitive differentiation.
  • Deliver a robust innovation pipeline driving measurable business outcomes, including revenue growth from new products, improved margins, and expanded market applications.
  • Establish clear performance metrics for innovation, including time-to-market, commercialization success rates, and return on R&D investment.
  • Partner closely with commercial leadership to integrate voice-of-customer insights into product development and ensure successful market adoption.

Leadership & Organizational Development

  • Build, lead, and scale a high-performing global R&D organization, including laboratory, pilot, and technical application teams.
  • Develop a strong talent pipeline through recruitment, capability building, succession planning, and leadership development.
  • Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and inclusive culture that promotes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead cross-regional teams effectively, ensuring alignment, communication, and execution across diverse global operations.

Innovation & Technology Development

  • Drive innovation programs focused on product performance, application expansion, operational reliability, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
  • Oversee laboratory development, pilot testing, scale-up, and validation activities to ensure successful commercialization of new technologies.
  • Implement and continuously improve stage-gate processes, technical standards, and product validation protocols to enhance R&D efficiency and effectiveness.

Intellectual Property & Competitive Positioning

  • Define and execute a comprehensive global IP strategy, including patent development, trade secret protection, and competitive technology positioning.
  • Partner with external patent counsel and internal stakeholders to identify, protect, and expand strategic IP assets.
  • Monitor competitive technologies and industry trends to maintain a strong and differentiated market position.

Financial & Operational Management

  • Lead the global R&D budget and capital investment strategy, ensuring effective allocation of resources and strong ROI on innovation initiatives.
  • Prioritize and balance multiple R&D programs, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and resource availability.
  • Drive operational excellence in R&D processes, infrastructure, and tools.

External Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

  • Establish and manage strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, industry organizations, and technology providers.
  • Leverage external innovation networks to accelerate technology development and access emerging capabilities.
  • Support technical due diligence for strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or M&A activities.

Customer & Market Engagement

  • Provide executive-level technical leadership in key customer engagements and strategic projects.
  • Collaborate with customers to develop tailored solutions and strengthen the company's position as a technology partner.
  • Represent the company in industry forums, conferences, and technical associations.


Requirements

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Water Technology, Environmental Engineering, or related technical discipline. 
  • Significant experience in industrial water treatment technologies, or industrial process technologies. 
  • Proven experience leading R&D, product development, or technical innovation teams within industrial manufacturing, or water technology environments. 
  • Demonstrated success building technical organizations, laboratory capabilities, innovation processes, and commercialization pipelines. 
  • Experience developing and managing intellectual property strategies including patents, trade secrets, technical documentation, and technology protection initiatives. 
  • Familiarity with global environmental, industrial, and regulatory standards related to water treatment and industrial process technologies. 

Skills and Abilities

  • Strategic leadership with the ability to align innovation with business growth objectives.
  • Deep technical expertise in industrial water treatment and/or industrial process technologies.
  • Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate market needs into differentiated solutions.
  • Expertise in applied research, product development, pilot testing, scale-up, and commercialization.
  • Advanced understanding of IP strategy, innovation governance, and competitive positioning.
  • Proven ability to influence and collaborate across executive leadership, commercial, operations, and regulatory teams.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities applied to complex technical and business challenges.
  • Experience managing global teams, multiple programs, and complex resource allocation decisions.
  • Effective communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership and customers.
  • Strong change leadership and organizational transformation capabilities.

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