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Head Of Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prescient Edge

Head of Research

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title Head of Research Location McLean, VA 22102 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Manager Education Bachelor's Degree Travel None ...

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 ...

Dohler Group

Head of R&D

Princeton, IN

$260K - $300K/yr

Our Head of R&D and Innovation will be responsible for steering the applied research approach within North America research and development and prioritizing according to impact and innovation ...

Datawizz

Head of Research

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$50K - $500K/yr

The Role As Head of Research, you'll own Datawizz's research agenda and build an applied research organization focused on making agents radically more reliable and capable. You'll define the roadmap ...

Syneoshealth

OR · On-site

Head of R&D and Scientific Strategy, Rare Disease Syneos Health is a leading fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization built to accelerate customer success. We translate unique ...

Servier

VP, Head of Research US Oncology

Boston, MA · On-site

Role Summary The Head of US Research - Oncology - is a senior scientific leader and full member of ... Collaborate closely with the global R&D teams to move drug candidates forward into early ...

Asana

Head of R&D Operations

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$309K - $364K/yr

We're hiring a Head of R&D Operations for a highly strategic role reporting directly to our Chief Product Officer (CPO). In this role, you will be the chief architect of our internal R&D systems ...

Asana

Head of R&D Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$309K - $364K/yr

We're hiring a Head of R&D Operations for a highly strategic role reporting directly to our Chief Product Officer (CPO). In this role, you will be the chief architect of our internal R&D systems ...

Murad

Global Head of R&D

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Global Head of R&D leads the strategy and execution of product innovation, formulation, packaging development, regulatory compliance, clinical testing, and efficacy/claims substantiation to ...

SASHCO INC

HEAD OF R&D (47628)

Thornton, CO

As the Head of R&D and a Leadership Team member, we need your energy, creativity, and wisdom. Generate successful pathways to team growth and raise the bar in product performance. Adopt new ...

Murad

Global Head of R&D

El Segundo, CA

The Global Head of R&D leads the strategy and execution of product innovation, formulation, packaging development, regulatory compliance, clinical testing, and efficacy/claims substantiation to ...

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All JobsHead Of Research Development Jobs

Head Of Research Development information

See salary details

$65.5K

$162.7K

$215K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for head of research 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head of Research Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head of Research Development, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, project management, and a relevant graduate degree, often a Ph.D. or equivalent. Familiarity with data analysis software, research databases, intellectual property systems, and compliance frameworks is typically required. Outstanding leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, ensuring research quality, and aligning projects with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Head Of Research Development vs Research Scientist?

AspectHead Of Research DevelopmentResearch Scientist
Primary FocusOversees research strategies, manages teams, and directs development projectsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and contributes to research findings
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees (PhD), leadership experience, project management skillsUsually a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D departments, strategic planningLaboratory settings, hands-on research activities
Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharma, tech companies for guiding research teamsFound across research labs, academic institutions, industry research roles

The main difference is that the Head Of Research Development leads and manages research initiatives and teams, focusing on strategy and development, while the Research Scientist conducts experiments and generates research data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the leadership and strategic responsibilities distinguish the Head Of Research Development from the Research Scientist.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head of Research Development when leading cross-functional teams?

A Head of Research Development often encounters challenges in aligning diverse teams—such as scientists, engineers, and business strategists—toward shared project goals. Differences in communication styles, priorities, and technical backgrounds can lead to misunderstandings or delays. Successful leaders in this role foster a collaborative environment by setting clear objectives, encouraging open dialogue, and ensuring that each team member understands how their work contributes to the broader organizational vision. Emphasizing transparency and regular check-ins helps keep projects on track and team morale high.

What does a Head of Research Development do?

A Head of Research Development leads the planning, coordination, and execution of research initiatives within an organization. They are responsible for identifying new research opportunities, securing funding, managing research teams, and ensuring that projects align with the organization's strategic goals. This role often involves collaborating with external partners, overseeing compliance with regulations, and translating research findings into actionable strategies. A Head of Research Development plays a key role in fostering innovation and maintaining the organization's competitive edge.
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What cities are hiring for Head Of Research Development jobs? Cities with the most Head Of Research Development job openings:
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Head Of Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Of Research Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.
Head of Research

Head of Research

Prescient Edge

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Head of Research
Location
McLean, VA 22102 US (Primary)
Category
Research, Development, and Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Manager
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
None
Security Clearance Required
None
Job Description
TBD
Job Requirements
Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization's success.
Prescient Edge logo

About Prescient Edge

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Prescient Edge is a prominent name in the global security industry, based out of McLean, VA, US. Established with the primary mission of harnessing science and technology for safety and security purposes, the company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services. This includes research and development, consulting, global operations support, intelligence evaluation, and advanced data solutions. These offerings make Prescient Edge an integral factor in national defense and commercial innovations.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2008

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