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Head Of Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Biogen

Chief of Staff, Research

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$237K - $326K/yr

You'll act as a proxy for the Head of Research in important forums and discussions, while also ... Experience in drug discovery and development environments. * Background in scenario planning and ...

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Head Of Research Development information

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$65.5K

$162.7K

$215K

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

As of Jul 4, 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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Head Of Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Of Research Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.
Vice President of Research & Development

Vice President of Research & Development

Fujifilm

Madison, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Fujifilm rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Position Overview
Lead Research & Development (R&D) organization to execute on business strategies, ensuring growth to meet sales and operating profitability goals. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, VP of R&D will oversee and enable innovation and product development across iPSC programming/line development, iCell portfolio, custom products, and CDMO services. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, creating agility and efficiency in resource management across R&D to ensure timely delivery of programs and initiatives. Builds talent and capabilities across R&D to ensure the current and future health of the organization, collaborating cross-functionally, and delivering a high level of performance.
Company Overview
At FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, we're unlocking the power of human cells to change lives. Using revolutionary induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, we drive advancements in drug discovery, disease modeling, cell therapy, research tools, and cell therapy manufacturing. Our mission is deeply meaningful, and we're looking for bold innovators to join us.
At FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, you'll thrive in a collaborative and cutting-edge environment that encourages creativity and celebrates breakthroughs. If you're ready to do work that makes a real impact and propels healthcare forward, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary for science, patients, and yourself.
Our headquarters is in Madison, Wisconsin, a dynamic city celebrated for its lakes, parks, cultural richness, biotech leadership, and access to world-class academia.
Fujifilm is globally headquartered in Tokyo with over 70,000 employees across four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging. We are guided and united by our Group Purpose of "giving our world more smiles." Visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region/careers
Job Description
Essential Job Functions
  • Oversee and deliver on R&D milestones, including Discovery Research new product development, CDMO milestones outlined agreements/SOWs, and DR custom projects
  • Collaborate with Finance and Business Development to create and refine CDMO financial models to ensure profitable CDMO programs
  • Plan and execute the development of new products and the improvement of existing products, in alignment with commercial team, and ensuring an efficient and effective NPI process is followed, and quality products are being released to the life science market
  • Work closely with Executive team to develop and execute the long-term strategic business plan, ensuring communications to R&D team ang alignment to goal setting process
  • Manage departments' annual budgets and quarterly forecasting processes. Ensure sound management of head count and expenses to meet approved spending plan while achieving all departmental commitments, project objectives, and to drive operating profit for the company
  • Identify, develop, and deploy best practices across all R&D functions, including advancing opportunities for innovation, finding ways to enhance development and accelerate time to market
  • Communicate and manage program status, initiatives, roadblocks, and recovery plans with Senior Management to achieve projects on time and on budget
  • Drive portfolio valuation process and prioritization analyses, and provide technical assessments and recommendations to optimize the return and risk of portfolio investments
  • Facilitate where required, IND submissions and clinical development of partnered programs consistent with the highest regulatory standards
  • Represent the company to prospective and current therapeutic/CDMO clients as the leader for iPSC and cell therapy development
  • Drive innovation, ensuring FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics stays a leader in advanced iPSC technologies and support to therapeutic developers.
  • Support early-stage programs, including technology transfer, clinical manufacturing support, IND submissions, in partnership with therapeutic clients
  • Drive execution of development programs and goals, developing and defining key "Go/No-go" criteria and managing matrix teams
  • Proactively identify project issues and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. Ensure sound technical responses to information requests from regulatory bodies
  • Implement key standard processes leading to positive and measurable impacts for clinical programs (e.g. quality, efficiency, consistency)
  • Ensure employee engagement within and across teams in collaboration with HR and other senior management
  • Select, develop, train, and retain capable staff of development and operations professionals to ensure all aspects of the company objectives and timelines are achieved
  • In collaboration with HLUS Compliance, support the business in compliance issues, collaborating with other departments to ensure sound business continuity and planning.

Qualifications
  • PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field - stem cell experience a plus
  • Minimum of 15 years of R&D experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, life science or CDMO industry with at least 10 years of management/leadership experience
  • Relevant experience building high-performing, cross functional teams responsible for optimizing portfolio delivery
  • Strong familiarity with regulated pharmaceutical development and FDA, EMA, and other MOHs globally
  • Ability to influence outcomes, utilizing effective communication skills across functions and on the executive team
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities to include a track record of hiring, retaining, developing and motivating top-tier scientific talent, team development, managing through adversity, effective communication across all levels of stakeholders to include external parties, all with a strategic outlook and ability to defend research positions while achieving program objectives
  • Proven track record of driving accountability and fostering problem-solving within the team
  • History of translating a corporate mission into specific team objectives, breaking down organizational boundaries through collaboration, building strong relationships based on trust with all levels of employees.
  • Ability to become a strategic partner with business leaders; contributes not only by identifying strategic opportunities for R&D, but also demonstrates an ability to think beyond the status quo and conceptualize innovative and visionary approaches to broad business challenges
  • Proficient in R&D planning and driving execution through the team
  • Demonstrated proficiency in managing multiple projects, and changing priorities meet timelines and budgets
  • Domestic and international travel - 10%

#LI- Onsite
EEO Information
Fujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.
ADA Information
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department (fcdi-hr@fujifilm.com).

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About Fujifilm

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With each Industry we enter, We’ve learned to Leverage and Adapt our knowledge, Expertise and rRsources to make the World a better place. When it comes to Innovating for a Healthier World and a more sustainable society, we’ll NEVER STOP. Fujifilm will contribute to the social challenges by creating new value in a wide range of business domains through innovation in Products, Services, and Technological Development. We launched our Healthcare Business with X-ray film in 1936. And now, We are developing our business in areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment as a Comprehensive Healthcare Company. We will never stop Innovating for a Healthier World.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minato-ku, Tokyo, JP

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