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Head Of Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies

Ensure sound management of head count and expenses to meet approved spending plan while achieving ... R&D functions, including advancing opportunities for innovation, finding ways to enhance ...

Infovista

Head of Research & Innovation CoE

THE ROLE: The Head of Research & Innovation CoE is a senior technology and innovation leader ... development of an enterprise-wide Agentic AI framework. The CoE acts as the organization ...

Biogen

Chief of Staff, Research

Cambridge, MA

$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 ...

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 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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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.
Global Head of Index Research & Development

Global Head of Index Research & Development

Nasdaq

New York, NY • Hybrid

$172K - $335K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Head of Index Research & Development will be responsible for leading the creation of timely, germane research content that exhibits Nasdaq's position as a thought leader in rules-based investing, as well as the development of new indexes that will be benchmarks for various investment vehicles, including but not limited to, Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), Structured Products, and Annuities. This is a global role, with teams reporting to the individual across geographies (Americas, EMEA, APAC) and investment vehicles.
The individual's main responsibility will be setting the strategic vision for the product development life cycle, from ideation, to client engagement, and ultimately through index launch. This will entail managing the prioritization and execution of the research and product pipelines, ensuring effective collaboration with internal partners across sales and operations, and representing Nasdaq's index business at high-level client meetings and with internal leadership.

What You Will Do:

Across geographies and investment vehicles that are of focus to the business:

  • Manage the composition, prioritization, and execution of the research and product pipelines
  • Develop and execute a client engagement strategy with sales counterparts
  • Serve as a coach and mentor to direct reports and individual contributors within the Index R&D reporting line
  • Foster relationships with leaders at key client and partner firms
  • Collaborate with colleagues across Sales, Product Management, and Market Intelligence to triangulate investment topics and product concepts that are of interest to clients, in demand among investors, and well suited to Nasdaq's strategic and commercial objectives

Other Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the Marketing, Distribution, and Index Specialist teams in the creation of content supporting new launched indexes and associated investment vehicles
  • Lead the strategy and applied research agenda for emerging passive investment opportunities, including but not limited to private markets benchmarks, tokenized assets, and digital asset index products
  • Develop strategic partnerships with data providers and industry experts, expanding capabilities for alternative datasets and next-generation index solutions

What We Expect:

  • At least 10 years of experience in research and development of indexes and/or rules-based investment products
  • Detailed knowledge of the regulatory and commercial dynamics underpinning the markets and investment vehicles served by Nasdaq's index business
  • Track record of "connecting the dots" between the R&D work being undertaken in one area of the business and the opportunities to leverage it elsewhere based on client and/or investor demand, as well as the ever-evolving regulatory and macroeconomic backdrop
  • Wide-ranging and insatiable intellectual curiosity
  • Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills, with sharp attention to detail
  • Experience utilizing SQL, R, Python, and Databricks
  • Experience utilizing Tableau or similar data visualization tools to create compelling content that enhances product pitching efforts

This position willbe located inNew York and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work environment atleast 3 days a week in-office, subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualifiedcandidates.

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

What We Offer

We're proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq's overall success.

The base pay range for this role is $172,000 - $335,000. In addition to base salary, Nasdaq provides a generous annual bonus/commission (short-term incentive), and equity (long-term incentive), comprehensive benefits, and opportunity for growth. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, business needs and market demands.

Nasdaq's programs and rewards are intended to allow our employees to:

  • Secure Wealth: 401(k) program with 6% employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, Student loan repayment program up to $10k, Company paid life and disability plans, Generous paid time off
  • Prioritize Health: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, Health spending account with employer contribution, Paid flex days to support mental wellbeing, Gym membership discounts
  • Care for Family: Hybrid home/office schedule (for most positions), Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits, Paid bereavement leave
  • Connect with Community: Company gift matching program, Employee resource groups, Paid volunteer days
  • Grow Career: Education Assistance Program, Robust job skills training and Professional development opportunities

For more information, visit Nasdaq Benefits & Rewards Career page.

Apply