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Innovation Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

'The department of Innovation and Implementation Research is recruiting a Research Scientist to serve as Scientific Director to advance innovation, implementation science, digital health and AI ...

The role will work with the Innovation team and function to collaborate with the clinical ... Research Scientist: * Collaborate with the clinical development team and project leaders in the ...

This role partners with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, support product development, and ensure high-quality scientific outcomes. To be considered for future Research Scientist ...

This role partners with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, support product development, and ensure high-quality scientific outcomes. To be considered for future Research Scientist ...

... innovation. The Research Scientist will join the Coastal Systems Modeling Group within CCRM to support and advance research in coastal hydrodynamics, water quality processes, and next-generation ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

As a Research Scientist at CFC, you'll provide expertise in social-emotional learning, education ... Collaborate with Innovation Team members, including product manager, instructional designers ...

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Innovation Research Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do innovation research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an innovation research scientist?

An Innovation Research Scientist is a professional who investigates, develops, and tests new scientific ideas, technologies, or products to drive innovation within an organization. They often work at the intersection of research and development, using scientific methods to solve complex problems, create prototypes, and evaluate the feasibility of novel solutions. Their work is crucial for companies aiming to stay competitive by bringing new products or processes to market. Innovation Research Scientists collaborate closely with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to turn research findings into real-world applications.

What are some common challenges faced by innovation research scientists when bringing new ideas from concept to implementation?

Innovation Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as securing stakeholder buy-in, navigating ambiguous or evolving project goals, and bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application. They regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams, requiring strong communication skills to align diverse perspectives and priorities. Additionally, balancing the need for creative exploration with project deadlines and resource limitations is a frequent aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an innovation research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innovation Research Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and problem-solving, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software, laboratory technologies, and project management tools is often required, along with experience conducting experiments and publishing findings. Creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for generating novel ideas and collaborating across disciplines. These skills and qualities are essential for driving breakthrough innovations and translating research into actionable solutions.

What is the difference between Innovation Research Scientist vs Product Development Scientist?

AspectInnovation Research ScientistProduct Development Scientist
Primary FocusDeveloping new technologies and innovative conceptsDesigning and improving existing products
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departmentsManufacturing, product teams
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in science or engineeringDegree in science, engineering, or related field
Industry UsageTechnology, biotech, engineering firmsConsumer goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals

While both roles involve scientific expertise, Innovation Research Scientists focus on creating groundbreaking ideas and technologies, whereas Product Development Scientists work on refining and bringing products to market. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities are hiring for Innovation Research Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Innovation Research Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Innovation Research Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Innovation Research Scientist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Innovation Research Scientist jobs?

For Innovation Research Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Research Scientist - HMRI Innovation and Implementation

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead innovation, implementation, digital health, and AI-focused research programs aligned with institutional priorities

  • Provide scientific leadership in study design, research methods, data science, analytics, and program evaluation

  • Co-lead the design and execution of clinical trials, pragmatic studies, and health system research initiatives


Job description

‘The department of Innovation and Implementation Research is recruiting a Research Scientist to serve as Scientific Director to advance innovation, implementation science, digital health and AI-enabled research.
At Houston Methodist, the Research Scientist is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) through leadership in innovation, implementation science, digital health, and AI-enabled research. This role provides strategic scientific oversight for innovation and implementation research programs, including complex, multidisciplinary projects that leverage data science, analytics, clinical workflows, and health system transformation methodologies.
The Research Scientist serves as Scientific Director of the department and institutional representative, acting as a gatekeeper for research relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
This position operates to ensure that the scientific, operational, and budgetary needs of the department’s research portfolio are met. The Research Scientist supports management and research staff by monitoring scientific rigor and performance, standardizing research and analytic practices, optimizing financial and data resources, maintaining productivity, and resolving scientific, technical, and operational challenges across projects.
KEY AREAS:
• Digital Health and AI-focused research programs
• Care redesign related research initiatives
• Implementation science and learning health systems
• Health informatics and Data Analytics
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead innovation, implementation, digital health, and AI-focused research programs aligned with institutional priorities
• Provide scientific leadership in study design, research methods, data science, analytics, and program evaluation
• Lead scientific writing efforts, including manuscripts, abstracts, white papers, and institutional reports
• Co-lead the design and execution of clinical trials, pragmatic studies, and health system research initiatives
• Co-lead grant development activities, including study conceptualization, methodological design, and scientific proposal development
• Mentor postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, graduate students, and other trainees to support academic growth and research independence
• Collaborate with clinical, operational, and research stakeholders to advance system-wide innovation and research goal
• Ensure responsible stewardship of research resources, data assets, and external collaborations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• PhD (or equivalent terminal degree) in natural science, public health, health services research, epidemiology, informatics, psychology, human factors engineering, social science, behavioral science, or related field
• Strong methodological and analytic expertise
• Demonstrated potential for publications and funding
• Experience with healthcare/EHR data preferred
Scope Clarification
• This role does not involve traditional wet-laboratory oversight or bench-based scientific research. Instead, it focuses on non-lab-based, translational, and applied research, emphasizing implementation science, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, analytics, and real-world clinical impact.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Doctorate degree in related field

EXPERIENCE
  • Experience in related field of study

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.
  • Performs procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.
  • Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
  • Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.
  • Participates in writing manuscripts and publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the principle investigator.
  • Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
  • Analyzes data and interprets data.
  • Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Participates in grant writing the specific grant(s).
  • Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Reviews scientific literature.
  • Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: No
    • Business professional: Yes
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Doctorate degree in related field

EXPERIENCE
  • Experience in related field of study

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.