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Research And Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved products & processes. Works directly with CI, Marketing, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to support ...

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Research And Development information

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Research and Development (R&D) role, and why are they important?

A successful R&D professional typically possesses a strong background in scientific or technical disciplines, supported by relevant degrees such as a BS, MS, or PhD in fields like engineering, chemistry, or biology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and project management tools, along with certifications like Six Sigma or PMP, is often required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills that help drive innovation and teamwork. These competencies are vital for developing new products, improving processes, and maintaining a competitive edge in fast-evolving markets.

What are typical challenges faced by professionals in Research and Development (R&D) roles?

Professionals in R&D roles often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative thinking with practical constraints like budget, timelines, and regulatory requirements. They must also navigate uncertainties related to experimental results and manage cross-functional collaboration with teams such as marketing, production, and quality assurance. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and maintaining clear documentation throughout the development process are also crucial to success. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential to overcome these common hurdles and drive projects forward.

What is research and development (R&D)?

Research and Development (R&D) refers to the activities companies undertake to innovate and introduce new products or services. It involves researching market needs, creating new ideas, and developing prototypes or processes to bring those ideas to life. R&D is crucial for business growth, helping organizations stay competitive by improving existing products or inventing new ones. Professionals in this field often work in laboratories, engineering departments, or product design teams.

What is the difference between Research And Development vs Product Development?

AspectResearch And DevelopmentProduct Development
FocusCreating new knowledge, innovations, and prototypesDesigning, building, and launching new or improved products
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research centers, R&D departmentsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, project teams
Required CredentialsScience or engineering degrees, research experienceEngineering, design, or product management background
Industry UsageTech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturingConsumer goods, electronics, automotive

Research And Development focuses on generating new knowledge and innovations, often in labs or research centers. Product Development takes those innovations and transforms them into market-ready products through design, testing, and manufacturing processes. While R&D is about discovery, product development is about application and commercialization.

What cities are hiring for Research And Development jobs? Cities with the most Research And Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs are:
What states have the most Research And Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Research And Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research And Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Research Development Officer

Research Development Officer

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


University Of Kansas rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

55% - Research and Grant Development
  • Responsible for managing services related to research and grant development activities for KU units, teams of faculty and staff, and individual scholars in the humanities, creative fields, and humanities-oriented social sciences disciplines.
  • Facilitates collaborations across disciplines and schools at the university.
  • Organizes teams of research partners and assists with complex interdisciplinary proposals.
  • Supervises the RGDO staff.
  • Trains research and grant development staff in grants administration, federal requirements, and university guidelines.
  • Assigns the Research Development Specialist (RDS) to individual and interdisciplinary research team proposals and other tasks, and prioritizes work to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Leads development of outreach and research development educational initiatives.
  • Serves as the primary liaison between KU's Office of Research Awards Management Services (AMS), particularly Pre-Awards Services, and the investigator/research team, providing direct support for proposal preparation to the investigators/research teams.
  • Monitors relevant humanities granting agency priorities and develops/maintains contacts with program officers for advance knowledge of new or revised funding programs and initiatives; communicates this information to researchers and research development teams.
  • Researches and communicates funding opportunities based on specific investigator's/team's criteria.
  • Assists individual humanities researchers/teams in developing long-term funding plans/strategies based on research agendas/career goals.
  • Provides guidance to interdisciplinary investigators/teams on strategic approaches to funding calls based on analysis of funding calls and agency priorities.
  • Develops project management plans for investigators/teams to meet proposal deadlines and advises investigators/teams on university/agency submission requirements, including issues of compliance.
  • Reviews written materials and provides technical editing.
  • Develops proposal materials related to standard elements such as management plans, educational outreach, and data management to include editing for format, page length, and coherence.
  • Works with humanities/humanities-related investigators/teams to develop comprehensive budgets that support research needs based on the research plan and sponsor's guidelines.
  • Reviews and preliminarily negotiates contracts and sub-contracts.
  • Develops and presents investigator events such as trainings, workshops, and other activities on a variety of research-related topics.
25% - Outreach, Networking, and Integrated Research Development 
  • Collaborates with the KU Research Development community of practice, including the research development team in the KU Office of Research (KUOR) and embedded research development personnel in other research centers and institutes.
  • Collaboration will include attending KUOR Research Development meetings, sharing KUOR communications and funding opportunity announcements with campus scholars in the humanities and humanities-related fields, aiding in generating programmatic synergy across KU, and taking part in interdisciplinary research development events. Also collaborates with leadership across relevant academic units and sub-units, as appropriate, and with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Provost's Office on external funding issues, opportunities, policies, and practices.
  • Participates with colleagues across KU campuses to support research development recruitment and education strategies.
  • Oversees the organization and production of grant-related training materials and educational events for humanities and humanities-integrated scholars/teams.
  • Represents the humanities and the University of Kansas to local, regional, and national constituencies.
10% - RGDO Administration
  • Maintains responsibility for the organization and management of all activities of the Hall Center's Research & Grant Development Office (RGDO), including oversight of the Research Development Specialist (RDS) and, if applicable, graduate interns.
  • Sets and ensures compliance with grant-related standards and policies.
  • Oversees maintenance of RGDO's standard operating procedures.
  • Maintains and continually develops the RGDO's sections of the Hall Center's website.
  • Assists with new faculty recruitment.
5% - Professional Development
  • Maintains active membership in appropriate professional organizations and participates in relevant conferences and workshops.
5% - Other Duties as Assigned
  • This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work for this position; it is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties required
,The Hall Center for the Humanities seeks a Research Development Officer (RDO) with a proven history of leadership to direct the operations of its Research & Grant Development Office (RGDO). The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to provide strategic planning and the innovation necessary to effectively meet the challenges of a changing academic and research funding environment. The RDO's primary directive is to provide the direction, oversight, and organizational management to ensure that the RGDO accomplishes its mission: To stimulate external grant and fellowship proposal development and enhance the quality of applications submitted by KU scholars engaged in humanities-focused research, which is a component of the Hall Center's mission: To foster and support research in the humanities and share the knowledge created with a range of communities, on campus and off. The RDO's work contributes significantly to the Research and Discovery component of the University of Kansas "Jayhawks Rising" strategic plan and KU Office of Research strategies for achieving "One KU"-the  integration of major interdisciplinary initiatives across the Lawrence, Edwards, and Medical Center campuses. The RDO works closely with the Hall Center Director to support the Hall Center's applications for external funding to carry out its mission. The RDO is appointed by and reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research in KU's Office of Research.

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