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Research And Development Director Jobs in California

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food ...

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $28/hr

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food ...

Lehighbar

Development Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

For over 40 years, we've led the way by funding groundbreaking research, community health ... The Development Director will lead the community fundraising team potentially with 1-2 direct ...

Breakthrough T1D

Development Director

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D ... The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of ...

Breakthrough T1D

Development Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D ... The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of ...

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Research And Development Director information

See California salary details

$64.6K

$160.6K

$212.2K

How much do research and development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development director in California is $160,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,200.00 and $191,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Research and Development director, and how can you address them?

Research and Development Directors often encounter challenges balancing innovative exploration with practical business objectives, managing resource constraints, and leading teams with diverse technical backgrounds. Successfully addressing these challenges involves setting clear priorities, encouraging open communication, and staying agile in response to shifting market or regulatory demands. Effective R&D Directors also foster a creative, solution-oriented environment and collaborate closely with other departments like marketing, production, and finance to align projects with company goals. By navigating these complexities, you can contribute significantly to driving product innovation and organizational success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development director?

To excel as a Research And Development Director, you typically need a solid background in science or engineering, advanced degrees (often a master's or Ph.D.), and substantial experience leading multidisciplinary teams in innovation-focused environments. Familiarity with research management tools, project management software, IP management systems, and relevant industry certifications is highly valued. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and long-term vision. These competencies are essential for steering projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What does a Research and Development director do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Director leads innovation efforts within a company by overseeing the development of new products, technologies, or processes. They manage research teams, set strategic goals, and ensure projects align with business objectives. Additionally, they analyze market trends, collaborate with other departments, and allocate resources efficiently. Their role is crucial in maintaining a company’s competitive edge through innovation and continuous improvement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Director jobs in California? For Research And Development Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research And Development Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Research And Development Director job openings:
Research And Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,576 per year, or $77.2 per hour.

External Research & Development - S San Francisco CA

Veteran Jobs - 2023 Mar 01 - Veterans Resources

South San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

 
ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is On-Site at the location detailed in the job post.
 
External Research & Development Director 
What you will do
In this vital role you as the Business Development Director within the External R&D Early Innovation group, this role is responsible for leading Amgen's search and evaluation, as well as negotiate and execute on certain transactions, for external partnerships focusing on small molecule drug discovery, as well as technologies that support oncology therapeutic area. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with the business's broader goals will also be a critical part of your role.
The successful candidate will contribute to and execute on Amgen's external strategy and develop and nurture a global network of key industry and academic contacts to ensure robust communication of ideas, interests and information between the external community and internal groups.
The role requires proactive efforts to manage the search and identification of opportunities through networking and reviews of the external landscape and prioritizing based on Amgen's R&D strategy. The role includes leading the technical evaluations of opportunities by creating and managing cross-functional review teams, providing recommendations based on robust scientific and drug industry knowledge, and ensuring appropriate and efficient decision-making processes. This person will ensure efficient reviews and engage in business negotiations, and working with the legal team to execute contractual agreements for certain projects. The candidate will be responsible for leading strategic discussions and presentations, collaborating closely with senior management, R&D, and other functions to develop a set of priorities for collaboration, license, or M&A of external innovation. The External Research & Development - Technology Business Development Director will also be expected to contribute in search and evaluation and transactions for technology areas outside of small molecule drug discovery and oncology, as needs arise, as well as mentor others and present himself/herself as a thoughtful and respected professional to both internal colleagues and external parties.
It's highly preferred that this role be located at an Amgen Research hub in either South San Francisco, CA or Thousand Oaks, CA to match most of our research teams.

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