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Research And Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Director, Research & Development Passionate about advancing precision diagnostics and regulated assay development? Tempus is seeking a Senior Director, Research & Development to lead late ...

The Business Development Director represents the entire range of Citron services, consumables, and ... Carry out market research and maintain knowledgeable about the hygiene market in the defined ...

The Business Development Director represents the entire range of Citron services, consumables, and ... Carry out market research and maintain knowledgeable about the hygiene market in the defined ...

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Research And Development Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$67.5K

$167.6K

$221.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development director in Chicago, IL is $167,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,100.00 and $199,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Director jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Research And Development Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Research And Development Director jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Research And Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,612 per year, or $80.6 per hour.

Senior Director, Research & Development

Tempus, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

## Senior Director, Research & DevelopmentApplylocations: Chicagotime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR202600623**Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?**Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.****Senior Director, Research & Development******Passionate about advancing precision diagnostics and regulated assay development?**Tempus is seeking a Senior Director, Research & Development to lead late-stage assay and product development across molecular diagnostics, with a focus on design-controlled IVDs, CDx, IUOs, LDTs, assay transfer, and process excellence. This leader will drive complex development programs from concept through launch, partner across R&D and operational functions, and build scalable systems that enable high-quality, inspection-ready product development.****What You’ll Do***** Lead late-stage development, validation, and launch readiness for molecular diagnostic products, including IVD, CDx, IUO, and LDT programs* Provide strategic and scientific leadership for design controls, validation planning and execution, design transfer, and post-launch changes* Serve as a key cross-functional partner to Regulatory, Quality, Clinical Lab Operations, Bioinformatics, Automation, Program Management, and Pharma Business Development* Drive regulatory submission support, including FDA, IVDR, MolDX, NYS, CAP, and other global or regional requirements* Oversee documentation strategy and development processes to ensure inspection readiness, consistency, traceability, and scalability* Lead complex issue resolution, including deficiency responses, non-conformances, root cause investigations, and scope pivots* Advance continuous improvement initiatives across product development, including templates, risk-based tools, project estimation, change management, and process standardization* Support external and partner-facing development programs, including companion diagnostics and contractual assay development efforts* Mentor and develop a high-performing teams of scientists and documentation specialists* Contribute to resource planning, budgeting, staffing strategy, and organizational development within R&D****Qualifications***** PhD with 8+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 13+ years of experience in molecular diagnostics, assay development, or a related life sciences field in a regulated environment* Deep experience leading design-controlled product development for molecular diagnostics or sequencing-based assays* Strong working knowledge of IVD/CDx development, validation, design transfer, and regulatory submissions* Demonstrated success working in regulated frameworks including FDA, IVDR, ISO 13485, QMSR, MolDX, and NYS* Track record of leading cross-functional teams through complex technical and regulatory milestones* Experience building scalable processes, documentation systems, and development infrastructure in a fast-paced environment* Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to influence across technical and operational stakeholders* Strong people management experience, including hiring, mentoring, and leading teams through growth and change****Highly Desirable***** Experience supporting audits, inspections, pre-submissions, deficiency responses, and approval pathways* Experience with companion diagnostic developments, pharma partnerships, and external development programs* Experience with automation, LIMS, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliant software tools such as ELNs****Impact in This Role****This role is critical to advancing Tempus’ regulated diagnostics portfolio by ensuring products are scientifically robust, operationally scalable, and developed with the rigor required for successful launch, regulatory approval, and long-term platform growth.The expected salary range above is applicable if the role is performed from Illinois and may vary for other locations (California, Colorado, New York). Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr