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Research And Development Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Director, Finance R&D

Needham, MA · On-site

$148 - $241/hr

Director, Finance R&D The Finance organization at SharkNinja is a strategic partner that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and drives outstanding business performance. Working closely with ...

New

This position focuses on the development, testing, and design of advanced thrusters, propellants, and electron emitter technologies. The ideal candidate will contribute to R&D experimental work ...

The Senior Research & Development Food Scientist serves as a driving force behind Home Market Foods' product development initiatives. This role spans hands-on product formulation and testing, as well ...

This position focuses on the development, testing, and design of advanced thrusters, propellants, and electron emitter technologies. The ideal candidate will contribute to R&D experimental work ...

Showing results 21-40

Research And Development information

See Boston, MA salary details

$52.7K

$110.6K

$179.2K

How much do research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development in Boston, MA is $110,583.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $126,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in research and development (R&D)?

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 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 are typical challenges faced by professionals in research and development (R&D)?

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 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 degree do you need to work in research and development?

Research and development roles typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or technology. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., along with strong analytical skills and experience with laboratory tools or research methodologies.

What is the job of research and development?

Research and Development (R&D) professionals focus on creating new products, improving existing ones, and developing innovative technologies. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with teams using tools like laboratory equipment and software to support product development and innovation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development jobs in Boston, MA? For Research And Development jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Research And Development jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Research And Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Research And Development job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,575 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist, Research Development

Boston University

Boston, MA • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Boston University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Associate Director, STEM Proposal Specialist will be a key member of Boston University's central Research Development (RD) team, focused on elevating the quality, clarity, and competitiveness of STEM proposals across engineering, physical sciences, computing, and emerging technology domains. Reporting to the Director of Research Development, this role will provide expert scientific editing, strategic writing support, and faculty development programming to strengthen proposals for large-scale, multidisciplinary funding opportunities (e.g., NSF Engineering Research Centers, DOE Energy Frontier Research Centers, DoD MURIs, DARPA programs, etc.). Working in close partnership with the RD program manager for large centers, the STEM Proposal Specialist will focus on narrative development, non-technical sections, and faculty readiness, ensuring proposals are not only compliant, but compelling, and cohesive.
Required Skills
  • Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in engineering, physical sciences, computing, or a closely related STEM field.
  • Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, editing, and proposal development, particularly for federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, DoD).
  • Experience designing or delivering faculty development programs, workshops, or training initiatives

Preferred Experience:
  • Supporting large-scale center proposals (e.g., ERCs, MURIs, EFRCs) or institutional training grants.
  • Familiarity with NSF CAREER and other early-career funding mechanisms.
  • Experience in a research development or research strategy role within an R1 institution or national lab.
  • Understanding of convergence research and team science approaches.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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About Boston University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

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