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Research Development Manager Jobs in Houston, TX

Development Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$115K - $158K/yr

Development Manager Company: Prologis Development Manager, HOUSTON A day in the life Prologis is ... Research design, construction alternatives, and value engineering opportunities that will drive ...

Development Manager Company: Prologis Development Manager, HOUSTON A day in the life Prologis is ... Research design, construction alternatives, and value engineering opportunities that will drive ...

Product Development Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Leading product development and R&D initiatives for power electronics technologies from concept through commercialization * Managing and developing a high-performing engineering team while driving ...

... research to identify new markets and client needs • Promote the company's products/services ... development manager, sales executive or a relevant role • Proven sales track record, client ...

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Research Development Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.3K

$97.2K

$157.6K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Houston, TX is $97,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research and development manager do?

A research and development manager oversees the development of new products, processes, or technologies within an organization. They coordinate research activities, manage teams of scientists or engineers, and ensure projects meet technical and business goals, often using project management tools and industry standards.

How much do R&D managers make in the US?

Research and Development (R&D) managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $90,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and require strong leadership and project management skills to oversee innovation and product development teams.

What is the difference between Research Development Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a Research Development Manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.

Is R&D stressful as a career?

Research and Development Managers often face stress due to project deadlines, innovation demands, and managing cross-functional teams. The role requires problem-solving skills, adaptability, and often involves long hours, especially during critical phases of product development or research projects.

What is the role of a research and development manager?

A research and development manager oversees the development of new products, processes, or technologies within an organization. They coordinate research activities, manage teams of scientists or engineers, and ensure projects align with company goals, often utilizing project management tools and technical expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,210 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Research Development Spec II, Vice President for Research

UTMB Health

Galveston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


UTMB Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications: 
 

Education: Master's degree.  
Experience: Two years of experience developing or writing proposals to/for federal, state, or local agencies.  
 

An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM), Social Science, or Public Health.


Job Summary:
To provide grant proposal development expertise to faculty members and research personnel to enable competitive individual and team extramural research funding and facilitate research excellence in collaboration with the Office of Strategic Research Development. May support faculty in a single department, or across multiple departments and/or center(s) in all phases of the research proposal process.


Job Duties:

  • Provides strategic, proactive, catalytic, and capacity-building proposal writing/editing expertise to faculty members and researchers.
  • Provides analytical, technical, and professional support in writing/editing funding proposals, including development of hypotheses, aims, and objectives, grantsmanship and limited scientific review.
  • Proposal development duties include obtaining competitive intelligence on funding programs; facilitating PI team building; substantive editing of proposal sections. Work cooperatively with grant/contract specialists, and other Research Development team members in pursuit of these objectives.
  • Identifies and maintains research alliances with potential collaborative partners and funding agencies to formulate and implement specific research projects.
  • Monitors funding agency changes and priorities and identifies funding opportunities suited for faculty member(s) based upon their research expertise.
  • Serves as proposal development expert to staff and researchers.


Marginal or Periodic Functions: 

  • Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
  • Performs related duties as required.


Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, particularly the capacity for the integration and synthesis of written text that represents a melding of multidisciplinary research.
  • Demonstrated capacity for independent decision making, research development, and working on multidisciplinary teams on project and proposal development.
  • Requires ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
  • Advanced use of InfoEd, Microsoft Word, Excel and Reference Managers


Supervision
Received: This position will report to a department Vice-Chair for research, Chair, Center or Institute Director, or to a research development or research administrator with the title such as Operations Manager, Assistant Director, Associate Director, Director, or Executive Director. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT
Standard office environment. May require travel to conferences or meetings with funding agencies or 
professional development. Standard office equipment. 
 

*Official Regulatory Statement for Healthcare jobs’ Job Descriptions: May be exposed to such 
occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing 
radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others.


Salary Range:
Commensurate with experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.


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