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Research Development Project Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA

SpyGlassPharma is seeking a high-potential R&D ProjectManager withstrongexecution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program Management, this role ...

Summary SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high‑potential R&D Project Manager with strong execution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program ...

New

Summary: SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high-potential R&D Project Manager with strong execution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program ...

R&D Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Summary: SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high-potential R&D Project Manager with strong execution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program ...

Summary: SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high-potential R&D Project Manager with strong execution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program ...

Our established Community Development group is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support development projects for various private and public clients. In this role, you will contribute to the ...

Our established Community Development group is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support development projects for various private and public clients. In this role, you will contribute to the ...

R&D Tax Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

Tax Manager - Research & Development Tax Credit The Tax Manager in the Research & Development Tax Credit group supervises R&D projects, researches tax issues, assists in conducting fieldwork, and ...

Application Development Project Management Quality Assurance Business/Systems Analysis Datawarehouse & Business Intelligence Infrastructure & Network Services Risk Management & Compliance Business ...

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Research Development Project Manager information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$78.4K

$118.8K

$179.3K

How much do research development project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development project manager in Irvine, CA is $118,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,100.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Research Development Project Manager do?

A Research Development Project Manager oversees and coordinates research projects from conception to completion. They work with researchers, stakeholders, and funding agencies to develop proposals, manage budgets, and ensure projects meet their goals and deadlines. Their responsibilities often include identifying funding opportunities, facilitating collaborations, and ensuring compliance with regulations. By managing timelines, resources, and communication, they help maximize the impact and success of research initiatives.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, research methodologies, and budgeting, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in research administration. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana or MS Project), grant management systems, and compliance frameworks is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills help facilitate collaboration among diverse research teams. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with funding and institutional requirements.

How does a Research Development Project Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

A Research Development Project Manager works closely with scientists, engineers, and administrative staff to align project goals, timelines, and resources. They facilitate regular meetings to ensure clear communication, troubleshoot challenges, and keep everyone updated on progress. Collaboration often involves coordinating between departments, managing stakeholder expectations, and integrating feedback from multiple sources to maintain project momentum and quality. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential for fostering a productive, cooperative work environment.

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

AspectResearch Development Project ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field, PMP or project management certifications often preferredAdvanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentProject teams, labs, corporate R&D departmentsLaboratories, research institutions, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageIndustries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, tech companiesUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&D

The Research Development Project Manager focuses on planning, coordinating, and overseeing research projects, ensuring timely delivery and resource management. In contrast, a Research Scientist conducts experiments, analyzes data, and advances scientific knowledge. Both roles are essential in R&D but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Research Development Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Research Development Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Development Project Manager job openings in Irvine, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,834 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

R&D Project Manager

Irvine, CA • On-site

Spyglass Pharma
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

About SpyGlass Pharma:


At SpyGlass Pharma (NASDAQ: SGP), we are focused on improving and preserving the vision of patients living with chronic eye diseases, while minimizing the burden treatment can place on their daily lives. We are advancing innovative long-term ophthalmic drug delivery technologies designed to provide sustained therapy through cataract surgery and help improve patient outcomes.

We have built a highly collaborative team with deep expertise across ophthalmology, drug delivery, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Our scientists, engineers, and clinical leaders bring decades of experience developing and commercializing breakthrough technologies, united by a shared commitment to patients and our guiding principle: "We create for patients." That mindset shapes how we build our products, our teams, and our culture.

Backed by strong clinical progress, significant funding, and a growing organization, SpyGlass Pharma is entering an exciting stage of growth as we advance our lead program, the SpyGlass BIM-IOL, through Phase 3 clinical development.


Summary:


SpyGlassPharma is seeking a high-potential R&D ProjectManager withstrongexecution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program Management, this role will support and gradually take on leadership of cross-functional R&D projects across the product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment of activities, timelines, and deliverables.

This position is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience in pharmaceutical or medical device R&D who are looking to expand into program management and build capabilities in integrated planning, cross-functional coordination, and program execution.

The successful candidate will bring strong operational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to connect interdependent activities to drive project outcomes in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, while gaining exposure to broader programobjectivesand company priorities. This role offers the opportunity to progressively take on increased ownership and responsibility, with a clear path toward leading cross-functional programs.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Supports development and maintenance of cross-functional project plans, including timelines, milestones, and dependencies
  • Tracks progress against deliverables and proactivelyidentifiesrisks, delays, and downstream impacts across functions
  • Contributes to ensuring functional activities are aligned into a cohesive, executable project plan
  • Coordinates with Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, and other functions to ensure alignment on timelines, deliverables, and priorities
  • Drives follow-up on action items and ensures accountability across team members
  • Builds strong working relationships across functions to support effective collaboration
  • Identifies, assesses, and tracks project risks and issues, including potential impact on timelines, scope, and key milestones
  • Escalates risks and issuesin a timely manner, providing clear context and potential impact to support decision-making
  • Prepares project status updates, dashboards, and presentations for team and leadership review
  • Facilitates team meetings, including agenda development, clear documentation of decisions, and tracking of action items to closure
  • Maintains organized andaccurateproject documentation and repositories, ensuring accessibility and consistency across timelines, presentations, and team materials
  • Contributes to business process and systems improvement through Program Management departmental assignments

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related discipline
  • 3-6 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device R&D including experience supporting cross-functional projects or project management activities
  • Foundational understanding of product development lifecycles (early stage through clinical to commercialization) and regulatory environment governing drug and device development
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities andidentifydependencies across workstreams in a cross-functional environment
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills


Preferred Qualifications

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or training
  • Experience within one or more R&D functions (e.g., Clinical, CMC, Product Development) in pharmaceuticalsetting
  • Experience supporting cross-functional projects or development programs
  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms)
  • Experience in ophthalmology or combination product development (strong plus)


Why SpyGlass Pharma?

  • We are offering a range of $95,000 - $110,000, based on experience and qualifications, along with an Annual Bonus opportunity.
  • Share in our success with stock options, giving you a stake in the company's future.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family healthy and happy, with a variety of plan and coverage options.
  • Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation days, and personal leave.


SpyGlass Pharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. SpyGlass Pharma takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

SpyGlass Pharma is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to JOBS@SPYGLASSPHARMA.COM and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.