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Research Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an innovative Research & Development Specialist to join our team at CorDx. This role will be pivotal in the planning, development, and implementation of research initiatives to create ...

We are seeking an innovative Research & Development Specialist to join our team at CorDx. This role will be pivotal in the planning, development, and implementation of research initiatives to create ...

We are seeking a skilled Bilingual R&D Specialist to join our dynamic Research & Development team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced lab environment, enjoys hands-on work ...

R&D Specialist El Segundo, California, United States Company Overview Rangeview is on a mission to build the foundry system that reindustrializes America. We exist to break the legacy manufacturing ...

R&D Specialist El Segundo, California, United States Company Overview Rangeview is on a mission to build the foundry system that reindustrializes America. We exist to break the legacy manufacturing ...

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Research Development Specialist information

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$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do research development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development specialist in the United States is $81,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Research Development Specialists face when supporting large, interdisciplinary grant proposals?

Research Development Specialists often encounter challenges such as coordinating among diverse teams with varying priorities, managing tight proposal deadlines, and ensuring compliance with complex funding agency requirements. Successful specialists need strong project management and communication skills to facilitate collaboration between researchers, administrators, and external partners. Staying organized and proactively addressing potential bottlenecks are key to navigating these multifaceted proposal processes effectively.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Specialist, you need expertise in grant writing, research administration, and project management, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with funding agency databases, proposal submission portals (like Grants.gov), and research compliance systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills help build collaborative relationships and manage complex projects. These skills and qualities are vital for securing research funding, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering successful multidisciplinary partnerships.

What are Research Development Specialists?

Research Development Specialists are professionals who facilitate and support the development of research projects, often within academic, governmental, or private research organizations. They help researchers identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements. Their work includes project management, collaboration building, and providing guidance on best practices for research administration. Research Development Specialists play a key role in increasing the competitiveness and success rates of research initiatives.

What is the difference between Research Development Specialist vs Research Analyst?

AspectResearch Development SpecialistResearch Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in a relevant field, sometimes certifications in research methodsBachelor's or Master's in a related field, often with statistical or data analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, labs, or corporate R&D departmentsData-focused roles in various industries, including market research and academia
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research-heavy sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and academiaCommon across market research, finance, and academic sectors

The Research Development Specialist focuses on designing and managing research projects, often in R&D settings, while the Research Analyst primarily analyzes data to generate insights. Both roles require strong research skills, but their focus and daily tasks differ significantly.

More about Research Development Specialist jobs
What states have the most Research Development Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Development Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Specialist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Research Development Specialist

Research Development Specialist

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 26390
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Nicole Motzer
nicole.motzer@montana.edu
406-994-6879
Classification Title
Research Professional
Working Title
Research Development Specialist
Brief Position Overview
The Office of Research Development (ORD), within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED), is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Development Specialist (RDS) to support and expand research, scholarship, and creative activities across Montana State University (MSU). The RDS will join a vibrant, dedicated team of research development professionals at an exciting time, with MSU's research activity at an all-time high. The RDS will assist with various aspects of the research enterprise, ranging from proposal submissions to event planning to campus communications and honorifics. The RDS will have opportunities to develop direct working relationships with different units and individuals across campus and contribute to the land-grant mission of MSU. The RDS will also enjoy ample professional development opportunities, such as those provided by the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP), and be encouraged to help actively shape ORD as a relatively new office.
Position Number
4C0746
Department
Office of Research Development
Division
Office of Research and Economic Development
Appointment Type
Professional
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
Salary starting at $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Office of Research Development (ORD) provides a comprehensive portfolio of research development support to sustain and grow research excellence at MSU. ORD offers proposal development services; leads strategic research initiatives; organizes research capacity-enhancing programs, trainings and events; and fosters collaborations between various individuals and units across campus.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide comprehensive project management for proposal efforts, including establishing and adhering to timelines, convening project team meetings, assembling necessary resources, and coordinating with research administrators to submit highly competitive proposals in a timely manner.
  • Contribute to proposal development, including but not limited to assisting with proposal budgets; initiating proposal records; managing proposal documents; and providing feedback and guidance on proposal strategy and competitiveness with training over time.
  • Assist in identifying and disseminating funding opportunities that align with MSU's strengths and eligibility and conduct targeted funding opportunity searches in line with researcher and institutional goals.
  • Manage campus communications for ORD, including compiling award data for the monthly "Congrats to Our 'Cats" email.
  • Develop a working knowledge of Montana State University's research enterprise to identify and facilitate research opportunities and identify potential candidates for prestigious honorifics.
  • Co-organize research development events of varying size and scope, including MSU's Research Development Day.
  • Coordinate internal competitions for VPRED grants and limited submission funding opportunities.
  • Assist with other activities and special projects as requested by the Director of Research Development, including maintaining boilerplate text and templates, coordinating external proposal reviews, obtaining competitive intelligence on sponsors and funding programs, and monitoring proposal metrics and outcomes.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Bachelor's degree and one year of research development or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  2. Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
  3. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other platforms for collaborative work.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Event planning experience.
  2. Communications experience in large organizations.
  3. Research or scholarly experience.
  4. Excellence in writing and editing.
  5. Broad familiarity with the range of sponsors that fund research and scholarship.
  6. Track record of developing successful proposals and securing funding from external sources.
  7. Survey development and analysis experience.
  8. Familiarity with Montana or experience working in other rural EPSCoR jurisdictions.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Support individuals from various units and backgrounds.
  • Work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Synthesize and translate complex information into digestible formats.
  • Work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm for research, scholarship, and creative activities.
  • Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment and maintain a high degree of professionalism.
  • Provide exemplary customer service to a variety of diverse constituents.
  • Successfully manage projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Accept progressive increases in responsibility with minimal supervision.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on May 19, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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