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Research Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

5th HQ

Bilingual R&D Specialist (Eng/Spa)

Miramar, FL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

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 ...

Talis Group, Inc.

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Talis Group's client, a respected and innovative company searching for a Foodservice R&D Specialist who combines hands-on chef experience with a passion for research and product development. This is ...

Vi-Jon

Specialist Research & Development

Smyrna, TN

Specialist Technical Services Chemist Summary : Responsible for the collection and protection of ... Review & Approval of key developmental documents which have high impact within the organization and ...

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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 Sep 2, 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 is a research development specialist?

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 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 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:

Research Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Specialist job openings in the United States 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 $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist is a research development professional who advances Purdue's research enterprise through the strategic use of data, technology, and artificial intelligence in proposal development. This position operates at the intersection of research strategy, writing, data analysis and faculty relationships, providing expert guidance and tangible deliverables that strengthen the competitiveness of Purdue's externally funded proposals. The role focuses on designing and delivering scalable, high-quality proposal resources and tools that support high-interest funding opportunities, extend strategic support to faculty across the institution, and enhance the efficiency, consistency, and impact of services delivered by the Office of Research. There is a possibility of remote or hybrid work for this position.
What We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, Communication, Science Engineering or a related field
  • Three or more years of professional experience in grant writing, proposal development, research development, or a closely related function
  • Experience supporting proposal development in higher education, research or similarly complex organizational environment
  • Strong grant writing, editing, and proposal strategy skills with the ability to develop clear, compelling and well-structured content aligned with sponsor expectations
  • Demonstrated AI competency and digital literacy, including the ability to leverage AI-enabled tools to support writing, analysis, and workflow efficiency, with a willingness to learn and adopt emerging technologies
  • Ability to synthesize complex technical and non-technical information into accessible, faculty facing guidance and resources
  • Proficiency in applying data-informed approaches to support planning, prioritization, and continuous improvement
  • Experience developing and managing technology-enabled, scalable resources, templates, or tools for broad user audiences
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and meet deadlines
  • Effective collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work with faculty and staff across disciplines and organizational units

What We Want You To Know:
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check is required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.

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