1

Research Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Professional Development Specialist II (PDSII) is a member of the nursing leadership team. The ... We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician ...

Job Posting Job purpose The R&D Specialist supports the Research & Development function by performing technical tests, documenting product performance, and assisting the R&D Technologist with ...

Job purpose The R&D Specialist supports the Research & Development function by performing technical tests, documenting product performance, and assisting the R&D Technologist with experimental work ...

Job Posting Job purpose The R&D Specialist supports the Research & Development function by performing technical tests, documenting product performance, and assisting the R&D Technologist with ...

Job Posting Job purpose The R&D Specialist supports the Research & Development function by performing technical tests, documenting product performance, and assisting the R&D Technologist with ...

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'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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Development Specialist information

See salary details

$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do research development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Professional Research Development Specialist I

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Dana-Farber Cancer Institute rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Professional Development Specialist II (PDSII) is a member of the nursing leadership team. The PDSII is dedicated to advancing the clinical skills and knowledge of nursing staff through comprehensive curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation. This role is crucial in fostering a culture of continuous learning and ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices and regulatory standards. The PDSII collaborates with the Clinical Practice Specialists (CPS), Professional Development Specialist I, and other multidisciplinary team members. PDSII practice is based on competencies described by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the Association of Nurses in Professional Development (ANPD). The mission, vision, and values of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are incorporated into all areas of practice.
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Expertise
  • Demonstrates expertise in areas of oncology clinical practice, by participating in patient care to identify opportunities for improvement, assess staff performance, and facilitate implementation of new practices.
  • Supports nurses in the management of symptom distress related to cancer and/or its treatment based on advanced knowledge of the etiology of cancer, the rationale for treatment, patient and family responses and needs, and associated nursing interventions.
  • Provides expertise in the assessment of patient and family learning needs, provision of educational strategies, and evaluation of the effects of teaching strategies for general and specified oncology patient populations.
  • May provide direct patient care, consult with other nurses or clinical staff about specific patients, and make recommendations for interventions and plan of care.
  • Collaborates and consults with nurses and others to influence nursing practices and improve care outcomes within a specific unit or service and/or across Nursing and Patient Care Services (NPCS).

Education
  • Demonstrates leadership skills through the coordination of education, training, and competency assessment activities within the clinical coverage area.
  • Participates in local and national professional activities and organizations to promote the educational and professional growth of self and others within DFCI and the community.
  • Designs competency models in collaboration with content experts.
  • Develops and analyzes the Learning Needs Assessment for the department and clinical areas.
  • Monitors compliance related to mandatory staff education.
  • Educates staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence-based guidelines.
  • Designs and implements curriculum, educational programs and workshops to support the ongoing professional development of nursing staff, utilizing a variety of educational methods, including simulation.
  • Serves as a nurse planner for ANCC Accredited Provider Unit.
  • Supports unit leadership with the coordination and evaluation of unit-based orientation for new employees.
  • Collaborates with the Nurse Director to design orientation schedules, select preceptors, conduct weekly check-ins, and ensure completion of orientation records.
  • Coordinates nursing student placements in collaboration with the Nurse Director and maintains communication with the Center for Clinical and Professional Development on student performance.

Evidence-based Practice
  • Maintains expertise in the ADNP practice model, competency models, and simulation standards of practice.
  • Educates staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence-based guidelines.

Leadership
  • Contributes to the creation of an environment that stimulates continuous self-learning, positive group processes, reflective practice, and the empowerment of others.
  • Models constructive and mutually respectful relationships with colleagues.
  • Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
  • Participates in goal-defining processes and systems changes to promote best practices
  • Functions as a change agent, to implement, evaluate, and promote nursing care and systems that are safe, cost-effective and evidence based.
  • Partners with leaders in clinical areas to establish goals and then develop, implement, and evaluate strategies consistent with institutional and departmental goals
  • Participates in activities that promote professional growth and development.

Mentoring
  • Works collaboratively with other departments and disciplines on projects, initiatives, and programs to meet the goals of DFCI and promotes excellence in care delivery and outcomes.
  • Is a clinical resource and consultant to all DFCI nursing community regarding clinical policies, standards, and guidelines of care.

Quality / Safety / Regulatory Compliance
  • Assesses quality of care and patient outcomes.
  • Disseminates work related to research, EBP, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain knowledge of regulatory agencies and conduct audits as needed.
  • Provides support for curriculum development related to safety events.
  • Reviews Institutional Quality Initiatives/Measures and helps support the unit in improvement initiatives and best practice modeling.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
  • Proficiency in educational technology and software.
  • Ability to mentor and guide nursing staff effectively.
  • Expertise in evidence-based practices, competency models, and simulation standards.
  • Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards.
  • Excellent ability to organize, prioritize and follow-through.
  • Ability to apply independently a wide variety of policies/ procedures where specified guidelines may not exist.

Minimum Job Qualifications
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required; other nursing graduate degree considered but must receive post-graduate education certificate within 2 years of hire.
  • Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as job requires.
  • 3 years of clinical nursing experience and 3 years of oncology experience
  • Experience in nursing education or staff development preferred.
  • Professional certification required (NPD-BC, Oncology-specific, or other relevant certification) within 3 years of hire.

License/Certification/Registration Required:
  • Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as job requires.
  • Professional certification required (NPD-BC, Oncology-specific, or other relevant certification) within 3 years of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Patient Contact: Yes
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster
Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$129,800.00 - $148,400.00

What Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Dana-Farber Cancer Institute logo

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1947