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Research Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As R&D specialist you will formulate, research, and test the specifications of our products, and perform other research activities programs incorporating current developments to improve existing ...

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 ...

As R&D specialist you will formulate, research, and test the specifications of our products, and perform other research activities programs incorporating current developments to improve existing ...

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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 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.

Associate Product Development Specialist

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA

Marysville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Nestlé's Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestlé R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Position Summary:
The Associate Product Development Specialist participates in R&D projects and activities and delivers product/process/systems in response to business needs in alignment with I&R pipelines.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Develop products in a timely manner, using innovative ingredients/processes with ideas generated from consumer insight and meeting Nestle guidelines; manages bench and pilot plant trials
  • Participate in project activities and resources in order to deliver industrialized products/processes at a defined quality and timeline
  • Calculate the carbon impact of projects for sustainability deliverables
  • Document projects in accordance with Nestle guidelines
  • Present/Publish together with project team members the project results at meetings with R&D, SBU and Markets
  • Write and communicate appropriately with all involved
  • Participate in relevant training courses, especially the ones pertaining to the Trial Management Process(es)
  • Keep current in scientific field and business aspects of Liquid Beverage Products

Requirements and Minimum Education Level:
  • Bachelor's Degree is required, in Food Science or a related field
  • 1-2 years related experience (can include internships)
  • Good knowledge of raw materials and key technologies applicable to the product area
  • Knowledge of dairy technologies is a plus
  • Qualified support in a project
  • Standard in rapid bench-top prototypes
  • Exposure to pilot plant setting; SBU, R&D and market awareness
  • Understanding of R&D project management and consumer insight and research methodologies
  • Ability to organize work and to manage small projects
  • Good written & verbal skills
  • Developed in computer literacy (Microsoft Office) and team room applications
  • Must focus on quality and customers and be able to provide solutions
  • Must be able to work in a cross functional team
  • Ability to travel up to 15%

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 400979
Nestlé's Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestlé R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Position Summary:
The Associate Product Development Specialist participates in R&D projects and activities and delivers product/process/systems in response to business needs in alignment with I&R pipelines.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Develop products in a timely manner, using innovative ingredients/processes with ideas generated from consumer insight and meeting Nestle guidelines; manages bench and pilot plant trials
  • Participate in project activities and resources in order to deliver industrialized products/processes at a defined quality and timeline
  • Calculate the carbon impact of projects for sustainability deliverables
  • Document projects in accordance with Nestle guidelines
  • Present/Publish together with project team members the project results at meetings with R&D, SBU and Markets
  • Write and communicate appropriately with all involved
  • Participate in relevant training courses, especially the ones pertaining to the Trial Management Process(es)
  • Keep current in scientific field and business aspects of Liquid Beverage Products

Requirements and Minimum Education Level:
  • Bachelor's Degree is required, in Food Science or a related field
  • 1-2 years related experience (can include internships)
  • Good knowledge of raw materials and key technologies applicable to the product area
  • Knowledge of dairy technologies is a plus
  • Qualified support in a project
  • Standard in rapid bench-top prototypes
  • Exposure to pilot plant setting; SBU, R&D and market awareness
  • Understanding of R&D project management and consumer insight and research methodologies
  • Ability to organize work and to manage small projects
  • Good written & verbal skills
  • Developed in computer literacy (Microsoft Office) and team room applications
  • Must focus on quality and customers and be able to provide solutions
  • Must be able to work in a cross functional team
  • Ability to travel up to 15%

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 400979