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Research Development Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

$92K - $200K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Research and Development Engineer to join the Quantum Research Department within the Multimodal Spectrum and Sensing Division ...

$92K - $152K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Research and Development Engineer to join the Quantum Research Department within the Multimodal Spectrum and Sensing Division ...

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Research Development information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$48.6K

$102K

$165.4K

How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development in Pennsylvania is $102,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $116,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is research development?

A Research Development job focuses on identifying funding opportunities, developing research proposals, and fostering collaborations to support research initiatives. Professionals in this role assist researchers in securing grants, managing research projects, and aligning proposals with funding agency priorities. They often work in universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D departments to facilitate innovation and strategic growth. Strong communication, project management, and analytical skills are essential for success in this field.

What are the typical responsibilities of a research development professional?

Research Development professionals are primarily responsible for identifying funding opportunities, assisting with proposal preparation, and supporting strategic research initiatives. They often work closely with researchers, faculty, or scientists to develop competitive grant applications, ensure compliance with guidelines, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. The role may also involve coordinating workshops or trainings, managing research portfolios, and tracking emerging trends in funding. Working in teams and liaising with administrative departments is common, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment that supports both individual and institutional research goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in research development?

To excel in Research Development, a strong background in scientific research, project management, and grant writing is typically required, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems such as IRB protocols is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills help professionals effectively manage complex projects and secure funding. These abilities are essential to drive innovation, streamline research processes, and support institutional or organizational growth.

What do research development professionals do?

Research development professionals support the planning, coordination, and management of research projects, often helping secure funding, develop proposals, and facilitate collaboration among researchers. They may also assist with grant writing, compliance, and project reporting, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Their work typically occurs in academic, government, or industry research settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What job categories do people searching Research Development jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Development jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Research Development jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Research Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Development job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,038 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Research & Development (R&D) Scientist

W. R. Grace & Co.

Tyrone, PA โ€ข On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Annual Wage Range: $123,600.00 - $169,950.00
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
Grace is a leader in the production of small molecules used in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.
The R&D Scientist has a strong foundation in organic synthesis and is part of a highly motivated, creative R&D team.
The Scientist designs and optimizes the synthesis of organic compounds with the goal of producing routes of manufacture which can be scaled up on location.
This exciting specialty has a high potential for career growth by driving innovation using advanced synthetic & analytical techniques. The Scientist contributes to a cross-functional team of chemists, engineers, analytical experts, Health, Safety and Environmental and marketing teams to bring processes from the bench to commercial production.
The R&D Scientist is in Tyrone, PA.
Responsibilities
  • Define, develop, and demonstrate commercially viable processes for custom products with a focus on developing economical and robust processes while minimizing waste streams.
  • Support production of new chemical entities during initial scale-up and process validation.
  • Perform experiments needed to evaluate and optimize a potential synthetic route in terms of its overall yield, purity, cost, and safety.
  • Develop and share ideas for synthesizing sophisticated organic molecules, with an emphasis on applying innovative synthetic chemistry strategies and techniques.
  • Explore crystallization conditions to create the desired crystal habit for optimal filtration rate, yield, and impurities rejection.
  • Work collaboratively with other departments including safety, engineering, analytical, and sourcing to introduce new chemical processes into full-scale production.
  • Write detailed development reports documenting the laboratory research.
  • Devise literature searches and utilize other resources that are needed in evaluating projects in terms of their costs, toxicity, safety, and relevant patent data.

Physical Requirements and Environment
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials
  • Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in organic chemistry OR
  • Master's in chemistry with 7+ years of experience in organic chemistry.
  • Experience interpreting data and spectra derived from laboratory instrumentation (NMR, HPLC, GC)
  • Experience with amino acids and peptide synthesis

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with synthetic organic chemistry fundamentals, technical knowledge, and multi-step organic synthesis.
  • Experience designing and developing novel synthetic routes which can be scaled to plant assets. Experience with process scale-up
  • Experience working independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment.
  • Experience generating and implementing original ideas and solutions which contribute materially to the success of product manufacturing.
  • Education or experience using approved AI/ML tools to accelerate innovation and improve productivity.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.
#LI-SK1
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Retirement Plans
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Parental Leave (salaried only)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Donation Match Program
  • U.S. Employee Benefits Summary

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.