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Research Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Available Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire About the Opportunity Our confidential manufacturing client is seeking an innovative Development Chemist to support the research, development, and ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation? As an R&D Intern at Danaher, you'll gain hands-on experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$44K

$92.4K

$149.8K

How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development in Tennessee is $92,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $105,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Development jobs in Tennessee? For Research Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Research Development jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Research Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Development job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,390 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Senior R&D Staff - NDA Professional

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16745
Overview:
We are currently seeking qualified applicants for a Senior Nondestructive Assay (NDA) Scientist in the Non-Destructive Measurement Science and Technology Group within the Safeguards and Treaty Verification Section in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. The Safeguards and Treaty Verification Section focuses on enhancing scientific concepts, strategies, and technologies that will strengthen the capabilities of USG and international regimes (e.g., the IAEA and partner countries) to safeguard and secure nuclear material, commodities, and technologies from proliferation, improve nuclear safety systems, and enhance treaty verification. The Nondestructive Measurement Science and Technology Group focuses on research, development, and application of nondestructive assay systems, data acquisition technologies and analysis methods that support material control and accounting, operational safety for material processing, and nuclear material security protocols.
Purpose:
Provide NDA Research and Development (R&D) leadership to the Non-Destructive Measurement Science and Technology Group thereby strategically advancing science and technology consistent with ORNL's aspiration to be the world's premier R&D institution and ORNL's science culture.
The Senior R&D Staff member brings together a group of peers with the primary goals of pursuing global scientific leadership in their field, developing a strategy to develop a world class capability, nurturing ORNL's culture among group members, and continuing to build and scale up individual excellence and impact in R&D. This position reports to the Group Leader and works closely with the Safeguards and Treaty Verification Section Head to implement the scientific vision; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one's respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated-a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.
The National Security Sciences Directorate conducts research and development to confront some of the nation's most difficult security challenges and adversaries. In addition to nuclear nonproliferation, our directorate also houses science and technology (S&T) leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science and technology, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We draw on the Laboratory's exceptional facilities and work closely with leading researchers in other S&T areas at the lab such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, nuclear fuel cycle and reactor systems, modern nuclear instrumentation and controls, applied materials, advanced manufacturing and intelligent systems, biosecurity, transportation, modeling and simulation, and computing. Our multi-disciplinary research teams are passionate about discovery and innovation as we create science-based solutions to complex security threats that put public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and the economy at risk.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Develop, manage and execute projects that deliver high value and impact for nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards missions.
  • Initiate, lead and perform independent and impactful R&D; for example, innovative S&T delivered to sponsors, successful proposals, S&T presentations, professional community engagement, inventions/patents/copyrights, publications as appropriate.
  • Lead program development activities through sponsor engagements, preparation of proposals and white papers, chairing and participation in workshops, as well as other program development activities.
  • Develop a vision and implement a cohesive research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects.
  • Develop and implement plans to leverage new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
  • Lead by example by exercising scientific integrity in proposing, performing, publishing, and communicating research.
  • Lead by example to ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Exemplify a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL. Routinely work across Groups, Divisions, and Directorates.
  • Grow multi-laboratory and university collaborations.
  • Advance the reputation and standing of the group through collaborations, professional society leadership and involvement including sub-committees and working groups, standards committees, and journals.
  • Mentor other staff members.
  • Provide scientific consultancy to projects outside one's own project portfolio, as required.
  • Engage in scientific peer review of the Group's work products.
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Requires a Ph.D. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, a M.S. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 12 years experiences, or a B.S. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 15 years relevant experience.
  • Qualified candidates should have a focus on nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards measurements.
  • An R&D track record in NDA and/or other areas relevant to the nondestructive analysis measurement science and technology group.
  • Extensive knowledge of S&T issues associated with nonproliferation and nuclear material measurements.
  • Demonstrated experience in program development and customer engagement, preferably with relevant offices within DOE and NNSA.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management and delivery from a technical standpoint.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated leadership ability and a strong commitment to a teaming environment.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Extensive knowledge of the traditional and advanced nuclear fuel cycles and associated technologies and operations.
  • Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories (or similar R&D organizations).
  • Engagement in professional societies and/or standards committees at the leadership level.

Special Requirements:
  • Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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