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Research Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Prescient Edge

Head of Research

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title Head of Research Location McLean, VA 22102 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Manager Education Bachelor's Degree Travel None ...

Cmu

Business Development Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

At SSD our teams engage in ground breaking software research, development, and transition for the US Government. Position Summary: Do you love working and collaborating with some of the brightest ...

BAE Systems

Ops Research Anst II

Reston, VA · On-site

$79K - $134K/yr

We're looking for a talented professional to contribute to the development and execution of policy research, recommendations, and interdepartmental coordination, ensuring policies align with ...

Nwis

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA

$203K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will ...

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$203K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will ...

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Research Development information

See Washington salary details

$54.9K

$115.3K

$186.9K

How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development in Washington is $115,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In research development, senior roles such as research directors, principal investigators, or chief scientific officers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or technology. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, often involving managing teams and securing funding or grants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Development position, and why are they important?

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 jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Research development roles typically require specialized knowledge and often a degree, but some high-paying jobs without a degree include sales, real estate, and certain tech roles like web development or digital marketing, which rely on skills and experience. Freelance consulting and entrepreneurship can also generate significant income without formal education, though they often require strong skills, networking, and self-motivation.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Research Development professional in an academic or corporate setting?

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 a Research Development job?

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 is a research and development job?

A research and development (R&D) job involves creating new products, processes, or technologies through scientific investigation and experimentation. R&D professionals often work in labs or innovation teams, utilizing skills in analysis, problem-solving, and technical tools to advance their organization's offerings.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In research development roles, senior scientists, research directors, and chief scientific officers can earn $400,000 or more annually, especially in biotech, pharmaceutical, or technology industries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, often involving managing large projects or teams.
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Research Development jobs near you
Project Lead - Philosophy Research & Development Lab

Project Lead - Philosophy Research & Development Lab

The Aspen Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$85K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.
PHILOSOPY AND SOCIETY INITIATIVE
The Philosophy & Society Initiative is dedicated to reigniting a national tradition of public philosophy. Through publications, events, and original research we seek to stimulate the appetite for reflection about our largest and most haunting issues of societal purpose-What is justice? What is a good life? What is society for?
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The Aspen Institute's Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Project Lead to lead our Philosophy R&D lab and related activities. The R&D lab is the primary incubating mechanism for Philosophy & Society's activities. The person in this role is responsible for assisting the Director in leading our core intellectual activities and ensuring their implementation, including managing a team of research fellows and other junior staff. This position is about curating ideas and sharpening them for public debate. The successful candidate will combine intellectual judgment, editorial excellence, strong operational capacity, and the flexibility to support the program's evolving needs.
The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $97,000. The Project Lead will report to the Director of the Philosophy & Society Program. Candidates must also have the ability to meet the regular attendance policy of the Aspen Institute and be based in Washington D.C.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • R&D Lab Management: Take delegated responsibility for R&D Lab and all associated Philosophy & Society outputs, including research and editorial publications, by leading a team of research fellows and other junior staff to implement P&S priorities.
  • Operational Stewardship: Track grant deliverables, monitoring progress toward milestones, prepare reporting materials, and work closely with the Director on outcome measurement. Manage budgets associated with publications and related projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with institutional requirements.
  • Intellectual Agenda-Setting: In coordination with the Director, develop vision to shape the program's publications agenda, identifying themes, authors, and outputs that advance the public role of philosophy.
  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: In partnership with the team, engage with philosophers, practitioners, policymakers, journalists, and civic leaders to produce work that resonates across audiences.
  • Editorial Leadership: Serve as lead editor for the program's portfolio of publications-including essays, policy papers, podcasts, books, and experimental formats. This entails not only ensuring clarity and precision but also making publishing decisions that foreground the most urgent and impactful questions. It involves primary accountability for the quality and detail of all outputs.
  • Audience Development: Build pathways for our research and publications to reach beyond traditional readerships-developing strategies for placement, amplification, and media presence. This includes leading research fellows and junior staff to experiment with new channels and strengthen digital engagement to reach diverse audiences.
  • Standards & Systems: Create and enforce research and publication guidelines, workflows, and publishing practices that balance quality, timeliness, and adaptability. Maintain the intellectual precision and stylistic consistency necessary for a public philosophy initiative.
  • Strategic Growth: Contribute to fundraising, partnerships, and institutional positioning around publications. This may include drafting proposals, representing the program in external forums, and conceptualizing new publishing ventures.
  • Innovative Dissemination: Translate complex ideas into formats that capture public imagination and spark discourse, including audio, video, and digital-first projects.
  • Flexibility & Program Support: Contribute to the broader success of the program by taking on tasks beyond the day-to-day, for example including support for speaker events (from program design to light logistics), assisting with convenings, and any other tasks as the program grows.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE
  • Bachelor's degree required. We are considering particularly two types of candidates:
    • Individuals with advanced degrees in philosophy and a related field (political theory, history of ideas, literature)
    • Alternatively, we will consider candidates with very strong track record of ideas focused experience in journalism
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, with management, editorial, and operational experience (e.g., tracking grants, budgets, or funded projects).
  • A portfolio of research, editorial, or authorial work that demonstrates both intellectual rigor and public clarity.
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
  • Experience managing budgets, grants, and/or funded projects, ideally in a nonprofit or academic setting.
  • Facility for both high-level vision and scrupulous attention to intellectual and stylistic detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to move fluidly between philosophical depth and public accessibility.
  • A disposition oriented toward curiosity, intellectual generosity, operational rigor, and public impact.
  • Willingness to embrace flexibility, supporting tasks outside of core work when needed.
  • Experience with multimedia editing (audio, video, digital platforms) is an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.
The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.
The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.

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