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Research Development Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies

Position OverviewLead Research & Development (R&D) organization to execute on business strategies, ensuring growth to meet sales and operating profitability goals. Reporting to the Chief Operating ...

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$49K

$102.7K

$166.5K

How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development in Wisconsin is $102,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,200.00 and $117,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
More about Research Development jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Development jobs in Wisconsin? For Research Development jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Research Development jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Research Development job openings:
Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,746 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Research & Development Manager

Gecko Hospitality

Sun Prairie, WI • Hybrid

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

Job description

QSR Research & Development Manager


We are seeking an accomplished Project Manager with a proven R&D pedigree to champion groundbreaking innovation and targeted operational improvement initiatives for our Sun Prairie, WI location. As our brand grows—expanding its fast-casual presence by 25% in just two years—we rely on leaders who rigorously engineer and optimize processes with quantifiable impact. This role is tailored for candidates fluent in research methodology, KPI deployment, and analytical benchmarking. It drives business-critical projects that accelerate service speed, improve product excellence, and produce measurable unit profitability across our QSR network.


This position offers high-impact R&D professionals the opportunity to architect and implement innovative systems grounded in rigorous KPIs and analytics. You will design research frameworks, set quantifiable benchmarks, and drive projects that deliver immediate operational gains and sustained process improvements.


The Opportunity


You will spearhead innovation initiatives from concept inception through rigorous field testing and enterprise-wide rollout, consistently anchoring each phase in structured R&D methodology. Success in this role is measured by your ability to build and refine formal R&D processes—establishing metrics-driven timelines, actionable milestones, and robust KPI frameworks that drive accountability. Leveraging in-depth market research and competitive analysis, you will develop, deploy, and iterate operational solutions, using clearly defined KPIs and benchmarking to validate outcomes and optimize efficiency, guest experience, and profitability based on direct field feedback.


Core Responsibilities

  • Process Engineering & KPI Deployment: Lead and architect R&D-driven projects that accelerate speed of service, boost accuracy, and elevate guest satisfaction—all anchored in measurable KPIs. Implement innovative process improvements and conduct post-initiative analysis to validate results against established performance metrics.
  • Cross-Functional R&D Collaboration: Direct cross-departmental innovation by integrating rigorous research methodology, KPI design, and analytical benchmarking with Operations, Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, Risk, and Analytics. Ensure every operational rollout is quantifiable measured and refined.
  • Change Management with Quantitative Impact: Oversee system updates and project launches across franchisees and teams, using data-driven KPIs to monitor adoption rates and operational outcomes. Facilitate continuous feedback loops for rapid R&D iteration and measurable performance uplift.
  • Training & Implementation Excellence: Develop comprehensive training assets—manuals, video modules, live webinars, and on-site programming—rooted in best-in-class R&D learning models. Track training effectiveness and workplace adoption with robust learning KPIs.
  • Leadership, Mentorship & Results Presentation: Present project outcomes and KPI dashboards to executive leadership, making data-backed recommendations. Mentor innovation team members in advanced R&D principles and success metrics, cultivating an internal pipeline of analytical leaders.

Professional Requirements

  • 5+ years of direct experience in R&D, innovation, or operational improvement within the food industry, specifically focusing on QSR or fast-casual environments.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant industry experience.
  • Proven track record of delivering measurable operational or product improvements.
  • Advanced communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Expertise in managing multiple concurrent initiatives while maintaining strict project timelines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planner, and OneNote.


What We Offer

We value the expertise you bring to our operational infrastructure. We provide our corporate leaders with:

  • Highly competitive base compensation with strong performance-based bonus potential.
  • Flexible work hours and a comprehensive hybrid work model.
  • Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance packages.
  • Clear pathways for career advancement within our expanding innovation department.

Apply today to lead transformative projects in Sun Prairie, WI. Send your resume directly to laraine@geckohospitality.com to begin the conversation.