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Research Development Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Danaher

R&D Internships

Madison, WI

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 ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Whitewater, WI

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 ...

Envista

Director, Product Development

Madison, WI · On-site

The Director oversees the product management and R&D teams responsible for advancing Orascoptic's core technologies, improving product value, and delivering innovations that enhance clinician ...

Danaher

Director, Cell Based R&D

Madison, WI

$190K - $215K/yr

The Director, Cell Based R&D is responsible fordefining and executing the scientific and technical strategy forAldevron'sand IDT'scell basedplatforms such as plasmid DNA and recombinant protein ...

New

CY Partners

Senior R&D Scientist

Madison, WI · On-site

$99K - $126K/yr

Senior R&D Scientist CY Partners is partnering with an established and growing diagnostics organisation to hire a Senior R&D Scientist for its growing R&D team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ...

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All JobsResearch Development JobsResearch Development Jobs in Madison, WI

Research Development information

See Madison, WI salary details

$48.9K

$102.6K

$166.3K

How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development in Madison, WI is $102,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $117,400.00 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

Research & Development Manager

Gecko Hospitality

Sun Prairie, WI • Hybrid

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 10 days ago

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.