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Research Development Jobs in Mesa, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Bright Innovation Labs

Senior R&D Chemist

Coolidge, AZ · On-site

Research & Development Chemist The R&D Chemists' primary responsibility is to focus on Innovation and New Product Development activities for the Hair Lightening, Hair Color and Hair Treatments market ...

Bright Innovation Labs

Senior R&D Chemist

Coolidge, AZ · On-site

Research & Development Chemist The R&D Chemists' primary responsibility is to focus on Innovation and New Product Development activities for the Hair Lightening, Hair Color and Hair Treatments market ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Phoenix, AZ

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

Glendale, AZ

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

Mesa, AZ

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

Chandler, AZ

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

Scottsdale, AZ

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 ...

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$48.1K

$101K

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How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development in Mesa, AZ is $100,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $115,600.00 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.
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Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development job openings in Mesa, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 48% Part Time. Highlights an 71% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,989 per year, or $48.6 per hour.
Director of Research Development

Director of Research Development

Global Search Network

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Experience & Education

  • Experience: 10+ years in R&D within the CPG food industry. Strong preference for frozen desserts, dairy, or frozen novelties (e.g., ice cream formulation, processing, emulsions, fat crystallization, overrun control, texture optimization).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).

Role Overview

The Director of Research and Development leads the technical vision, innovation pipeline, and product renovation strategy for the company's frozen novelty products. The role drives business growth by developing new products, optimizing existing ones for taste, texture, nutrition, cost, and quality, while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and commercial scalability. It involves close collaboration with Marketing, Sales, Operations, QA, and executive leadership (CEO, CFO, Finance) to align R&D with overall business goals, including sales strategy support. The environment spans both manufacturing plant and corporate office settings.

Key focus areas include:

  • Novel texture development
  • Inclusion technology
  • Coating formulations
  • Dairy and non-dairy formulations
  • End-to-end product development from benchtop to commercialization

Key Responsibilities

  • Innovation & Product Development: Manage the full pipeline, including new product creation, sensory evaluation, formula optimization, and scale-up. Emphasize trending flavors, textures, and technologies while identifying market white-space opportunities in partnership with Marketing and Sales.
  • Optimization of Existing Products: Improve taste, texture, nutritional profile, and cost-efficiency of current lines through continuous improvement.
  • Technical Leadership & Compliance: Ensure all products meet FDA/USDA regulations, FSMA, labeling, nutritional standards, food safety (shelf-life testing, pathogen validation), and quality requirements. Work closely with QA and Operations.
  • Sensory Programs: Lead and integrate sensory evaluation across R&D, Production, and QA for consistent quality.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate formulations, specifications, and process documentation.
  • Manufacturing & Supply Chain Collaboration: Optimize production processes (ingredient sourcing, freezing technologies, packaging). Build and manage relationships with co-packers and suppliers. Balance innovation with profitability by managing the R&D budget and contributing to COGS control.
  • Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a small team (internal flavor development specialist + external food scientists/technologists). Foster creativity, accountability, and capability building.

Technical Skills:

  • Deep knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and manufacturing processes specific to frozen products.
  • Proven experience scaling products from benchtop to full commercial manufacturing.
  • Strong emphasis on rice and/or starch rheology — understanding its effects on texture, processing, and final product performance (common in frozen desserts for stabilization, mouthfeel, and cost-effective formulations, including in dairy or non-dairy systems).
  • Data analysis and KPI tracking (e.g., innovation rate, time-to-market, cost optimization, product quality).
  • Ability to work within COGS targets and R&D budgetary guidelines.

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