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Research Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Research Associate

Johnston, IA

Job Title: Research Associate The Research Associate provides molecular analysis support to ... Maintain record management practices in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), ensuring ...

New

Actalent

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA

$23/hr

Research Associate The Research Associate conducts basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role focuses on supporting ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Research Investigator

Johnston, IA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Manage multiple priorities, drive work forward, and deliver high quality outputs with minimal ... Work cross-functionally with research, breeding, and technical teams. * Document methods, summarize ...

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All JobsResearch JobsResearch Manager JobsResearch Manager Jobs in Iowa

Research Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$47K

$92.6K

$163K

How much do research manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for research manager in Iowa is $92,583.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are research jobs high paying?

Research manager positions are generally well-paying roles, especially in industries like healthcare, technology, and finance. Salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, with advanced degrees and specialized skills often leading to higher compensation.

What Does a Research Manager Do?

A research manager is responsible for the management and coordination of internal and external research and projects. You may work in a variety of fields, including business, market, natural science, and clinical. You work with clients, develop strategy, and provide guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Your duties include collaborating with a team to evaluate work processes and creating reports on your findings. Other responsibilities are focusing on a quantitative research method. You ensure each project is delivered on time and within budget. Research managers make strategic recommendations based on their research and analytics and moderate key client meetings and presentations.

What does a Research Manager do?

A Research Manager oversees research projects from inception to completion, ensuring that objectives are met on time and within budget. They lead teams of researchers, coordinate project activities, and analyze data to produce actionable insights. Research Managers also communicate findings to stakeholders and often help design research methodologies. Their role is crucial for organizations that rely on data-driven decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Manager, you need strong project management, data analysis, and research methodology skills, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or SAS), research databases, and reporting tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help in managing teams, stakeholders, and complex projects. These competencies ensure research projects are executed efficiently, results are reliable, and insights drive informed decision-making.

What is the difference between Research Manager vs Research Analyst?

AspectResearch ManagerResearch Analyst
Required credentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field; often some experience in research managementBachelor's degree in related field; entry to mid-level position
Work environmentOversees research projects, manages teams, coordinates with stakeholdersConducts data collection, analysis, and reporting under supervision
Employer and industry usageUsed in corporate, academic, and market research settings for leadership rolesCommon in market research firms, consulting, and academic research

The main difference between a Research Manager and a Research Analyst lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Research Managers oversee entire projects and teams, requiring leadership skills and broader experience, while Research Analysts focus on data collection and analysis tasks. Both roles are essential in research environments, but they differ in scope and seniority.

What is the work of research manager?

A research manager oversees research projects, coordinates teams, develops research strategies, and ensures the accuracy and quality of data collection and analysis. They often use tools like statistical software and require strong organizational and leadership skills to meet project goals and deadlines.

How much do research managers make?

Research managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, industry, and organization size. Salaries can vary based on location, with higher compensation often found in major metropolitan areas, and may include benefits such as bonuses and professional development opportunities.

How much do research managers make in the US?

Research managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those in high-demand sectors can offer higher compensation, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

How does a Research Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Research Managers often work closely with various departments such as marketing, product development, and data analytics to ensure that research initiatives align with overall business objectives. They coordinate project timelines, share research findings, and facilitate discussions to integrate insights into strategic decisions. Effective communication and stakeholder management skills are critical, as Research Managers serve as the bridge between research teams and other business units, ensuring that research outcomes are actionable and relevant.
More about Research Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Research jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Manager jobs in Iowa? For Research Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Research Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Research Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Research Manager job openings:
Research Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,583 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Senior Associate, Manager Research

Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$127K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

What You'll Do
We're looking for a Senior Associate, Manager Research to join our OCIO Manager Research / Analytics team. In this role, you'll lead traditional manager research for assigned asset classes while supporting broader investment analytics, asset allocation modeling, and portfolio strategy work for client-facing teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead manager identification, selection, due diligence, monitoring, and termination work for assigned coverage areas, including approved manager list oversight and quarterly manager research calls.
  • Develop and maintain analytics used in manager selection, manager pairings, vehicle pricing, performance/risk/return attribution, LDI tracking, projected returns analysis, and portfolio construction support.
  • Support portfolio strategists and client-facing teams with asset allocation modeling, risk analytics, scenario analysis, compare/contrast portfolio work, and custom client solution analytics.
  • Translate technical investment analysis into clear talking points, bullet points, and storylines that client-facing partners can use with clients.
  • Contribute to investment governance and committee support, including performance, attribution, risk analytics, fiduciary process support, and cross-functional collaboration with operations, IT, actuarial, and data science partners.

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!
Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG), managing about $740 billion in assets and over 60 years of experience. Principal Asset Management has been recognized as a "Best Places to Work in Money Management" for 14 consecutive years! Check us out at www.principalam.com!
Who You Are
  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field, preferably with a major in finance or economics.
  • 5 years of investment-related experience.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in manager oversight.
  • Solid understanding of investment managers and general knowledge of current economic and financial market conditions, with proven ability to efficiently research, compile, and analyze information.
  • Advanced Excel ability and proficiency with PowerPoint.

SKILLS THAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT
  • Experience in an OCIO environment.
  • Experience with Morningstar Direct and FactSet.
  • Manager research experience across large cap equities, international, or LDI institutional asset classes.
  • Interest in broader investment support work, including asset allocation strategy, modeling, portfolio analytics, and client solution analysis.
  • Experience using AI or process improvement approaches to create efficiencies in investment research or analytics workflows.
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • High degree of professionalism, organization, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage expectations in a fast-paced work environment.

Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range
$127000 - $171000 / year
Salary Details
Compensation
The base salary range for this role is $127,000 - $171,000 as indicated above. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.
In addition to base pay, this role participates in an annual profit share bonus plan. Note your base expectations when answering the application questions.
Time Off Program
Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
Pension Eligible
No
Additional Information
Work Environments and Locations
We're open to considering remote and hybrid talent. Locations for hybrid talent include Des Moines, IA or a Principal office (if available in your community). Check out our global headquarters here:
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.
Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
Investment Code of Ethics
For Principal Asset Management positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.
Experience Principal
At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services - and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Date First Posted (TTF)
7/17/2026
Latest Post Date: Careers - US
7/17/2026
LinkedIn Remote Hashtag
#LI-Remote

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