ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Operations Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

The position reports to the Director, Research and Development and has a close working relationship with Primary Operations and Technical Services groups at both the Iowa and Alabama steel mills.

Aston Carter

Operations Specialist

Des Moines, IA

Answer and direct incoming phone calls to the appropriate contact, ensuring prompt and courteous ... Utilize Bloomberg Report applications for basic economic research as requested by advisors or ...

Hach Company

Chemist III, R&D

Ames, IA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Collaborating with marketing, engineering, and operations to commercialize new or modified products ... S. with 12+ years of direct experience in chemistry manufacturing, product development, or R&D.

Block

... operational signals, and behavioral data. Examples include: * Representation learning over long ... Direct mentorship from researchers working on the future of proactive intelligence at Block.

Block

... operational signals, and behavioral data. Examples include: * Representation learning over long ... Direct mentorship from researchers working on the future of proactive intelligence at Block.

Block

... operational signals, and behavioral data. Examples include: * Representation learning over long ... Direct mentorship from researchers working on the future of proactive intelligence at Block.

Block

... operational signals, and behavioral data. Examples include: * Representation learning over long ... Direct mentorship from researchers working on the future of proactive intelligence at Block.

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsResearch Operations JobsResearch Operations Director JobsResearch Operations Director Jobs in Iowa

Research Operations Director information

What is a research operations director?

A Research Operations Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the infrastructure, processes, and resources that support research activities within an organization. They manage teams, budgets, and systems to ensure research projects run efficiently and comply with regulatory standards. Their role often includes improving workflow, implementing best practices, and supporting researchers with tools and training. The goal is to streamline research operations and enhance the impact of research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research operations director?

To thrive as a Research Operations Director, you need expertise in research management, process optimization, and budgeting, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, compliance systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for leading teams and coordinating complex projects. These skills ensure efficient research operations, compliance with regulations, and the successful delivery of research outcomes.

What are the main challenges a research operations director faces in supporting cross-functional research teams?

A Research Operations Director often navigates challenges such as coordinating resources across multiple research projects, ensuring consistent processes, and managing communication between diverse stakeholders like researchers, product managers, and leadership. Balancing the needs of various teams while maintaining research quality and compliance can be complex, especially as organizations scale. Effective directors establish standardized procedures, foster a culture of collaboration, and implement tools that streamline workflows to address these challenges.

What is the difference between Research Operations Director vs Research Manager?

AspectResearch Operations DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or PhD) and extensive experience in research managementUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree with several years of research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple research teams, manages operations, and aligns research strategies with organizational goalsManages specific research projects or teams, focusing on execution and deliverables
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, tech companies, and research institutionsFound across various industries including tech, healthcare, and market research firms

The Research Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and operational management of research functions, while the Research Manager handles day-to-day project execution. Both roles require research expertise, but the director role involves broader leadership and organizational responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Operations jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Research Operations jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Operations Director jobs in Iowa?

For Research Operations Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Operations Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Operations Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Research Operations Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Research Operations Director job openings:

Research Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Operations Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Research Engineer

SSAB

Montpelier, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

SSAB rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


SSAB is one of the largest North American producers of steel plate and coil, serving many industrial markets including energy, construction, agriculture and transportation. SSAB operates five state of the art facilities strategically located in key regions across the U.S.
SSAB has nearly 1,200 highly skilled employees in the U.S. Jobs at SSAB range from machine operators and sales people to advanced engineers and corporate professionals in HR, finance and more. SSAB offers challenging careers and comprehensive benefit program designed to keep employees and their families healthy and secure.
POSITION DESCRIPTON:
The incumbent serves as an expert for SSAB in North America for the scientific understanding of the fundamentals underpinning primary steelmaking processes, specifically scrap melting in the electric arc furnace and secondary steel refining in the ladle. He or she must have a strong knowledge of physical, thermal, and chemical transformation processes during steel melting and refining processes with a deep understanding of the principles of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics and their use for process optimization. He or she will be involved in activities related to production trials and development of production practices. The incumbent will work in the SSAB state-of-the-art Research and Development Facility located in Muscatine, Iowa. The position reports to the Director, Research and Development and has a close working relationship with Primary Operations and Technical Services groups at both the Iowa and Alabama steel mills.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS:
  • Develop scrap recipes based on different feedstocks for production trials with the purpose of optimizing the electric arc furnace scrap melting process.
  • Develop an understanding of the relationship between scrap recipe, flux addition, and slag chemistry with the purpose of optimizing the process to consistently achieve optimal slag chemistry and foaming and for efficient dephosphorization during scrap melting in the electric arc furnace.
  • Develop a flux practice for efficient desulphurization of steel and absorption of non-metallic inclusions from the steel during ladle refining process.
  • Develop practices for optimization of different calcium-bearing alloys for efficient modifications of oxides and sulfides.
  • Contribute to the development of numerical models specific to steelmaking processes at SSAB mills and work with Operations and others to advance implementation of numerical models to assist in controlling key processes.
  • Perform inclusion analyses using optical microscope and SEM/EDS to help develop optimal practices for ladle refining process.
  • Perform raw material testing to ensure conformity of vendor materials to specifications.
  • Write technical reports to document research work and findings of trials and investigations.
  • Read published papers and communicate with colleagues to keep current with developments within the steel industry and academia regarding primary steelmaking process for potential process optimization.

QUALIFICATIONS - Education, Experience and Competencies:
Required:
  • MSc. in Metallurgical Engineering or related discipline
  • At least two years of experience in the steel industry or academic work focused on steelmaking, particularly in relation to scrap melting in the electric arc furnace and ladle refining technology.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in using lab equipment such as polishing machine, optical microscope and SEM/EDS desirable
  • Regular and reliable attendance
Preferred:
  • PhD., ScD. or similar doctoral degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related discipline
  • Educational background in material science, and a strong knowledge of principles of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics during scrap melting in electric arc furnace and ladle refining process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The employee will frequently be required to:
  • This position operates in an office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, network tools/equipment, phones, photocopiers and scanners. This role is partially sedentary (average of 6 hours per day), however, some standing and walking is required.
  • The position requires working in the plant to perform trials and collect data, using laboratory equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM/EDS, polishing machines, band saws and surface grinder, and MAY involve using hardness testing, tensile testing, CVN testing, DWTT machine, band saws, thermal cutting, waterjet cutting, heat treating furnaces, and crane.
  • The position requires preparing various acid solutions for etching steel specimens such as sulfuric acid, picric acid, oxalic, natal etc.

The employee will occasionally be required to:
  • This position will frequently require work in the mill and in the field environment with some exposure to heat/cold, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, noise, and wearing safety equipment/clothing for protection from hazards
  • Some handling of materials is required. This would require the ability to walk, bend, kneel or stand, use of hands to finger, hold and handle, reach with hands and arms and to push/pull, lift or carry items up to 50 lbs.
  • Drive or travel by airplane

The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:
  • Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
  • Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
  • Vision at near, mid, and far range

POSITION TYPE - WORK HOURS - TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Position is full time, exempt
  • Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday
  • Travel for this position is necessary and expected to comprise up to 20-25% of work hours - some international travel is possible
  • Onsite presence required

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
SSAB BENEFITS - starting at hire!
• Excellent Pay with Additional Bonus
• Very Affordable Health Insurance
üBlue Cross/Blue Shield Medical
ü CVS/Caremark Prescription
ü Delta Dental
ü Superior Vision
• 401(k) with Employer Match - 5%
• Profit Sharing
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Company Paid Life Insurance - and STD and LTD*
• Optional Life, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
SSAB's vision is a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world.
SSAB's values form the guiding principals of our company.
They shape our culture and characteristics. They serve as a compass for our actions and behavior, and describe what we stand for. Values guide us daily in making the right choices and doing the right things.
SSAB's values are:
  • Driven - Together we create value
  • True - Do what is right
  • Ahead - Future in mind

What SSAB employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply