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Research Operations Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Operations Support Consultant

Fairfield, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Research, analyze, and resolve complex operational issues involving brokerage accounts, advisory ... Partner with direct sponsor companies to correct account and processing errors such as share class ...

Operations Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Operations Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Operations Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Operations Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Legislative Operations Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The role provides essential analytical, research, and coordination support to the External ... RFI and Director Memo Coordination Serves as Lead RFI Coordinator by receiving requests, making ...

Medical Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with physician leaders and operational teams to optimize clinical, operational, and ... Build and support clinical, fellowship, education, and research programs* Promote a collaborative ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Operations Director information

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 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 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 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 does a research operations director do?

A research operations director oversees the planning, management, and execution of research activities within an organization. They coordinate research teams, ensure compliance with protocols, manage budgets, and optimize processes using tools like research management software to support effective data collection and analysis.

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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Research Operations Director jobs?

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

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.

Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Thermal/Fluids SciencesAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Aerospace Engineering seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to research activities within the Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences Laboratory. The successful candidate will support cutting-edge research and assist in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.

This postdoctoral appointment will work in the following areas:

  • Conduct fundamental research in the areas of:

    • Plasma thermodynamics
    • Multiphase flow dynamics
    • Machine learning applications for multiphase flow modeling and prediction
  • Assist the laboratory director with daily laboratory operations, including the supervision and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

  • Prepare technical reports and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

  • Contribute to the development of competitive research proposals and other grant-related activities in collaboration with the laboratory director.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD or doctoral degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Documented background in experimental thermal-fluids sciences.
  • Research experience in one or more of the following areas: plasma thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer, multiphase flows, or machine learning-based multiphase flow dynamics and control.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated through scholarly publications and the cover letter.

Department/Program & College Description:

Iowa State has a long history of educational and research excellence in aerospace engineering. This includes training students for engineering careers in aviation starting as early as 1928, housing one of five NASA centers of excellence in Computational Fluid Dynamics in the 1970's, building the world's first Tornado and Downburst simulator, and housing the only university icing research wind tunnel in the United States.

Over the years, our graduates have distinguished themselves in the aerospace profession. Aerospace Engineering students at Iowa State take a rigorous curriculum in core aerospace engineering sciences and design, and have numerous opportunities to pursue hands-on work both inside and outside the department.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Aerospace Engineering - College of Engineering, Iowa State University

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:July 17, 2026Posting Close Date:August 27, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19619

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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