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What is a research and development program manager and how to become one
A company's research and development department helps them stay on the cutting edge of their field by innovating new products and identifying gaps in the market for the company to succeed in. Many businesses, from technological services to pharmaceutical companies, have research and development departments. A research and development program manager is in charge of this department and makes sure that it runs smoothly.
A research and development program manager does all of the tasks necessary to make an R&D; department succeed. They supervise researchers and assign them duties. They help develop new research programs that foster innovation. They're also in charge of administrative tasks that help make the research magic happen, such as managing the budget.
Successful research and development program managers know a lot about the subject that they are researching and about what it takes to run a business. That is why many have master's degrees and several years of experience in research and development. Research and development program managers earn an average salary of $107,316 a year.
What's a day at work look like for a research and development program manager?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant Professor, Maryville University
Avg. Salary $116,594
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 2%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.16%
Asian 17.90%
Black or African American 2.85%
Hispanic or Latino 7.94%
Unknown 4.53%
White 66.63%
Genderfemale 25.42%
male 74.58%
Age - 48American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 48Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Research and development program manager career paths
Key steps to become a research and development program manager
Explore research and development program manager education requirements
Start to develop specific research and development program manager skills
Skills Percentages R 17.34% Project Management 13.08% Program Management 9.10% Portfolio 6.33% Product Development 5.95% Complete relevant research and development program manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New research and development program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a research and development program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real research and development program manager resumes.Research research and development program manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage integration of acquire medical devices through FDA remediation and manufacturing transfer overseas.
- Manage electronics, software and mechanical engineers responsible for the development of the electromechanical system and disposable treatment catheters.
- Prepare guidance documents for products meeting FDA, IEC, CSA, ISO regulatory requirements.
- Establish clear project scope and prioritization for the company's development project portfolio.
Apply for research and development program manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a research and development program manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average research and development program manager salary
The average research and development program manager salary in the United States is $116,594 per year or $56 per hour. Research and development program manager salaries range between $86,000 and $157,000 per year.
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How do research and development program managers rate their job?
Research and development program manager reviews
Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.
Investigation. I love to dig and dig to find hidden gems of information that can be pivtol to the project.
Updated January 8, 2025
