How to Become a Research & Development Manager: Education Requirements & Job Description
Explore how to become a research and development manager. Find out more about the educational requirements, job facts, and salary information to see if this job is the right one for you.
Research and Development Manager: Career Information At A Glance
The field of research and development, often called R&D, involves creating a concept, doing extensive research, and creating a new product. The research and development team not only creates new products but also improves existing ones. The role of the research and development manager, often called R&D manager, is to oversee the entire team in their day-to-day activities. It is also your responsibility, as a manager, to ensure that the department's goals and objectives are met.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Master's degree or doctorate degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Engineering, Biochemistry, Physics or a related field</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Responsibilities</b></td><td> Manage the research and development team and ensure the department's goals and objectives are met</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Must have outstanding research and analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and excellent communication and management skills</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>5%-10% (General and Operations Managers)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Average Salary (2021)</b></td><td>$100,034 annually**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *O*net Online, **Payscale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationalRequirements"> What Are The Educational Requirements?</h3><p>A master's degree or a doctorate degree is required for a career as a research and development manager. While it can vary depending on where you work, the preferred fields of study include engineering, biochemistry, physics, or a related field. There is typically no certification required for the position.
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedPreviousWorkExperience"> Do I Need Previous Work Experience?</h3><p>Most research and development managers start off with an entry-level job in research and development or in any area of a chosen field, whether in engineering, pharmaceuticals, or public health. After attaining a good amount of experience as a research and development team member, you may be prepared to move on to your career as a research and development manager and eventually as a senior research and development manager or research and development director. You could even one day become a senior director or vice president for research and development, handling more teams and more projects for the company.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheResponsibilitiesOfAnRDManager"> What Are The Responsibilities of An R&D Manager?</h3><p>As the manager, you will make sure research and development team is following procedures, processes, and strategies in creating products from scratch, often while adhering to a deadline. You will help implement and develop new methods in improving existing products or services. Additionally, you should be prepared to solve problems your team might encounter and to create the correct budget for the development of the project.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKeySkillsAreRequiredForTheJob"> What Key Skills Are Required For The Job?</h3><p>To be an effective research and development manager, you must have outstanding research skills to be able to determine the best processes and strategies your team should undergo to create a new product or services or improve an existing one. You should also be able to communicate effectively with your team, listening attentively to discussions, and willing to hear new ideas from team members. To be the best possible manager, you should be knowledgeable about research and development, as well as in other aspects in the field such as budgeting and analyzing market strategies and existing market trends.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCanIWorkAndWhatIsTheSalary"> Where Can I Work and What Is The Salary?</h3><p>Research and development managers can work in engineering firms, pharmaceutical laboratories, and manufacturing companies that have research and development departments. There are also job opportunities specifically in research and marketing firms. The average salary for an R&D manager is $100,034 annually, according to PayScale.com.</p>