Research and Development Manager
Research and development (R&D) managers lead a team of researchers for research activities and develop new agricultural products and processes for a company. This involves performing in-depth research on scientific principles and techniques then using the information to development experiments that test research questions.
Future Job Market
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Fair
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Good
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Excellent
Typical Employers:
Research and development managers can work for any company that is developing and testing new products to sell. Products may exist in the plant, biotech, alternative energy, food and animal health sectors.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- Product Development and Management Association
- National Association of Plant Breeders
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- National Organization of Research Development Professionals
- American Council for Food Safety and Quality
- Institute of Food Technologists
- Research Chefs Association
Salary:
$149,000?
SAE Connections:
FFA Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Develop research projects that build on current company manufacturing processes
- Oversee all aspects of research programs and experiments
- Report to senior management on technical issues and developments
- Lead a team of research associates and technicians
- Present at industry conferences on research topics of interest
- Establish and maintain testing procedures
- Manage and mentor a team of research staff
- Work closely with manufacturing employees to troubleshoot manufacturing processes
- Ensure that experimental equipment is maintained and calibrated
- Work with other departments to develop new processes
- Oversee the budgeting and cost forecasting of research programs
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- mathematics
- statistics
- biology
- chemistry
- business
- computer skills
Education/Training Required:
A master’s or doctorate degree in the field in which you are applying your knowledge (e.g., agriculture, food science, chemistry, biology, agronomy, etc.) is required.
