Research Development Specialist

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

Tuition assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Commuter transportation benefits

Job summary

The Stanford School of Medicine Proposal Development Office seeks a Research Development Specialist to help faculty develop high-quality grant proposals and secure funding. The role collaborates with faculty, staff, and administrators to advance interdisciplinary research and sustain collaborations.

Ideal candidates bring grant writing, editing, and project management skills, the ability to juggle multiple projects, and a service-oriented, collaborative mindset in a fast-paced academic

Qualifications

• Minimum education: Bachelor's degree with relevant experience; advanced degrees may be required for some programs.
• Proven grant writing, editing, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage research proposals and programs with stakeholder outreach.
• Identify opportunities for new research and funding.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, and explain trends to support proposals.
• Contribute to curriculum development and course administration as needed.
• Write and edit complex content for proposals, grants, and publications.
• Support strategic planning and financial sustainability of programs.
• Coach and mentor staff and collaborate with Stanford affiliates.

Skills

Grant writing

Editing

Project management

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Three years relevant experience

Advanced degree may be required for some programs

Job description

The Stanford School of Medicine Proposal Development Office (PDO) is seeking a Research Development Specialist to help faculty members and teams develop high-quality grant proposals and secure research funding. Partnering with faculty, staff, and administrators, the mission of the PDO is to: 1) Train and support assistant professors preparing their first major research grant proposal, 2) Foster interdisciplinary research among School of Medicine faculty members and ensure the long-term sustainability of collaborations through research funding, 3) Coordinate and support investigative teams preparing center or other complex grant proposals, and 4) Lead initiatives that increase institutional competitiveness and enable strategic research growth. Our vision is to empower growth of the research enterprise of the School of Medicine and to help fuel discovery and innovation that advances human health.

The ideal candidate for this position will have grant writing, editing, and project management skills. The ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced academic environment is essential for success in this role. We especially welcome applicants that are self-motivated, detailed-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement. The PDO places high value on a service-oriented approach and a collaborative mindset. The incumbent will join a growing community of Research Development Professionals at Stanford whose members are supportive and collectively dedicated to helping Stanford affiliates at all levels secure funding for their innovative research.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Develop and manage research programs by conducting research activities, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the program, assigning resources and making program improvement recommendations that impact policies and programs.
• Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for new research.
• Source, collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function.
• Teach and/or assist in the teaching and administration of courses. Develop curriculum. Develop curriculum-rating survey, detailed feedback on courses and make recommendations for preliminary overview and changes.
• Write and/or edit complex content for proposals, research grants, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities.
• Contribute to and inform on strategic program/entity planning and related funding and financial sustainability.
• May advise students and/or coach/mentor clients.
• Develop or contribute to outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships, and fundraising/funding.
• Coach and mentor program staff.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required for some programs. For jobs with financial responsibilities, experience managing a budget and developing financial plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
• Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
• Ability to oversee and direct staff.
• Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans.

Certificates and Licenses Required:

For teaching jobs, advanced degree or certification may be required for some programs.

• Pay Range $106,476-$198,755
• Pay Frequency Annually
• Fixed Term N
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Administration
• Posting Date 10/21/2026, 04:28 PM
• Grade J
• Job Identification 201466

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

Notice to Applicants
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations hips.

Why work at Stanford

World-changing work in a culture of continuous learning

An inspiring community that values collaboration

High-quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first

Access to world-class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more