R&D Hub Director,Global R&D Center

EcoCeres; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

EcoCeres, Inc. is establishing a Global R&D Hub in Hong Kong and seeks an R&D Hub Director to lead end-to-end setup, strategy, and international team building for the new center.

The role focuses on R&D in green molecules, biomass utilization, renewable chemicals, and low-carbon materials, with collaboration across manufacturing and group R&D teams to commercialize new technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field is required.
• Bilingual English and Chinese communication skills are essential for cross-border collaboration.
• Experience leading international R&D teams and setting up R&D centers is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term R&D strategy and annual plans for the Global R&D Hub.
• Lead technology scouting, R&D innovation and major project delivery in green chemistry and new materials.
• Build and manage an international R&D team and establish governance for the hub.
• Foster external partnerships with universities and industry, and pursue applicable grants and funding.

Skills

PhD in Chemical Engineering

English and Chinese bilingual

International team leadership

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, New Energy, Environmental / Low-carbon related disciplines

Job description

Job Position:

R&D Hub Director, Global R&D Center

Location:

Hong Kong

Employment Type:

Full-time

Position Overview

EcoCeres is establishing its Global R&D Hub. We are recruiting the R&D Hub Director to lead the end‑to‑end setup, R&D strategy, and international team building for the new centre. Based in Hong Kong, this role leverages local innovation ecosystem to drive R&D in green molecules (biomass utilization, renewable/green chemicals development) and low‑carbon new materials, builds industry & academia partnerships, and collaborates closely with the manufacturing site and group global R&D teams to commercialize new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• R&D Strategy, Planning and Operations
  • Develop and implement the medium- to long-term R&D strategy, annual plans and budget for the Global R&D Hub, with overall responsibility for its operations and performance.
  • Define R&D priorities, resource requirements and performance indicators in alignment with the Company's business and sustainability objectives.
  • Establish effective operating processes, project governance and performance-tracking mechanisms for the center.
• Technology Development and Commercialization
  • Lead technology scouting, R&D innovation and major project delivery in biomass utilization, renewable and green chemicals, and low‑carbon new materials.
  • Identify promising technologies and external opportunities that support the Company's long‑term growth and decarbonization strategy.
  • Drive the transition of technologies from laboratory research through scale‑up, pilot validation and commercialization, in collaboration with manufacturing and business teams.
• International R&D Team Leadership
  • Build and lead an international R&D team, including talent recruitment, team development, succession planning, performance management and incentive design.
  • Define the organization structure and capability requirements needed to support the Global R&D Hub's strategic priorities.
  • Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation, accountability and continuous development.
• External Partnerships and Innovation Funding
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with leading universities, research institutes and industry partners worldwide.
  • Develop joint research programs, strategic collaborations and technology development initiatives with external partners.
  • Identify and support applications for relevant government grants, research funding and other innovation programs.
• Intellectual Property, Compliance and Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Oversee intellectual property protection, R&D confidentiality and cross-border compliance.
  • Ensure that research activities, technology transfers and external collaborations comply with applicable legal, regulatory and internal requirements.
  • Work closely with mainland R&D, manufacturing, HSE, procurement and other relevant functions to support efficient project execution and commercialization.
• Global R&D Coordination and Governance
  • Coordinate and oversee the operations of the Group's global R&D centers, promoting alignment, collaboration and knowledge sharing across locations.
  • Support the development of common standards for R&D project management, reporting, documentation and intellectual property management.
  • Facilitate the sharing of technical capabilities, resources and best practices across the Group's global R&D network.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, New Energy, Environmental / Low‑carbon related disciplines.
• 10+ years R&D experience in green chemistry, new materials or renewable / low‑carbon industry; 5+ years experience managing international R&D teams and setting up R&D centres. Experience in Hong Kong or overseas research institutions is highly preferred.
• Proven track record delivering projects from lab‑scale R&D to industrialization, solid knowledge in IP and relevant innovation schemes.
• Excellent bilingual communication skills in English and Chinese, experienced in cross‑cultural & cross‑border collaboration.
• Strong strategic thinking, resource mobilization and resilience, aligned with our vision for sustainable low‑carbon technologies.