Innovation Research Lead

Hartalega NGC Sdn Bhd; Sepang; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartalega NGC Sdn Bhd invites a Researcher Associate - Innovation to lead small teams or projects focused on breakthrough product development and process improvements within our high‑volume nitrile gloves platform. You will own project execution, technical governance, and the expansion of team capabilities to meet ambitious innovation goals.

Responsibilities include translating customer design inputs into clear requirements, coordinating cross‑functional plans, applying R&D frameworks, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, Polymer Engineering, Material Engineering or Applied Chemistry or equivalent.
• Minimum 6 years leading innovative R&D on new products and processes.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in patent registration (local and international).
• At least 2 successful projects commercialised.

Responsibilities

• Execute project strategies to deliver breakthrough innovation, product development, process improvements, and cost efficiency within projects.
• Translate customer design inputs into clear technical requirements, development approaches, and project execution plans.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment, translate project priorities into actionable plans, and monitor project progress.
• Apply RND frameworks, experimental design principles, and best practices; facilitate cross-functional brainstorming and identify patentable innovations and technical claims.
• Act as the escalation point for technical issues, identify and mitigate project-level technical risks, and escalate unresolved issues as required.
• Develop team capabilities and skills through coaching, mentoring, and support for recruitment, development, and retention initiatives.
• Lead project-level continuous improvement and innovation initiatives, supporting incremental innovations and project enhancements.
• Coordinate experiments or trials with external partners, ensuring accurate documentation and technical feedback.
• Perform additional duties as required to meet project and functional objectives.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Technical governance

Cross-functional collaboration

Experiment design

Education

Ph.D in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Material Science/Polymer Engineering/Material Engineering/Applied Chemistry

Job description

Hartalega NGC Sdn Bhd invites a Researcher Associate - Innovation to lead small teams or projects focused on breakthrough product development and process improvements within our high‑volume nitrile gloves platform. You will own project execution, technical governance, and the expansion of team capabilities to meet ambitious innovation goals.

Responsibilities include translating customer design inputs into clear requirements, coordinating cross‑functional plans, applying R&D frameworks, and