Lead R&D Innovator: Breakthrough Products & IP

Hartalega; Sepang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartalega invites a PhD-level leader to head small R&D teams focused on breakthrough chemistry and polymer/material development. The role drives product development, process improvements, and the translation of customer inputs into actionable technical plans.

You will oversee project execution, governance, and team capability building while coordinating cross-functional efforts, managing risks, and pursuing patentable innovations.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 6 years in leading R&D/innovation projects.
• 2 years patent registration experience (local and international).
• 2 successful projects commercialised.

Responsibilities

• Execute project strategies to deliver breakthrough innovation and product development.
• Translate customer inputs into clear technical requirements and execution plans.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and monitor progress.
• Apply R&D frameworks and experimental design, fostering patentable innovations.
• Serve as escalation point for technical issues and mitigate risks.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching and recruitment support.
• Lead continuous improvement and innovation initiatives for projects.
• Coordinate experiments with external partners and document results.
• Perform additional duties to meet objectives.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

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

Job description

Hartalega invites a PhD-level leader to head small R&D teams focused on breakthrough chemistry and polymer/material development. The role drives product development, process improvements, and the translation of customer inputs into actionable technical plans.

You will oversee project execution, governance, and team capability building while coordinating cross-functional efforts, managing risks, and pursuing patentable innovations.