Research Manager

Hartalega; Sepang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartalega is seeking a visionary R&D Lead to drive breakthrough product development and process innovation within its advanced chemistry and materials teams. You will lead small teams, manage projects from concept to implementation, and ensure technical governance.

You will translate customer inputs into clear requirements, coordinate cross-functional plans, apply experimental design, and mentor researchers while pursuing patentable innovations.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant science/engineering field.
• Experience leading innovative R&D in products and processes.
• Proven track record with patents and commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage small teams or projects to drive breakthrough innovation, product development, and process improvements.
• Take accountability for project execution, technical governance, and developing team capabilities.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and monitor progress.
• Apply RND frameworks and experimental design principles; identify patentable innovations and technical claims.
• Act as escalation point for technical issues and mitigate project risks.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching and recruitment support.
• Lead continuous improvement and innovation initiatives within projects.
• Coordinate experiments or trials with external partners and document feedback.
• Perform additional duties to meet objectives.

Skills

Research Leadership

Project Management

R&D Strategy

Patent Registration

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Material Science/Polymer Engineering/Material Engineering/Applied Chemistry

Job description

Lead and manage small teams or projects to drive breakthrough innovation, product development, and process improvements.

Take accountability for project execution, technical governance, and developing team capabilities.

Responsibilities

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

Qualification and Experience

• 1. Ph.D in (Chemistry)/(Polymer Science)/(Material Science)/(Polymer Engineering)/ (Material Engineering)/(Applied Chemistry) or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
• 2. Minimum 6 years in leading and managing innovative and breakthrough research on new products and processes.
• 3. Minimum 2 years’ experience in patent registration (local and international).
• 4. At least 2 successful projects commercialised