RESEARCH SPECIALIST - INNOVATION (EG09)

Hartalega Holdings Berhad; Sepang; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartalega Holdings Berhad in Malaysia is seeking a highly qualified PhD scientist to independently execute moderate‑complexity experiments that drive breakthrough innovation, product development, and process improvements for our world‑leading nitrile glove programmes.

You will take accountability for project execution with scientific rigor, mentor junior team members, and coordinate with cross‑functional teams to convert design inputs into actionable tasks, ensuring IP development and ongoing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, Polymer Engineering, Material Engineering or Applied Chemistry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 0–3 years in leading and managing innovative and breakthrough research on new products and processes.
• At least 1 successful project commercialised (EG9).

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments and project tasks independently, contributing ideas for breakthrough innovation, product development, process improvements, and cost efficiency within projects.
• Interpret customer design inputs and translate them into technical tasks, experiments, and test criteria.
• Coordinate with cross-functional departments to ensure alignment with project objectives and convert project priorities into actionable team plans.
• Apply best practices and experimental methodologies; support brainstorming, idea generation, and IP development using data and experimental results.
• Act as the first escalation point for technical issues, identify and mitigate project-level technical risks, and escalating unresolved issues to higher levels.
• Mentor and guide junior team members; support recruitment, training, and retention initiatives within project teams.
• Contribute to project-level continuous improvement initiatives and incremental innovations.
• Support project-level collaborations with external partners by providing technical feedback and experimental data.
• Perform additional tasks as required to meet project and functional objectives.

Education

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

Job description

As the World's No.1 Nitrile Glove manufacturer, Hartalega is currently in the process of recruiting a diverse pool of talented people, across various specialisations and backgrounds. You will enjoy exceptional benefits and incentives, as well as a well-defined path for career success.

Hartalega is made up of a tight-knit, passionate and highly-skilled set of individuals. From our top executives, to our line technicians; we are all proud to be part of an elite group responsible for revolutionising the glove-making industry.

Job Description

Job Purpose

Independently execute moderate-complexity experiments to drive breakthrough innovation, product development, and process improvements.

Take accountability for project execution, maintaining technical rigor, and mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities

• 1. Execute experiments and project tasks independently, contributing ideas for breakthrough innovation, product development, process improvements, and cost efficiency within projects.
• 2. Interpret customer design inputs and translate them into technical tasks, experiments, and test criteria.
• 3. Coordinate with cross-functional departments to ensure alignment with project objectives and convert project priorities into actionable team plans.
• 4. Apply best practices and experimental methodologies; support brainstorming, idea generation, and IP development using data and experimental results.
• 5. Act as the first escalation point for technical issues, identify and mitigate project-level technical risks, and escalating unresolved issues to higher levels.
• 6. Mentor and guide junior team members; support recruitment, training, and retention initiatives within project teams.
• 7. Contribute to project-level continuous improvement initiatives and incremental innovations.
• 8. Support project-level collaborations with external partners by providing technical feedback and experimental data.
• 9. Perform additional tasks as required to meet project and functional objectives.

Qualification and Experience

• Ph.D in (Chemistry)/(Polymer Science)/(Material Science)/(Polymer Engineering)/ (Material Engineering)/(Applied Chemistry) or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
• Minimum 0- 3 years in leading and managing innovative and breakthrough research on new products and processes
• At least 1 successful project commercialised (EG9)