Researcher Associate (Research Manager)

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

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 escalate 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