Researcher Associate (Research Manager)

Hartalega; Sepang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartalega invites an experienced R&D leader to guide small teams toward breakthrough innovation in product development and process improvements. You will own project execution and technical governance, translating customer inputs into concrete requirements and plans.

You will apply design of experiments and best-practice frameworks to uncover patentable innovations, while coaching teams and coordinating with external partners.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related science field or equivalent.
• Minimum 6 years leading innovative R&D for new products/processes.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience with patent registration (local and international).
• At least 2 successful projects commercialised.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage small teams or projects to drive breakthrough innovation, product development, and process improvements.
• Translate customer design inputs into clear technical requirements, development approaches, and project execution plans.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and translate priorities into actionable plans.
• Apply RND frameworks, experimental design principles, and best practices; identify patentable innovations and technical claims.
• Act as escalation point for technical issues and mitigate project-level risks.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and recruitment support.
• Lead continuous improvement and innovation initiatives and coordinate external partner trials.
• Document experiments and provide technical feedback.
• Perform additional duties to meet objectives.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Innovation

Technical governance

Coaching/mentoring

Education

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

Job description

Job Purpose

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 escalated 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