Innovation Research Leader

AFA Dispensing Group; Eindhoven; Hybrid; EUR 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus program

30 vacation days

Pension plan

Learning & growth

Flexible work locations

Job summary

AFA Dispensing Group in Eindhoven is seeking a Research Leader for its Research & Innovation (R&I) team. You will mentor researchers, drive a scientific approach to innovation, and lead projects to deliver feasible, sustainable and desirable dispensing solutions across technology, UX, sustainability and business insights.

You will manage a small team of researchers, collaborate with engineers, designers and product managers, and engage with external partners.

Qualifications

• PhD or master’s in engineering/material science/packaging; strong research background.
• 10+ years in material science/packaging, with team management.
• Creative thinker with business-minded, scientific curiosity.
• Strong communicator across diverse teams.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).
• Willing to travel to global AFA locations.
• Residence within commuting distance of Eindhoven.

Responsibilities

• Lead researchers through a scientific approach to innovation with mentorship.
• Define experimentation protocols and partnership development.
• Identify research topics aligned with R&I strategic pillars.
• Prioritize projects with stakeholders to meet long-term targets.
• Be the key contact within AFA for research activities.
• Own project performance exploration and validation.
• Benchmark competitors – technology, performance and usage.

Skills

Team leadership

Research management

Scientific mindset

Communication

Collaboration

English fluency

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in engineering/material science/packaging/innovation

Job description

AFA Dispensing Group in Eindhoven is seeking a Research Leader for its Research & Innovation (R&I) team. You will mentor researchers, drive a scientific approach to innovation, and lead projects to deliver feasible, sustainable and desirable dispensing solutions across technology, UX, sustainability and business insights.

You will manage a small team of researchers, collaborate with engineers, designers and product managers, and engage with external partners.