Research Leader, Research & Innovation (R&I)

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

Research Leader, Research & Innovation (R&I)

At AFA, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As a research leader within our Research & Innovation (R&I) team, you will be the science and innovation instigator, by mentoring and driving researchers into adopting a scientific approach to projects, aiming to bring novelty into dispensing systems through different prisms such as technology, sustainability, user experience, business insight, etc.

You will have a double role to play as leading a team currently with 3 researchers but also in generating, exploring and implementing by yourself new ideas targeting feasible, functional, sustainable, desirable and viable solutions. In this role, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team with researchers, mechanical and quality engineers, a designer and a product manager. You will also collaborate with outer partners, such as research labs, experts, technology suppliers.

You will report directly to the Research & Innovation Director and operate as part of AFA’s global R&I organization, bridging creativity into science and science into technology.

As a team leader:

• Lead researchers through a scientific approach to innovation, with mentorship on research activities and tools, experimentation protocol definition, partnership development.
• Implementation of training and any necessary means allowing the team to work on a 360 product mindset, by reviewing patents, scientific content, business reviews, market insights and user experience.
• In collaboration with the team, identify research topics for future projects, based on scientific, technical, UX insights gathered through fundamental research that are responding to at least one of R&I strategic pillars.
• Research projects relevancy and prioritization: in collaboration with R&I stakeholders but also with our project manager, ensure that all projects are aligned with the teams’ goals for R&I short/mid/long term targets.
• Be the key contact within AFA for research activities.

As a researcher:

• For the projects you will lead, have the ownership of project performance exploration and validation, but also of designing and executing experimental protocols and creating structured reporting with project scope, timeline and risk analysis.
• Product benchmark and competitor analysis – technology, performance and usage.

Your Profile

• Bachelor, master’s degree or PhD in engineering, material science, packaging, innovation or other relatable field.
• At least 10 years experience in material science, packaging sustainability and safety regulations, personal care or consumer goods industry is a plus. Proven experience managing a team.
• Creative thinker with business-driven mindset and scientific curiosity towards projects.
• Strong communicator who enjoys collaborating with diverse teams with different backgrounds and cultures.
• Hands-on and proactive.
• Strong analytical and collaborative skills.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Willingness to travel occasionally to global AFA locations.
• Resides within reasonable commuting distance of Eindhoven headquarters.

What do we offer?

• Creative Impact: Work on innovative product and technology concepts that shape AFA’s future portfolio.
• Collaboration Across Disciplines: Engage with engineers, designers, scientists, and business professionals in a dynamic environment.
• Inspiring Location: Based in the creative and tech-driven Strijp-T district in Eindhoven — a hub for design and innovation.
• Attractive Compensation: Competitive salary with a performance-based bonus.
• Tools & Flexibility: Company laptop and mobile phone, plus flexibility to work from different locations.
• Contract Stability: One-year contract with the intention of permanent employment after proven performance.
• Time to Recharge: 30 vacation days (based on a 40-hour workweek).
• Pension Plan: A solid collective pension plan.
• Learning & Growth: Continuous opportunities for professional development and training.
• Inclusive Culture: Work in an international, open, and inspiring team where creativity, courage, and collaboration define success.

Why Join AFA Dispensing?

You’ll join an international, innovation-driven organization that values teamwork, reliability, and growth.

Together, we turn ideas into impact through shared vision and innovation.

We are like a diver who is unafraid of challenges, welcoming the opportunity to dive in, rather than staying on the surface and expecting others to pave the way.