Manager Chemistry R&D - Enzymes

Xylem; Yellow Springs (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Xylem is looking for a Manager for our Chemistry Group in R&D, based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. This role involves overseeing a team of analytical chemists, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and driving efficiencies in product development. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biochemistry and at least 7 years of experience in a multidiscipline R&D environment.

The position also demands strong leadership and communication skills, with responsibilities including mentorship and management of laboratory operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on engineering/science experience in R&D.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Proven track record of delivering new technology/products.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of analytical chemists.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Drive efficiencies in product development processes.
• Mentor and provide feedback to team members.
• Manage laboratory experiments and documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team management

Process planning

FDA validation knowledge

Education

PhD in biochemistry or related field

Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

We’re Hiring a Manager for our Chemistry Group, R&D in Yellow Springs!

This position will serve as the manager of the chemistry group within R&D. The position contributes technical oversight of all group activities and embraces a hands‑on approach to laboratory analytical chemistry. As our Chemistry interface between R&D and other departments, the position will provide visibility and accountability into R&D efforts towards new product release or sustainment of multiple major product lines and systems. This individual works in tandem with assigned new product Project Managers and our Sustainment Manager. Products/Projects include Life Science Biochemical Analyzers, enzyme/membrane‑based sensing technology, and environmental monitoring systems. This role reports directly to the Director, R&D – YSI.

Job Specifications and Work Performed

Provide oversight for a small team of analytical chemists by:

• Working closely with team members by taking a hands‑on approach to lead the execution of technology development into innovative products.
• Assure all laboratory operations comply with regulatory and Xylem safety standards.
• Managing day‑to‑day performance of direct reports.
• Providing mentorship and constructive feedback to direct reports on completion of goals.
• Authority to sign Engineer Change Orders and Engineering Drawings for all chemistry releases.
• Participate as a peer on the R&D Staff Management Team to provide transparency and accountability of group efforts, and communicate needs and dependencies to other development groups, sustainment groups, and project managers within R&D.
• Determine theoretical and practical limitations to sensing specifications through laboratory experimentation and R&D prototype builds.
• Proper design of experiment methodology to support proof of concept and sensor validation including FDA regulated validation practices and relevant consensus standard guidelines for In Vitro Diagnostic Devices.
• Responsible for driving efficiencies into and expanding Chemistry team involvement in new product development or sustaining projects.
• Responsible for chemistry derived documentation and deliverables satisfying the Xylem New Product Development stage/gate process.
• Collection, analysis and publication of Chemistry Group Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Metrics. Provide monthly results of KPIs to the Director.
• Achieving new product development plan objectives, including meeting required technical specifications, meeting cost targets and delivering on schedule.
• Assure the accuracy, clarity, internal integrity, consistency, and timeliness of all technical information submitted.
• Drive continuous improvements into scientific/engineering/manufacturing processes and policies.
• Provide interpretation, guidance and strategies on technologies and methodologies affecting product approvals, development and continued product compliance.
• Assessing and evaluating new and existing technologies that are opportunities or threats.
• Work closely with relevant cross‑functional areas to achieve overall product development success as needed (operations/manufacturing and quality, marketing and sales, customer service, finance, and technical support).
• Assume other activities and responsibilities as directed.

Experience & Academic Requirements

PhD degree in biochemistry, biotechnology or biochemical engineering or related scientific discipline.

• 7+ years of hands‑on engineering or science work experience in a multidiscipline R&D environment.
• 2+ years supervisory experience
• Proven ability to deliver new technology/products to the market.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations.
• Ability to multi‑task effectively.
• Participative management style that advocates team concept.
• Process & resource planning, with particular consideration to the challenges of creativity and innovation.
• Strong analytical, reasoning, leadership and team interaction skills.
• Capable of using computer‑based tools to collect and document project work and facilitate responsibilities.
• Ability to recruit, train and motivate personnel to balance staffing strength with profitability and growth.
• Familiarity with FDA 510(k) clinical validation studies and prior experience with human blood product handling.
• Knowledge of Investigational Review Boards and the ethics of human subject involvement.
• Poise, good judgment and confidence to represent the Company.
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce and customer base.
• Ensures compliance with Company’s and regulatory policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Minimum 8 hours/day
• 5‑10% travel
• General office/laboratory environment. This role is local and on‑site at our offices in Yellow Springs, Ohio, however some work may be able to be carried out in Hybrid fashion with Director approval.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed.