Phd/ Polymer Chemist/ Research Manager/ Scientist

Zobility; Romeo (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zobility in Romeo, MI 48065 is seeking a senior R&D leader with a strong polymer background to guide a team of scientists, lab technicians, and interns. The role centers on defining test plans with customers, ensuring data quality, and enabling OEM trials while driving new product and process innovations.

The position requires hands-on leadership across projects, robust communication with customers and internal stakeholders, and the ability to navigate uncertain situations and diverse

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical programs and/or personnel toward advancement of business goals.
• Credibility in the research group and in the broader business organization.
• Proficiency in scientific methods, lab equipment, and clear communication.
• Ability to foster a collaborative environment across functions and regions.
• Comfortable leading in uncertain situations with multiple viewpoints.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of specialists and technicians to advance new product offerings and processing methods.
• Guide the R&D organization in problem resolution using principled approaches.
• Align group activities with company-wide technical and commercial goals.
• Develop innovative ideas in materials and processing tech and lead projects.
• Coordinate cross-functional work within the organization to support strategic goals.
• Maintain global connections within company R&D and monitor technical trends.

Skills

Team leadership

Test plan design

Customer interfacing

Laboratory operations

Effective communication

Education

Science degree (BS/MS/PhD)

Job description

Job Location: 160 McLean Drive Romeo MI 48065

Position Type: Direct Hire

Education:

• BS, MS, or PhD in the sciences, typically in the chemical and engineering sciences.
• Strong polymer background and experience leading a team of scientists, lab technicians, interns, etc. This role will be hands on, customer interfacing and contributing new ideas and strategy

Requirements:

• Experience leading technical programs and/or personnel toward advancement of business goals.
• Experience in establishing well-founded credibility in the research group and in the whole of the business organization.
• Select skills in technical/scientific disciplines, as required. Versed in scientific methods, laboratory apparatus, and communication skills.
• Capable of fostering a contributive, collaborative environment in the research community, and in relation to multiple corporate functions
• Comfortable with leading on issues with uncertain circumstance or conflicting viewpoints

Job Description:

• Work with both internal and external customers to define and design test plans in an effort to provide test data that gains customer confidence in our products.
• This will be done using standards that are OEM specific, industry standards or internally designed methods.
• Once data has been generated, it will be reviewed for quality and accuracy.
• Once approved the data will be reviewed with the customer for approval and acceptance. If necessary, hygiene submittal will follow to gain admittance into the OEM plant for trials.
• Oversee Material Testing (QA) to ensure timely, accurate test results which allow for downstream processes or shipment to external partners or OEMs.
• Assist in trouble shooting material issues both internally and externally as needed.
• Manage personnel on projects, workflow, vacations, etc.
• Provide assistance in maintaining laboratory inventory on consumables and equipment where needed.
• Serve as a testing, material and OEM resource for development projects.
• Manage iProcurement purchases and approvals.
• Support Client testing globally as needed. Each region has varying amounts of equipment and skill, so Client Romeo will serve as a testing resource when items or skills are unavailable in other regions.
• Work with external labs to have testing completed that we do not have either the equipment or expertise to accomplish.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to a group of specialists and technicians to advance new product offerings and new process methodologies.
• Lead the R&D organization in problem resolution, including a basic, principled approach to frame and solve problems.
• Manage the activities of the group in the context of broad technical and commercial goals of the company, putting activities in context of these larger goals.
• Independently develop innovative ideas in materials and processing technology and lead technical groups through the exploration of these ideas.
• Coordinate activities with multifunctional activities in the organization, ensuring that activities are in context of company-wide goals.
• Maintain a global connection within company research and development and cultivate collaboration and knowledge of technical/scientific trends in global academic, governmental, competitive, and supplier communities.
• Lead a group of technical professionals, including technicians and specialists, to develop new technologies in products and processes. Very competent with self-directed work
• Responsible for technical decisions predicated on work of the directed group
• Construction, maintenance, and safety responsibilities for laboratory workspace and equipment