R&D Laboratory Lead

WD-40 Company; Pine Brook (NJ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

WD-40 Company is seeking a dynamic leader to run the Global Research & Development Laboratory in Pine Brook, NJ. This onsite role combines hands-on testing with people leadership, safety oversight, and project management across global teams.

You will mentor a small team of scientists, evaluate testing requests, and develop new test methodologies while ensuring compliant lab operations. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and not require visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience in analytical, research, or engineering lab with supervision experience.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, analyze, and document lab testing using the scientific method.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to lead a small team across global functions.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Operations and Safety: oversee operation of Global R&D laboratory ensuring safety compliance and equipment care.
• Leadership: train and lead R&D Lab Scientists, prioritize workload, perform hands-on testing.
• Project Evaluation & Execution: evaluate testing requests, plan and execute research within budget.
• Testing and Data Analysis: perform testing, analyze data, document methods and outcomes.
• Test Methodology and Innovation: design new test methods and improve R&D processes.
• External Partner Relationships: manage relationships with labs and vendors, monitor progress.

Skills

Leadership

Lab management

Communication

Collaboration

Hands-on testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related technical field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

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In this dynamic, hands-on leadership role, you’ll lead the WD-40 Company Global Research & Development Laboratory while working alongside your team to conduct testing, run experiments, and solve technical challenges.You’ll oversee lab operations and safety, lead and develop a small team of scientists, evaluate testing requests, conduct experiments, and troubleshoot lab equipment. You’ll also apply your scientific expertise to develop novel solutions and new test methodologies. If you enjoyleading people while staying actively engaged in the science, this could be the opportunity for you!This role is based onsite at our Technical Center located in Pine Brook, NJ (onsite 5 days/week, Monday through Friday). Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and should not require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

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Responsibilities

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• Laboratory Operations and Safety: Leads the operation of the Global R&D laboratory, ensuring the facility operates in full compliance with appropriate safety regulations, equipment care, and efficient management of simultaneous experiments.

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• Leadership: Trains R&D Lab Scientists on established procedures, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols. Prioritizes team workload and works alongside the team in the laboratory, performing hands‑on testing and experimental activities.

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• Project Evaluation & Execution: Evaluates testing requests and provides advice and guidance on testing perimeters. Plans, communicates, and executes research projects, coordinating internal and external parties to ensure timely completion within budget constraints.

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• Testing and Data Analysis: Personally performs hands‑on laboratory testing and experiments as an integral part of the role, while managing product testing needs for Global R&D and ensuring compliance with testing protocols. Collates and analyzes data, documents test methods and outcomes, and develops testing and research protocols in accordance with established R&D guidelines.

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• Test Methodology and Innovation: Identifies, designs, and implements new test methodologies using scientific principles. Contributes ideas for improving R&D methods and processes.

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• External Partner Relationships: Build and maintains strong relationships with external labs and vendors. Communicates clearly and monitors progress to ensure performance aligns with company goals and timelines.

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• Intellectual Property Management: Takes all necessary actions to ensure intellectual property is established and protectable. This includes controlling information access, keeping confidentiality, properly maintaining laboratory notebooks, etc.

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• Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Regularly monitors equipment, carries out preventive maintenance, and troubleshoots lab equipment to maintain optimal performance and minimize downtime.

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Qualifications

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• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field. Master's degree is highly preferred.
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• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in an analytical, research, or engineering laboratory, with experience leading or supervising others.
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• Demonstrated experience applying the scientific method to independently plan, execute, analyze, and document laboratory testing and experiments.
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• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead a small team and work effectively across cross‑functional and global teams.
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About Us

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Our “Why”

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At WD-40 Company, we believe that purpose-driven, passionate people guided by our values create amazing outcomes. Our \"why\" is refreshingly simple - we exist to create positive lasting memories in everything we do.

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Why You Should Apply

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• A strong values-aligned organization where contributions are acknowledged and rewarded, and where 91% of our employees experience a sense of belonging.
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• A learning-based culture where 77% of our team believe they can achieve their career objectives.
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• Over 95% employee engagement as of our most recent global employee survey.
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• 91% of our people actively recommend WD-40 Company as a great place to work.
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Do You Align With Our Values?

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Please, only consider employment with WD-40 Company if you feel as strongly about our values as we do: We live, breathe, and play by our valuesevery day.

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#PositiveLastingMemories

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At WD-40 Company we foster a culture of inclusion where all individuals are recognized, valued, respected, and experience a sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual characteristics that make us unique such as our backgrounds, experiences, qualities, talents, traits, beliefs, and preferences.