R&D Manager (Chemistry)

WaveCrest Staffing Group; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Prescription Health保险

Life Insurance/ Disability Insurance

401k with Company Match

Employee Development/Training Opportun

Employee Development/Training Opportun

Job summary

WaveCrest Staffing Group in Columbus, IN seeks an experienced R&D Manager (Chemistry) to lead laboratory teams and own product and process development from concept through implementation. You will guide technical projects, oversee experiments, and ensure safety and quality while collaborating with manufacturing and quality teams.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and at least five years of industrial chemistry experience, plus 1–2 years of leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five years of practical chemistry experience in an industrial lab, manufacturing facility, or applied research environment.
• At least 1–2 years of experience directing technical employees, coordinating scientific teams, or providing formal project leadership.
• Proven ability to lead chemical research or product development initiatives from design through testing and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory research initiatives focused on developing and improving chemical products and manufacturing processes.
• Direct technical projects through feasibility assessment, development, testing, validation, and adoption.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, technical coaching, and development support to lab personnel.
• Perform and oversee experiments, analyze results, and recommend improvements.
• Investigate formulation challenges and process issues to identify sustainable technical solutions.
• Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to support scale-up and technology transfers.
• Set research priorities, allocate lab resources, and monitor progress against objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

At this time, WaveCrest cannot transfer nor sponsor a work Visa for this position.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Take the Lead in R&D Without Leaving the Lab Behind!

Are you an experienced chemist who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and leading others? This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands‑on chemistry with leadership, guiding a talented laboratory team while taking ownership of innovative product and process development projects from concept through implementation.

Pay: $110k-$120k

Schedule: Mon-Fri 8a-5p

Type of Job: Direct Hire

Location: Columbus, IN

Benefits Offered:

• Medical and Prescription Health Insurance
• Life Insurance/ Disability Insurance
• 401k with Company Match
• Employee Development/Training Opportunities

R&D Manager (Chemistry)Daily Tasks: What you will do:

• Oversee laboratory research initiatives focused on developing, improving, and introducing chemical products and manufacturing processes.
• Direct technical projects through feasibility assessment, experimental development, performance testing, validation, and operational adoption.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, technical coaching, and professional development support to laboratory personnel.
• Perform and oversee scientific experiments, assess analytical findings, and recommend improvements based on documented results.
• Investigate formulation challenges, product inconsistencies, and process‑related issues to identify sustainable technical solutions.
• Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to support product scale‑up, process improvements, and successful technology transfers.
• Establish research priorities, coordinate laboratory resources, and monitor progress against project objectives.
• Ensure experimental procedures, technical records, and laboratory practices meet applicable quality and safety expectations.
• Communicate research outcomes, technical recommendations, project risks, and development milestones to internal stakeholders.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable laboratory environment that encourages innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

R&D Manager (Chemistry)Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five years of practical chemistry experience within an industrial laboratory, manufacturing facility, or applied research environment.
• At least one to two years of experience directing technical employees, coordinating scientific teams, or providing formal project leadership.
• Proven ability to lead chemical research or product development initiatives from initial design through successful testing and implementation.
• Strong understanding of laboratory experimentation, chemical analysis, data interpretation, and technical problem-solving.

We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you!