R&D Manager - Pharmaceuticals

Applied Laboratories, Inc.; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Laboratories, Inc. in Columbus, Indiana, seeks an experienced R&D Manager to lead product development from concept to commercialization. You will mentor a small R&D team, design and analyze experiments, and collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Operations to ensure compliant formulations and processes.

You will drive formulation improvements, troubleshoot challenges, and present findings to leadership and customers, shaping future product innovations in a hands-on leadership role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• 5+ years of chemistry experience in manufacturing, industrial, product development, or research environments.
• Leadership, project lead, or supervisory experience.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and formulation projects from concept through implementation.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a small team of R&D professionals.
• Design experiments, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations.
• Develop and improve formulations, products, and manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot technical and formulation challenges.
• Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams.
• Prioritize projects and resources to support business objectives.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership and customers.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Project leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry

Job description

Applied Laboratories, Inc. is a family-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer located in Columbus, Indiana. For more than 40 years, we have developed, manufactured, and packaged over-the-counter healthcare products for customers across the United States and internationally. We pride ourselves on quality, innovation, continuous improvement, and creating an environment where employees can make a meaningful impact.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated R&D Manager to lead product development initiatives, provide technical leadership, and help drive the future growth of our Research & Development function.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on chemist who enjoys solving technical challenges, developing new products, mentoring others, and working closely with leadership to bring ideas from concept to commercialization.

What You'll Do

• Lead product development and formulation projects from concept through implementation
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a small team of R&D professionals
• Design experiments, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations
• Develop and improve formulations, products, and manufacturing processes
• Troubleshoot technical and formulation challenges
• Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams
• Prioritize projects and resources to support business objectives
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership and customers
• Ensure compliance with laboratory, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field
• 5+ years of chemistry experience in manufacturing, industrial, product development, or research environments
• Leadership, project lead, or supervisory experience
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred

• Product development or formulation experience
• Experience in pharmaceutical, OTC, personal care, or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of quality and regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously

Why Join Applied Laboratories?

• Opportunity to lead high-impact R&D projects
• Direct visibility and interaction with company leadership
• Meaningful influence on product innovation and business growth
• Hands-on technical role with leadership responsibilities
• Stable, family-owned company with a collaborative culture
• Professional growth and development opportunities