Research Manager (Polymers)

KLA Industries, Inc.; Romeo (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

KLA Industries, Inc. is seeking a Research Manager (Polymers) to lead lab-based R&D activities, guide teams, and ensure that research is conducted safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

You will coordinate projects from planning through data analysis, oversee GMP/GLP practices, and collaborate across functions to translate findings into development decisions that advance polymer science.

Qualifications

• Experience managing laboratory teams in a research setting, with supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong project management, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Knowledge of polymers; familiarity with laboratory techniques, data collection, and R&D.
• Familiarity with GLP, GMP, CGMP, and FDA regulations; regulatory compliance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage research projects from planning through data collection and analysis, coordinating priorities, resources, and timelines.
• Supervise laboratory staff and ensure consistent use of procedures, techniques, and instruments.
• Oversee laboratory operations, including documentation and LIMS.
• Partner across functions to communicate findings and support R&D goals.
• Strengthen research quality and regulatory compliance to support sound development decisions.

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Research Manager (Polymers) to lead research and development activities in a laboratory setting. You will guide laboratory teams, oversee project execution, and help ensure that research is conducted safely, accurately, and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Duties

• Manage research projects from planning through data collection and analysis, coordinating priorities, resources, and timelines.
• Supervise laboratory staff and support consistent use of laboratory procedures, techniques, and instruments.
• Oversee laboratory operations, including documentation and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Partner across functions to communicate findings, address project needs, and support research and development goals.
• Your impact: By strengthening research quality and regulatory compliance, you help teams produce reliable findings that support sound development decisions.

Experience

• Experience managing laboratory teams in a research laboratory or other research setting; technical project or program management and supervisory experience are relevant.
• Strong management, project management, analysis, and cross-functional communication skills, with technical proficiency in laboratory instruments and procedures.
• Knowledge of polymers is relevant; experience with laboratory techniques, data collection, and research and development is valuable.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, and regulatory compliance is preferred.
• Additional relevant experience may include microbiology, molecular biology, histology, clinical laboratory work, or clinical trials. Microsoft Office skills are also useful.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance