Sr Director R&D

Solstice Advanced Materials; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 232,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) match

Educational assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Solstice Advanced Materials seeks a Sr. Director of Research and Development to set the long-term vision and strategic direction for the R&D function in Buffalo, NY.

You will lead and mentor a diverse team of directors, managers, engineers, and scientists, fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You will oversee the R&D project portfolio, align with strategic priorities, stay ahead of emerging technologies, and drive transformative projects to successful delivery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading R&D in technology, chemical, or manufacturing environments.
• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a related field.
• Proven record of innovation: IP development, new product commercialization, and revenue from new products.
• Demonstrated achievements in new molecule and new material development and commercialization.
• Proven people leadership and mentorship of high-performing teams.
• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or asylum/refugee status (due to export control compliance).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate R&D strategies into the broader business strategy.
• Represent the R&D function in high-level discussions and decision-making.
• Provide leadership and guidance to multiple R&D teams, ensuring cohesion and synergy.
• Develop talent within the R&D teams, promoting skill development and career growth.
• Oversee the entire portfolio of R&D projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to Solstice’s business.
• Own the development of technology roadmaps.
• Develop critical customer relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy development

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Talent development

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, or related field

Tools

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in materials development

Job description

Job Description

As a Sr. Director of Research and Development at Solstice, you will develop and communicate the long‑term vision and strategic direction for the R&D function. You will lead and mentor a team of directors, managers, engineers, and scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Your role includes overseeing the R&D project portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, and driving the successful delivery of transformative projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate R&D strategies into the broader business strategy.
• Represent the R&D function in high‑level discussions and decision‑making.
• Provide leadership and guidance to multiple R&D teams, ensuring cohesion and synergy.
• Develop talent within the R&D teams, promoting skill development and career growth.
• Oversee the entire portfolio of R&D projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to Solstice’s business.
• Own the development of technology roadmaps.
• Develop critical customer relationships.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading research and development projects within a technology, chemical, or manufacturing environment.
• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a similar field.
• Proven record of innovation, evidenced by intellectual property development, new product commercialization, and revenue from new products.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in new molecule and new material development and commercialization.
• Proven people leadership, building high‑performing teams, and mentorship.
• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or asylum/refugee status (due to export control compliance).

Preferred Experience

• Experience with synthetic chemistry, particularly fluorine‑based chemistry.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to material development.
• Passion for innovation and continuous learning.

Pay Range

The annual base salary range for this position is $232,000 – $290,000. This range is a general guideline; Solstice considers additional factors such as scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. The position is incentive‑plan eligible.

Benefits

Solstice Advanced Materials offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability; 401(k) match; flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts; employee assistance program; educational assistance; parental leave; paid time off; and 12 paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity

Solstice Advanced Materials is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status.

About Solstice Advanced Materials

Solstice Advanced Materials is a leading global specialty materials company that advances science for smarter outcomes. Solstice offers high‑performance solutions for critical industries and applications, including refrigerants, semiconductor manufacturing, data center cooling, nuclear power, protective fibers, healthcare packaging, and more. Solstice is recognized for developing next‑generation materials through its renowned brands such as Solstice®, Genetron®, Aclar®, Spectra®, Fluka™, and Hydranal™. The company serves over 3,000 customers in more than 120 countries and holds a portfolio of more than 5,700 patents. For more information, visit Advanced Materials.