Director of Research & Development / Lab Manager.

MicroCare•New Britain, CT

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Imagine working for a company that knows their employees are the key to its success, a company that provides exceptional results while being environmentally conscious and ahead of the curve in research and development; MicroCare LLC is that company. We are a trusted global provider of critical cleaning solutions with a best-in-class employee population. Currently we are searching for a Director of Research & Development/Lab Manager to join our growing team! The position is onsite and does not offer relocation support. MicroCare, LLC is an ISO 9001:2015 registered company specializing in cleaning coating and lubricating fluids used in the installation and manufacture of a broad range of products in the electronics, medical, fiber optic and metal fabricating industries. Since 1983 we have pioneered hundreds of environmentally progressive and sustainable products in response to emerging regulatory demands and our customers' evolving cleaning and coating needs. Voted as one of the best places to work in Connecticut, two years in a row , MicroCare is a company with a heart. At all our facilities in Connecticut and across the globe, we work in a cheerful, inclusive, and collaborative environment where we respect, encourage, and support our customers, our suppliers and each other. We like to laugh; have fun and we make an important impact. MicroCare LLC offers competitive salaries and benefits: Medical, Dental, Disability, 401k plan, Holiday and Paid Time Off. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, and the communities in which we operate. We are headquartered in central Connecticut accessible from both Greater Hartford and New Haven. This position is located at our New Britain facility. Position Overview: This position will lead MicroCare’s innovation strategy, product development, and laboratory operations. This role drives R&D initiatives from concept through commercialization while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The position oversees the daily laboratory operations, manages a multidisciplinary team of chemists and technicians, and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of all research, testing, and technical service projects.

Requirements

Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
10+ years of progressive R&D experience in chemical manufacturing and laboratory experience, with 5 years in leadership or supervisory role
Strong knowledge of chemical formulations, process scale-up and manufacturing practices
Proficient with laboratory instruments GC, Spectroscopy, HPLC, Karl Fischer
Strong working knowledge of chemical safety practices, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance, (OSHA, EPA, REACH)
Familiarity with quality standards (e.g., ISO, GLP, GMP)
Technically proficient in MS Office, LIMS and ERP systems
Excellent communication skills, written and spoken in both technical and directional approaches
Ability to travel internationally with valid passport

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related scientific field
Experience with publishing and patent processes
Strong public speaking and presentation skills
Six Sigma, Lead, ISO Lead Auditor, OSHA certifications
Working experience in industrial manufacturing environments
Advanced proficient in analytical instruments and laboratory technologies (HPLC, GC, -MS, and titrations systems)
Continuous education through course work, trade publications and societal affiliations
Bi-lingual Spanish

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the R&D strategy in alignment with corporate goals and business objectives.
Lead formulation, testing and scale-up, of new chemical products and improvements to existing formulations.
Drive innovation in chemical technologies, materials and processes to expand product capabilities.
Ensure efficient transfer of new products from R&D to manufacturing for commercialization.
Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure testing, analysis and research are accurate, safe and on time.
Implement and maintain lab procedures, SOPs, and workflows to ensure consistency and compliance.
Direct customer-related technical service projects including cleaning trials and compatibility testing.
Troubleshoot production and product performance issues in collaborations with the Quality and Manufacturing teams.
Maintain detailed accurate records of experiments, analyses, and results; preparing technical reports and regulatory documentation; present findings, lab metrics and progress to VP on weekly basis.
Enforce compliance with chemical safety, OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements; support quality procedures for ISO 9001:2015.
Partner with Regulatory Affairs Manager to ensure maintenance/updating of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Lead, mentor and manage R&D and lab personnel, promoting a culture of accountability, continuous learning and professional development.
Ensure all R&D activities comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
Manage R&D and lab budget, including consumables, equipment purchases, and vendor relationships.
Build cross-functional and external partnerships with universities, suppliers and research institutions to drive innovation and collaboration.
Promote an incident free workplace by complying with safety policies and procedures and participating in company safety trainings.?
Other duties as assigned.