Sr Director R&D
About The Position
As a Senior Director of Research and Development for Discovery at Solstice, you will develop and communicate the long-term vision and strategic direction for the R&D function. You will lead and mentor directors, managers, engineers, and scientists, while fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You will oversee the R&D project portfolio, ensure alignment with strategic priorities, and track emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to Solstice's business. The position reports directly to the Vice President of Research and Development and is based at the Buffalo Research Laboratory. You will shape and execute the overarching R&D strategy, drive innovation, and ensure successful delivery of transformative projects. As a people leader, you will recruit talent, identify and develop successors, support retention and engagement, and foster an inclusive culture.
Requirements
- 10 or more years of experience leading research and development projects in a technology, chemical, or manufacturing environment.
- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a similar field.
- Proven record of innovation, demonstrated through 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, including building high-performing teams and mentoring.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have asylum or refugee status in the U.S., due to U.S. export control laws and regulations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with synthetic chemistry, particularly fluorine-based chemistry.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience applying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to material development.
- Passion for innovation and continuous learning.
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 R&D teams, promoting skill development and career growth.
- Oversee the portfolio of R&D projects and ensure 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.
- Recruit talent, identify and develop successors, and drive retention and engagement.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusion.
Benefits
- Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- 401(k) match.
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Educational assistance.
- Parental leave.
- Paid time off for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave.
- 12 paid holidays.
- Incentive plan eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
