R&D Laboratory Lead

Overview

In this dynamic role, you will lead the WD-40 Company Global R&D laboratory and be at the forefront of scientific discovery, testing, and product formulation management.

 

Key responsibilities include overseeing the operation and safety of our Global R&D laboratory, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and efficient management of experiments. You'll train and lead a small team, evaluate testing requests, carry out experiments, and troubleshoot/maintain lab equipment. But that's not all! We expect you to bring your scientific expertise to the table to develop novel solutions by identifying, designing, and implementing new test methodologies.

 

If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and leading a team to new heights, this is the opportunity for you!

 

This role will be performed onsite at our Technical Center located in Pine Brook, NJ (5 days/week, Monday through Friday).

Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations and Safety: Leads the operation of the Global R&D laboratory, ensuring the facility operates in full compliance with appropriate safety regulations, equipment care, and efficient management of simultaneous experiments.

Leadership: Trains R&D Lab Scientists on established procedures, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols. Efficiently and proactively prioritize workload amongst team.

Project Evaluation & Execution: Evaluates testing requests and provides advice and guidance on testing perimeters. Plans, communicates, and executes research projects, coordinating internal and external parties to ensure timely completion within budget constraints.

Testing and Data Analysis: Independently manages product testing needs for global R&D and ensures compliance with testing protocols. Carries out experiments, collates and analyzes data, and documents all test methods and outcomes. Composes testing and research protocols in accordance with established R&D guidelines for products either in development or commercialized and requiring technical support.

Test Methodology and Innovation: Identifies, designs, and implements new test methodologies using scientific principles. Contributes ideas for improving R&D methods and processes.

External Partner Relationships: Build and maintains strong relationships with external labs and vendors. Communicates clearly and monitors progress to ensure performance aligns with company goals and timelines.

Intellectual Property Management: Takes all necessary actions to ensure intellectual property is established and protectable. This includes controlling information access, keeping confidentiality, properly maintaining laboratory notebooks, etc.

Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Regularly monitors equipment, carries out preventive maintenance, and troubleshoots lab equipment to maintain optimal performance and minimize downtime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field. Master's degree is highly preferred.
• 3+ years experience working independently in an analytical or engineering laboratory, and with a track record of leading or supervising teams.
• Extensive experience applying the scientific method in a commercial or research environment, with a demonstrated ability to independently manage and complete complex research projects, coordinate tasks, and consistently meet objectives without supervision.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels, collaborate with cross-functional and global teams, and apply advanced scientific and leadership principles to drive business success and achieve organizational goals.

About Us

Our “Why”

 

At WD-40 Company, we believe that purpose-driven, passionate people guided by our values create amazing outcomes.  Our "why" is refreshingly simple - we exist to create positive lasting memories in everything we do. 

 

Why You Should Apply

• A strong values-aligned organization where contributions are acknowledged and rewarded, and where 91% of our employees experience a sense of belonging. 
• A learning-based culture where 85% of our team believe they can achieve their career objectives. 
• Over 91% employee engagement as of the January 2024 global employee survey results. 
• 99% of our people report that they “love to tell people that they work for WD-40 Company”! 

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Do You Align With Our Values?

 

Please, only consider employment with WD-40 Company if you feel as strongly about our values as we