Director R&D SiGNa Chemistry New York City

Job Description
SiGNa is seeking a proven technical leader to direct R&D activities related to the development and commercialization of new materials into several high-growth chemical markets.

The R&D Director will be responsible for leading R&D activities for stabilized alkali metal products and for providing strategic technical input to senior management. Responsible for directing all aspects of technology development, including the development of original research ideas, design and implementation of proof-of-concept studies, advancing products through the product development cycle, using good experimentation techniques such as design of experiments, and supporting product transition to manufacturing.

The successful candidate will lead a team of scientists/engineers/technicians and will serve a key role in establishing the company’s technology and commercial strategy. The position will require a high degree of coordination with the company’s manufacturing, operational and business teams.

The R&D Director is a newly-created position reporting to the VP, Manufacturing and Technology; it will be located at SiGNa’s new R&D facility, which is being re-located to the New York State/Northeast corridor region.



Requirements
Direct a group of 6-8 scientists, engineers, and technicians and oversee process and analytical development, product development and manufacturing support.
Plan, coordinate and execute all aspects of research or process development programs.
Apply technical expertise to research materials and methods; analyze data; define process and equipment requirements; and develop success criteria and specifications.
Develop and execute design of experiments, scientific systems and operational plans to achieve the company’s scientific objectives and product strategy.
Conduct research using bench and pilot scale R&D tools and provide daily supervision to a group of experienced lab and pilot plant technicians.
Develop and train the R&D team in best scientific practices, project management techniques and problem solving; select, develop and manage technical staff.
Assist in the assessment and evaluation of current and future manufacturing processes and direct process optimization studies.
Lead the development and execution of a technology strategy that aligns with business requirements.
Develop R&D budget, research schedules, engineering requirements and safety reviews.
Qualifications
Support market and customer facing engagements with strong technology leadership.
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering (with strong chemistry background) or other relevant science discipline required.
5-10 years technical experience, 5+ years team management experience preferred.
Strong background in inorganic materials and materials science required.
A clear record of scientific achievement and leadership required.
Strong experience in process development in the oil & gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical or specialty chemicals industries.
Strong experience in development of design of experiments, data analysis and data mining.
Experience directing research in established industrial laboratories, preferably in the oil recovery, petrochemical, materials, pharmaceutical, or specialty chemical industries.
Experience developing and supporting large-scale manufacturing processes.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills are required. Time management, team work, attention to details, strong controls and safety awareness are key personal values.

Relocation may be required.