Director Science Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) & Applied Science Strategies to lead high-impact scientific research initiatives and translate complex science into actionable strategies, policy insights, and industry solutions.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a scientist with deep experience in the chemical industry, chemical safety, government, or a related scientific field who can operate at the intersection of research, policy, industry, and regulatory decision-making.

The ideal candidate is a strategic scientific leader who can identify emerging issues, build research agendas, manage complex programs, engage senior scientists and executives, and communicate scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

What You'll Lead Drive the Long-Range Research Initiative

• Lead all aspects of the LRI program, including contracts, consultants, budgets, resource allocation, expenditures, and program tracking.
• Lead the LRI Topic Committee, facilitating discussions among scientists and science leaders from member companies, academia, and government.
• Identify emerging scientific issues and establish research priorities aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop research strategies, objectives, methodologies, and implementation plans.
• Oversee competitive research proposal and bid processes.
• Manage the development and execution of approved research initiatives within established budgets and timelines.

Turn Science Into Strategic Impact

• Evaluate complex scientific research, data, and emerging findings relevant to chemical safety and policy.
• Translate scientific insights into actionable recommendations that support informed organizational and policy decisions.
• Apply research findings to improve scientific approaches, methodologies, and policies.
• Leverage LRI research results to support member companies and science policy advocacy.
• Identify opportunities where emerging research can influence regulatory decision-making and advance scientific understanding.

Build High-Level Scientific Partnerships

• Establish and maintain relationships with senior scientists, international research organizations, government agencies, academia, and multinational scientific groups.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and scientific leaders across disciplines.
• Represent the organization in scientific discussions and initiatives domestically and internationally.
• Present research strategies, findings, and recommendations to senior executives, board members, scientists, policymakers, and external stakeholders.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in science, a technical discipline, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the chemical industry, a related scientific industry, government, or a comparable environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and interpretation of complex scientific studies, particularly studies relevant to chemical safety and policy.
• Experience working with international research organizations and/or multinational scientific initiatives.
• Knowledge of key scientific and chemical assessment programs, organizations, and venues.
• Ability to independently identify research priorities and develop strategic research programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex research programs, budgets, contracts, and external scientific resources.
• Strong ability to communicate complex scientific information to executives, policymakers, scientists, and other non-technical audiences.
• Travel up to 20% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to chemical research and safety.
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies and applying risk science to policy development.
• Advanced education or coursework in toxicology, environmental science, public health, or a related discipline.
• Experience translating scientific research into policy recommendations or regulatory strategies.
• Strong science communication and executive presentation experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional or multinational scientific initiatives.