R&D Laboratory Lead

Overview

The R&D Laboratory Lead position supports the scientific discovery, testing, and management of product formulations by contributing to the team at the New Jersey Technical Center laboratory. Primary duties include leading laboratory and facility safety; prioritizing, scheduling, and conducting testing; equipment maintenance and experimental equipment preparation; managing staff assigned to the laboratory; as well as establishing protocols for laboratory access and use.

In addition, scientific contributions to the R&D team are expected such as: novel solutions, specification development, research findings and/or competitive advantages for the Company. In this role you will interact with our China, Australia, U.K., and U.S. R&D scientific teams to contribute to making the magic happen.

This role is intended to be performed onsite at our Technical Center laboratory, located in Pine Brook, NJ.

Responsibilities

Leads the operation of the Global R&D laboratory, ensuring the facility operates in full compliance with appropriate safety regulations.

Determines product testing needs of internal R&D team across all global regions.

Carries out experiments, conducts testing, records data, and reports on findings.

Prioritizes global laboratory requests to ensure internal customers receive data in a timely manner and meeting deadlines.

Evaluates testing requests and provide advice and guidance on testing perimeters; identifies missing information, if any.

Leads the identification, design, recommendation, and deployment of new test methodologies and applications applying the principles of the Scientific Method.

Identifies shortcomings in existing processes, systems and procedures, and uses established change management programs to address them

Trains, mentors, and supports R&D Lab staff ensuring proper consideration of their laboratory experience and career development goals.

Troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment and systems for emergency repairs and carries out preventive maintenance.

Plans, communicates, and executes projects and effectively coordinates all involved parties, both internal staff and external service providers; completes projects within budget and time constraints.

Manages scientific data and intellectual property through established method for capturing data and laboratory notes, providing training and monitoring to ensure methods are employed.

Composes testing and research protocols in accordance with established R&D guidelines for products either in development or commercialized and requiring technical support; coordinates with outside laboratory facilities if required.

Contributes ideas towards improving R&D methods, adding to the scientific knowledge of the team and solving complex scientific problems.

Maintains outside lab and vendor relationships, agreements and performance.

Follows laboratory safety program through (1) chemical maintenance, storage, removal programs (2) maintenance/enforcement of Laboratory Safety manual.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, material science, physics or related technical field. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• 2-3 years’ experience working with minimal supervision in an analytical or engineering laboratory with training or supervisory responsibility.
• Experience applying the Scientific Method within the field of study, completing independent work on research projects in a commercial environment, demonstrating the ability to coordinate and complete tasks and achieve objectives without guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with technical staff to accomplish business objectives through successful application of scientific and leadership principles.

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

• Learning-based culture that supports the growth and development of all tribe members
• Strong values aligned culture whose #1 strategic driver is to build a business for the future that we will be proud to hand down to the next generation
• Over 93.3% employee engagement as of January 2022 global employee survey
• A culture where 93% of the tribe report experience a sense of belonging
• Voted Most Democratic Workplace and certified WorldBlu Freedom Centered Workplace

Do You Align With Our Values?

Please, only consider employment with WD-40 Company if you feel as strongly about our values as we do: We live, breathe, and play by our values every day.

Thank you for considering WD-40 Company in your career search!#WD40TribalLife #PositiveLastingMemories

At WD-40 Company we foster a culture of inclusion where all individuals are recognized, valued, respected, and experience a sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual characteristics that make us unique such as our backgrounds, experiences, qualities, talents, traits, beliefs, and preferences. #LI-MH1