Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field; Master's preferred.
3+ years of hands-on experience in an analytical or research lab, with leadership experience.
Proven ability to independently plan, execute, analyze, and document experiments using the scientific method.
Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective team leadership and cross-functional work.
Experience in managing laboratory safety and compliance protocols.
Responsibilities
Lead laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and efficient experiment management.
Train and develop R&D Lab Scientists on procedures, equipment, and safety protocols while prioritizing team workload.
Evaluate testing requests and guide project planning and execution, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
Conduct hands-on laboratory testing and data analysis, ensuring adherence to testing protocols and documenting outcomes.
Design and implement innovative test methodologies, contributing to process improvements in R&D.
Build and maintain relationships with external labs and vendors, ensuring alignment with company goals.
Manage intellectual property by controlling information access and maintaining laboratory documentation.
Monitor and maintain lab equipment, performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting as needed.
Benefits
Onsite work at the Technical Center in Pine Brook, NJ, five days a week.
Opportunity to lead a small team while remaining actively engaged in scientific work.
Access to cutting-edge research and development projects.
Collaboration with external partners and vendors in the industry.
Potential for professional growth and development within the company.
Full Job Description
Overview
In this dynamic, hands-on leadership role, you'll lead the WD-40 Company Global Research & Development Laboratory while working alongside your team to conduct testing, run experiments, and solve technical challenges.
You'll oversee lab operations and safety, lead and develop a small team of scientists, evaluate testing requests, conduct experiments, and troubleshoot lab equipment. You'll also apply your scientific expertise to develop novel solutions and new test methodologies. If you enjoy leading people while staying actively engaged in the science, this could be the opportunity for you!
This role is based onsite at our Technical Center located in Pine Brook, NJ (onsite 5 days/week, Monday through Friday). Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and should not require visa sponsorship now or in the future.
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. Prioritizes team workload and works alongside the team in the laboratory, performing hands-on testing and experimental activities.
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: Personally performs hands-on laboratory testing and experiments as an integral part of the role, while managing product testing needs for Global R&D and ensuring compliance with testing protocols. Collates and analyzes data, documents test methods and outcomes, and develops testing and research protocols in accordance with established R&D guidelines.
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 of hands-on experience in an analytical, research, or engineering laboratory, with experience leading or supervising others.
Demonstrated experience applying the scientific method to independently plan, execute, analyze, and document laboratory testing and experiments.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead a small team and work effectively across cross-functional and global teams.
About WD-40 Company
The WD-40 Company is a global marketing organization dedicated to creating positive lasting memories by developing and selling products that solve problems in workshops, factories and homes around the world. The company's flagship product, WD-40 Multi-Use Product, is a household name in the United States and is used in over 176 countries. The company also markets other homecare and cleaning products under the 2000 Flushes, Carpet Fresh, Spot Shot, X-14, and 1001 brand names. The WD-40 Company was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
