The Dow Chemical Company

Sr. R&D Leader, Product & Application

The Dow Chemical Company • $130K — $155K *
Collegeville, PA 19426In-Person
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • Minimum five years of relevant technical experience.
  • Strong team leadership and complex project management skills.
  • Commitment to safe operational practices and research ethics.
  • Eligibility to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team, setting priorities and managing performance.
  • Build team capability through talent retention and development discussions.
  • Ensure compliance and safety in laboratory operations.
  • Manage the Home Care Cleaning R&D portfolio and technology platforms.
  • Drive cross-functional team efforts to translate business strategy into research priorities.
  • Oversee project delivery, ensuring scientific rigor and effective communication.
  • Lead new product innovation and intellectual property strategies.

Benefits

  • Market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunities.
  • Comprehensive benefits for physical, mental, and financial well-being.
  • Competitive retirement programs, including a student debt retirement savings match.
  • Robust medical and life insurance packages tailored to individual needs.
  • Opportunities for professional growth through training, mentoring, and community involvement.
  • Role-based flexibility to enhance work-life balance.
  • Paid time off for new parents, illness care for family members, and volunteering efforts.
Full Job Description
About the Role

Dow Industrial Solutions has an exciting opportunity for a Senior R&D Leader based in Collegeville, PA. The Senior R&D Leader will lead a multidisciplinary team (13 FTEs) of researchers, specialists, technicians, and contractors supporting product and application development, primarily for the Cleaning Growth Platform, with additional support for DIS market segments such as Pharma and Crop. The role combines people leadership, safe and reliable laboratory operations, innovation portfolio management, and cross-functional execution to deliver new products, technology platforms, and sustainable business growth. The team is located in Collegeville (PA) and Midland (MI). Dow Industrial Solutions (DIS) is part of the industrial intermediates and Infrastructure (II&I) division and this role reports to the Associate R&D Director. DIS is a diverse business that serves Specialty and Intermediates segments. The focus is on 4 Growth Platforms (Cleaning, Pharma, Energy and Data Centers), in addition to serving multiple additional market segments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and develop a multi-site R&D team; set priorities, allocate resources, manage performance, and foster engagement, recognition, inclusion, and knowledge sharing.
  • Build organizational capability by attracting and retaining talent, conducting regular development discussions and one-on-one meetings, and aligning people and assignments with business strategy.
  • Ensure safe and compliant laboratory operations in Collegeville by championing Environmental, Health & Safety policies, standards, and behaviors. Responsibility as the local DIS leader for Collegeville operations.
  • Develop, prioritize, and manage the Home Care Cleaning R&D portfolio and relevant technology platforms, including stage-gate progression, launch timing, innovation revenue expectations, and return on innovation investment.
  • Lead the cross-functional Cleaning Front End Team and translate business strategy into value-generating research priorities, project charters, and execution plans.
  • Oversee project delivery against milestones and objectives, ensuring rigorous scientific methods, clear documentation, effective communication, and timely removal of roadblocks.
  • Champion disciplined new product innovation and intellectual property strategies, including execution of appropriate patent filings.
  • Partner globally with Product R&D, TS&D, Process R&D, EI&G R&D, Commercial, Marketing, and other functions to advance research, implementation, and commercialization.
  • Engage customers, universities, and other external partners to support existing products and generate new growth opportunities.
  • Assess portfolio performance, identify capability gaps, communicate recommendations, and influence alignment of goals, resources, and accountabilities.
  • Manage operating budgets, capital plans, conference plans, and other investments needed to grow people and technical capabilities.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
  • Minimum five years of relevant technical experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex technical work, and collaborate across functions.
  • Strong commitment to safe operations and responsible research practices.
  • A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in a relevant discipline.
  • Previous people leadership experience.
  • Experience in cleaning technologies or a related market or technology area.
  • Experience with innovation strategy, portfolio prioritization, stage-gate processes, and intellectual property management.


Skills
  • Strategic Leadership: The ability to set direction, align people and resources with business objectives, and drive long-term organizational success through vision, planning, and execution.
  • Innovation Management: The ability to develop, prioritize, execute, and commercialize new technologies, products, and intellectual property to create business value.
  • Team Management: The ability to lead, coach, develop, motivate, and manage individuals and teams to achieve organizational objectives while fostering engagement and performance.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The ability to work effectively across functions, disciplines, organizations, and external partners to achieve shared goals and accelerate results.
  • Workplace Safety: The ability to champion safe work practices, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture that prioritizes environmental, health, and safety excellence.


Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Effective leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
  • Clear, concise communication and a strong record of cross-functional collaboration.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders and align priorities, resources, and accountabilities with business objectives.
  • Sound judgment in identifying technical and operational issues and understanding their broader organizational impact.
  • Ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent.
  • Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and commitment to innovation delivery.

Additional Information
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this role.


Benefits - What Dow offers you

We invest in you.

Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career. You bring your background, talent, and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee:
  • Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives.
  • Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it.
  • Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals.
    • Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
  • Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only).
    • Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees' Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
  • Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
  • Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building.
  • Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs.
  • Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
  • Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).
  • Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.
  • Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group's (ERG) participation.
  • Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
  • On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
  • Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
  • Additionally, some of our locations might offer:
    • Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
    • Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
    • Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)

About The Dow Chemical Company

Through partnerships and collaboration, their solutions help extend the shelf life of food, bring color to buildings, and pave safer roads. Read on to learn how.

The Dow Chemical Company Careers

Join the vibrant team at The Dow Chemical Company, a leader in science and technology, where your career can flourish in an environment rich with opportunity and innovation. As part of our global workforce, you will contribute to solutions that shape the future of the planet in significant ways.

Work You’ll Do

At The Dow Chemical Company, you will engage in work that matters. From developing sustainable materials to pioneering new technologies, your role will help transform industries and improve everyday life around the world. Our commitment to leadership in sustainability means that when you work here, your impact extends far beyond the office.

Innovate and Lead

Become part of a team where innovation and leadership go hand in hand. The Dow Chemical Company fosters a culture of innovation where you can bring your ideas to life. With a diverse and inclusive workplace, we combine different perspectives to drive cutting-edge solutions. Our leadership is committed to supporting your growth through professional development and diversity training.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance, The Dow Chemical Company offers a range of job opportunities and career paths in various fields. From internships that provide real-world experience to full-time positions that challenge and expand your skills, there's a place for you here. Our commitment to professional growth ensures that your career journey is always moving forward.

Join Our Team

Explore job opportunities at The Dow Chemical Company and become part of a team known for its exceptional culture, commitment to employee benefits, and a dynamic work environment. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead industries towards a sustainable future.

Networking and Professional Development

At The Dow Chemical Company, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. Connect with leaders and peers through our various networking events, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects. Enhance your skills, build your resume, and prepare for future leadership roles within the company.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an internship at The Dow Chemical Company. Our internships offer hands-on experience in real projects that contribute to our mission of innovation. You’ll gain invaluable insights, enhance your skills, and be part of a team that values your fresh ideas and energy.

Benefits and Culture

We pride ourselves on offering competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At The Dow Chemical Company, you’ll find a culture that values respect, integrity, and collaboration. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive and inclusive environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Stay Connected

Join our community to stay up-to-date with the latest in career opportunities, company news, and industry insights. Follow us on our careers page and social media to learn more about life at The Dow Chemical Company and how you can make a difference.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, driven, and innovative team players. Explore our job listings and find the perfect position that aligns with your career goals at The Dow Chemical Company.

SEARCH DOW CHEMICAL JOBS

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Join us in our mission to innovate for a sustainable future.
Learn more about The Dow Chemical Company
Size
35,700 employees
Market Cap
$35.5 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$1.2 billion
5 Year Trend
+2.7%
Revenue
$38.5 billion
NASDAQ
DOW
* Ladders Estimates

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