Sr. R&D Leader, Product & Application

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

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