Associate R&D Manager - Inkjet R&D Group

Cabot has an exciting opportunity for an Associate R&D Manager to join the growing and diverse Inkjet R&D group in a process technology leadership role at our Billerica, MA technical center. Cabot is a world-leading supplier of aqueous pigment dispersions and has been developing and manufacturing aqueous pigment dispersions for over 25 years! This position will have a significant impact on the development of future generation products and help grow inkjet business in the fast-growing, emerging industrial inkjet printer market.

The Associate R&D manager will manage a team of 3-5 junior lab researchers and be responsible for work planning and assignment, performance management, employee development and coaching, and ensuring safe lab operations. Meanwhile, you will lead projects through Cabot's Stage Gate process and work closely with internal partners from sales/marketing, manufacturing and other functions to launch new products with customers around the world.

We are seeking a qualified candidate, who enjoys the excitement and challenge of people management and team building, while leading projects to launch/implement new generation of products/processes for the inkjet business. Every member of this growing team is valued for what they contribute. In this high-impact position, you will contribute through both technical execution and delivery on projects and through your leadership in people management.

* Are you a leader, who is excited about developing people and team building?
* Are you inspired to win? Are you energized by working together across functions for success?
* Are you interested in driving sustainability and safety into all aspects of the work that you do?

If so, please consider the opportunity we have for you to join our team!

* Collaborates with other Sr. R&D leaders to manage decisions, organization and strategy that impacts the broader team and projects. Looks to optimize operation through thoughtful and actionable suggestions for improved efficiency.
* Uses effective Talent Management practices to manage a team of technology professionals and entry level researchers. Conducts employees coaching, objectives setting, assessment and development. Participates in hiring process to select people with appropriate skills to build effective team. Works to build a cohesive and motivated team. May be responsible for compensation decisions.
* Defines project(s) goals and deliverables via Cabot's Stage Gate process in alignment with business objectives to understand and deliver solutions to problems of moderate to high complexity/scope in applications, Cabot products, or process technology. Defines individual roles and aligns goals to meet objectives. Assigns resources for effective execution of projects. Provides support and removes impediments to project success. Synthesizes point of view and provides sound counsel to management.
* Conducts independent research to understand and deliver solutions to complex and important technical and commercial problems in applications, Cabot products, or process technology that are critical to the success of the discipline. Drives setting of project objectives with technology management and other functions (e.g. marketing, manufacturing, etc.).
* Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of projects of varying scopes to safely meet objectives and timeline and drive successful product launch via Stage Gate process
* Sets hypotheses and devises technical approaches to complex problems; Conducts investigations that may involve applications, product or process design/development, testing and validation of materials. Complements experiments with the use of modeling and theory. Improves, changes or adapts existing methods and techniques and introduces new methods and techniques as appropriate.
* Generates data, conducts advanced statistical analysis, and organizes and interprets data to establish and support new process, materials, and/or application learning; Conducts tests, draws conclusions, advances hypotheses, and makes recommendations.
* Prepares appropriate reports and presentations documenting work, results, conclusions. Presents work to management, broad technical groups, and/or business partners.
* Proactively shares knowledge and information with others (e.g. customers, Sales/Technical Services, Marketing, R&D) through activities such as technical seminars, informational posters, white papers, etc. with the aim to advance the technical strength of the organization.
* Prepare and present materials and participate in exchanges with product line/manufacturing, Sales and Tech Service/external partners/customers, and contribute to technical documentation for external use. May participate in or present at technical conferences or tradeshows.
* Adheres to all intellectual property standards throughout area of responsibility. Stays current with relevant patent literature. Identifies opportunities to capture new IP and supports the preparation of patent applications.
* Ensures and advances safe laboratory operations. Participates in scheduled safety meetings and completes safety training requirements. Creates awareness and develops technical documentation and tools to address safety topics. Sought after for their expertise in safety to participate in safety-focused activities. Contributes to investigations into safety matters through RCA and 5-whys
* Supports efforts to implement and maintain the Responsible Care Management System in line with the requirements of the RC14001 technical specification, as applicable to the site/region.
* Strictly follows and complies with all SH&E procedures, standards and regulations and constantly strives for Excellence in the field of Sustainability, Safety, Health and preservation of the Environment.

* Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineer, Process Chemistry or related fields with 10+ years of related experience;
* Master's degree in Chemical Engineer, Process Chemistry or related fields with 6+ years of related experience
* Ph. D. in Chemical Engineer, Process Chemistry or related fields with 2+ yeas of related experience
* Advanced knowledge and understanding in one or more scientific disciplines (e.g. process chemistry, chemical engineering). Ability to connect between scientific disciplines. Ability to independently execute in a manner that is aligned IP and business strategies. An understanding of process design, development and implementation with a proven track record of accomplishment is desirable. Experience with chemistry and process in solid/liquid interfaces a plus
* Ability to balance high technical quality with the practicality of execution and timing. Comfort with what is unknown and an eagerness to explore in pursuit of new ways to improve and create value. (e.g. can move forward using the 80/20 rule) Ability to synthesize and document experimental results in written reports to capture knowledge.
* Ability to identify causes of and potential solutions to complex problems, and to conduct technical problem analysis in the context of the bigger picture. Experimental design, modeling, data management, and analysis proficiency. Skillful data interpretation, to create knowledge. Ability to project differing points of view for the decision-making process. Able to distinguish fact from inference/assumption/ hypothesis when analyzing all aspects of a project.
* Experience managing customer interactions/relationships in a Technology environment (for purposes of product/application development) highly desirable.
* Knowledge and effectiveness in the critical aspects of project management. Ability to prioritize and set realistic timeframes for deliverables for projects that are in alignment with business objectives.
* Experience with process automation and/or particle size reduction via milling or other types of processes a plus
* Experience with advanced statistics such as machine learning, and A.I. tools are a plus
* Experience utilizing high-throughput equipment to design and execute laboratory experimentation is a plus
* Experience with people management a plus

How We'll Support Your Success:
* Dynamic, Flexible, Hard Working, Team Environment - We are busy, collaborative, growing, and we are doing meaningful work in a diverse team that values different backgrounds and perspectives
* Growth - Our goal is to be the trusted world leader driving the transformation of printing towards a sustainable and digital future. We need great people to execute this vision and are committed to providing training, peer coaching and support to maximize your ability to grow
* Benefits, Vacation, Etc. - We offer a competitive package of benefits and flexibility around working location
* Feedback - We are committed to giving and receiving feedback in a direct and open fashion
* Support - You are part of a team and deserve to feel encouraged and supported. Our technology is the lifeblood of our business and as a key contributor, your work and thoughts will be valued. You will be part of a team that cares about you personally and professionally. Our success depends on your success.

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