R&D Manager

Applied Laboratories, Inc. is a family-owned company located in Columbus, Indiana. For more than 40 years, we have specialized in developing, manufacturing, and packaging over-the-counter health care products for customers across the U.S. and abroad. We continue to focus on our customers by providing quality products through continuous improvement, which has been the key to our continued success. As we grow, we strive to maintain our unique small-business feel while encouraging employee training and personal growth throughout all of our teams. The pharmaceutical industry continues to expand, creating new job opportunities within our company.SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented R&D Manager to join our team. This role is ideal for a hands-on chemist with strong technical expertise and early leadership experience who is ready to take ownership of research initiatives and guide a team. The R&D Manager will drive product and process innovation while ensuring scientific excellence, efficiency, and compliance.ResponsibilitiesLead and manage research and development projects from concept through validation and implementationSupervise, mentor, and support a small team of chemists or lab techniciansDesign and execute experiments, analyze data, and draw scientifically sound conclusionsDevelop new formulations, materials, or processes aligned with business objectivesTroubleshoot technical challenges and optimize existing products or processesMaintain accurate laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standardsCollaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, and regulatory teamsPresent findings, reports, and recommendations to leadership and/or customersEvaluate, prioritize, and scope R&D projects based on business needs, technical feasibility, and resource availabilityQualificationsRequired:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field5 or more years of hands-on experience as a chemist in an industrial, manufacturing, or research setting1–2 years of leadership or supervisory experience (team lead, project lead, or similar role)Strong knowledge of laboratory best practices, experimental design, and data analysisExcellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skillsStrong communication and interpersonal abilitiesPreferred:Experience in product development or formulationFamiliarity with regulatory and quality compliance standardsExperience managing multiple projects simultaneously