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. 

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented R&D Manage r 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research and development projects from concept through validation and implementation
• Supervise, mentor, and support a small team of chemists or lab technicians
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions
• Develop new formulations, materials, or processes aligned with business objectives
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize existing products or processes
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, and regulatory teams
• Present findings, reports, and recommendations to leadership and/or customers
• Evaluate, prioritize, and scope R&D projects based on business needs, technical feasibility, and resource availability

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field
• 5 or more years of hands-on experience as a chemist in an industrial, manufacturing, or research setting
• 1–2 years of leadership or supervisory experience (team lead, project lead, or similar role)
• Strong knowledge of laboratory best practices, experimental design, and data analysis
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities

  Preferred:

• Experience in product development or formulation
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality compliance standards
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously