Senior Director, Research Strategy & Applied Science

Senior Director, Research Strategy & Applied Science Washington, United States | Posted on 09/07/2026 Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) & Applied Science Strategies to lead high-impact scientific research initiatives and translate complex science into actionable strategies, policy insights, and industry solutions. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a scientist with deep experience in the chemical industry, chemical safety, government, or a related scientific field who can operate at the intersection of research, policy, industry, and regulatory decision-making. The ideal candidate is a strategic scientific leader who can identify emerging issues, build research agendas, manage complex programs, engage senior scientists and executives, and communicate scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. What You'll Lead Drive the Long-Range Research Initiative Lead all aspects of the LRI program, including contracts, consultants, budgets, resource allocation, expenditures, and program tracking. Lead the LRI Topic Committee, facilitating discussions among scientists and science leaders from member companies, academia, and government. Identify emerging scientific issues and establish research priorities aligned with organizational goals. Develop research strategies, objectives, methodologies, and implementation plans. Oversee competitive research proposal and bid processes. Manage the development and execution of approved research initiatives within established budgets and timelines. Turn Science Into Strategic Impact Evaluate complex scientific research, data, and emerging findings relevant to chemical safety and policy. Translate scientific insights into actionable recommendations that support informed organizational and policy decisions. Apply research findings to improve scientific approaches, methodologies, and policies. Leverage LRI research results to support member companies and science policy advocacy. Identify opportunities where emerging research can influence regulatory decision-making and advance scientific understanding. Build High-Level Scientific Partnerships Establish and maintain relationships with senior scientists, international research organizations, government agencies, academia, and multinational scientific groups. Collaborate with subject matter experts and scientific leaders across disciplines. Represent the organization in scientific discussions and initiatives domestically and internationally. Present research strategies, findings, and recommendations to senior executives, board members, scientists, policymakers, and external stakeholders. Requirements Master's or Doctoral degree in science, a technical discipline, or a closely related field. 10+ years of experience in the chemical industry, a related scientific industry, government, or a comparable environment. Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and interpretation of complex scientific studies, particularly studies relevant to chemical safety and policy. Experience working with international research organizations and/or multinational scientific initiatives. Knowledge of key scientific and chemical assessment programs, organizations, and venues. Ability to independently identify research priorities and develop strategic research programs. Demonstrated experience managing complex research programs, budgets, contracts, and external scientific resources. Strong ability to communicate complex scientific information to executives, policymakers, scientists, and other non-technical audiences Travel up to 20% of the time Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to chemical research and safety. Experience with risk assessment methodologies and applying risk science to policy development. Advanced education or coursework in toxicology, environmental science, public health, or a related discipline. Experience translating scientific research into policy recommendations or regulatory strategies. Strong science communication and executive presentation experience. Experience leading cross-functional or multinational scientific initiatives. Dental Insurance Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Retirement Paid Time Off HR Recruiting Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran disability or genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law in employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr HR Recruiting Services