Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies

We are supporting a leading international industry association in the chemical sector in the search for a Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies. This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced scientific professional to lead a major long-term research initiative focused on chemical safety, scientific understanding, and evidence-based regulatory decision-making.

The position combines scientific research leadership, program management, stakeholder engagement, and science policy, with significant exposure to senior industry leaders, academic experts, government stakeholders, and international scientific organizations.

The Role

You will oversee a major scientific research program, setting research priorities and ensuring that high-quality scientific evidence is translated into practical recommendations and policy positions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead all aspects of a long-term scientific research program, including research planning, contracts, external consultants, budgets, resource allocation, and expenditure tracking.


• Manage a scientific topic committee involving scientists and science leaders from industry, academia, and government.


• Oversee the development and implementation of approved research projects and scientific proposals, including competitive research selection processes.


• Identify emerging research priorities and develop strategies, objectives, and appropriate scientific methodologies.


• Collaborate with subject-matter experts to translate complex scientific findings into actionable recommendations.


• Apply scientific evidence and data to improve methodologies, approaches, and policies relating to chemical safety and regulatory decision-making.


• Present research strategies, findings, and recommendations to senior internal and external stakeholders, including executives and board-level audiences.


• Build and maintain relationships with senior scientists and scientific organizations at both national and international levels.


• Coordinate with international industry and research organizations to align research priorities and encourage collaboration across markets.


• Use research findings to support member organizations and contribute to evidence-based science policy initiatives.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will bring substantial scientific expertise alongside the ability to manage complex research programs and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.

Essential experience and qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in a scientific or related technical discipline.


• At least 10 years of experience within the chemical industry, a related sector, government, or a relevant scientific environment.


• Strong capability in scientific data analysis and interpretation of complex studies relating to chemical safety and policy.


• Experience working with international research organizations or multinational scientific initiatives.


• Knowledge and practical experience of major scientific and chemical assessment programs, processes, or forums.


• Demonstrated ability to develop research strategies and manage scientific programs involving multiple stakeholders.

The following would be particularly valuable:

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements relating to chemical research and safety.


• Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies and their application to policy development.


• Advanced education or specialist training in toxicology, environmental science, public health, or a closely related discipline.


• Experience communicating complex scientific concepts to non-technical stakeholders, policymakers, or senior executives.


• Experience collaborating across industry, academia, government, and international scientific organizations.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile scientific research program with the potential to influence how scientific evidence is developed, interpreted, and applied to chemical safety and regulatory decision-making.

The role offers substantial interaction with senior scientists, industry executives, policymakers, academic researchers, and international organizations, making it particularly suited to someone who combines scientific credibility with research leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Interested? Apply through LinkedIn to learn more about the organization, scope of the position, and next steps.