Director of Research and Development - Membrane / Polymer Chemistry / Nanotechnology

This US global provider of Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes has developed significant improvements in the energy efficiency and productivity of the desalination process. Recent accolades for their game-changing technology include the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award; recognition as a Global Cleantech 100 Company; and back-to-back Artemis Project Top 50 Competition winnings. Earlier this year, this six year-old company earned NSF certification for Drinking Water- a distinction that validates the safety and viability of their nanocomposite membrane technology. This innovative firm is changing the fundamental economics of reverse osmosis desalination.

Proven through the commercialization of products that are now leading the industry in sea water and brackish water desalination, the company is expanding their family of products. As the Director of Research and Development, your role will require you be hands-on (in the lab) as you lead a team of R&D scientists in the development of a suite of innovative products. This will include second generation membrane materials based on current nanocomposite RO membrane chemistry.

Senior leadership will engage your team for collaborative guidance, and ultimately you will be responsible for employing creative applications of the fundamental principles of chemistry in order to overcome laboratory and manufacturing challenges- all while ensuring the highest scientific and engineering standards.

The work you do will result in industry-leading, commercial products; so your expertise with the required planning, execution and analysis needed to move innovative ideas from the lab bench to commercial production will be heavily relied upon (you will have done this before). With strong knowledge of advanced polymer or organic synthesis, your background should reflect a blend of polymer science and chemical engineering. It will not be required that you have worked directly with RO membranes, but you will need a knowledge base and learning agility necessary to ramp up quickly.

Your education will include degrees in Organic, Polymer, Material or Membrane Chemistry; Chemical Engineering or related fields. While we would prefer MS or PhD, a BS would be considered for candidates who have demonstrated exceptional academic and career brilliance in these disciplines. This organization is full of VSPs (Very Smart People) and the team will require that you are too (prestigious publications and/or patents would be a good indicator, though not a requirement).

Some additional requirements that will ensure your success in this role include at least 10 years of leadership experience in a high-value R&D environment with P&L responsibilities. You must also be comfortable and confident working in an entrepreneurial environment and posses the aptitude for lateral thinking.

Though not required, the most desirable candidates will posses knowledge of: RO Membrane Chemistry, Interfacial polymerization and phase inversion, contact mechanics and adhesive interactions, mass transfer, QA testing, Membrane characterization methods (TEM,ASEM,AEDX,AFTIR,AAFM), and strong working knowledge of FDA and NSF Regulations and standards.

To start a conversation about this opportunity, please email matt@greenmanalliance.com

Matt Krueger
Partner / Recruitment Director
Greenman Alliance | Water