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 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.
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