Global R&D Director

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF’s Catalysts division is the global market leader in catalyst technologies. The division develops and produces mobile emissions catalysts as well as process catalysts and offers precious metals trading, recycling and related products and services.

We are seeking a professional like you to lead our R&D team in driving innovation and developing new products and technologies aligned with our long-term business goals.

The Director of Research and Development (R&D) is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving innovation, overseeing the development of new products and technologies, and ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term business goals. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong technical background, proven project management skills, and the ability to foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

As a Global R&D Director, you create chemistry by...

• Developing and implementing R&D strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary R&D team.
• Overseeing design, development, and launch of new products and technologies.
• Leveraging funding for high-risk long-term projects.
• Leading process improvement projects and coordinating technical interventions.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate R&D outputs.
• Managing the R&D budget and tracking performance metrics.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and IP laws.
• Building external partnerships to enhance innovation capabilities.

If you...

• Have a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Hold a minimum of 8 years of experience in relevant sectors.
• Demonstrate a proven track record in product development and commercialization.
• Have a strong understanding of product development lifecycle and emerging technologies.
• Hold excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Have the ability to communicate value propositions to key refinery customers.
• Possess experience with fluid catalytic cracking technologies.
• Hold familiarity with sustainability-driven innovation.
• Have knowledge of digital tools for R&D portfolio management.
• Possess the ability to manage global teams and projects.

* This role is primarily office-based with occasional travel to customers, manufacturing facilities, or industry conferences.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF . We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact [email protected] to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.