Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies
📍 Location: Washington, DC (Onsite)
🏢 Department: Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
👤 Reports To: Vice President, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
✈️ Travel: Up to 20%
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: None
💰 Compensation: $211,629 – $254,000 Base Salary
💵 Annual Bonus: Performance-Based Merit Increases & Discretionary Bonus
Overview
A leading national scientific and regulatory organization is seeking a Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies to lead its flagship scientific research program while shaping research strategy, applied science, and regulatory decision support across the chemical industry.
This executive leadership role will oversee the organization's Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI), driving scientific investment, research governance, international collaboration, and science-based policy development. The successful candidate will work closely with industry leaders, academic researchers, government agencies, and international scientific organizations to ensure research priorities support sound regulatory decision-making and advance scientific understanding.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished scientific leader who enjoys combining research strategy, stakeholder engagement, science policy, and executive-level influence.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This role offers the opportunity to:
Lead one of the industry's most influential scientific research initiatives
Shape future research priorities impacting global chemical safety
Partner with leading scientists from academia, industry, and government
Influence regulatory policy using evidence-based science
Represent the organization within international scientific collaborations
Present directly to executive leadership, member companies, and Board members
Lead strategic investments in scientific research with global impact
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Research Leadership
Lead the organization's Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI)
Develop long-term scientific research strategies aligned with organizational objectives
Identify emerging scientific issues and future research priorities
Translate scientific findings into practical regulatory and policy recommendations
Ensure research supports evidence-based decision making
Research Program Management
Manage all aspects of the LRI program, including:
Budget management
Resource allocation
Consultant management
Contract oversight
Research funding
Oversee competitive proposal and grant selection processes
Direct research project execution from concept through completion
Ensure projects remain aligned with strategic priorities
Scientific Strategy & Applied Science
Apply scientific research to improve regulatory methods and policy development
Interpret complex scientific studies and emerging research
Develop scientific strategies addressing evolving regulatory challenges
Collaborate with subject matter experts across multiple disciplines
Identify opportunities to strengthen scientific understanding across the industry
Stakeholder & International Collaboration
Lead the LRI Topic Committee, including:
Scientific agenda development
Meeting facilitation
Cross-company collaboration
Build strong relationships with:
Industry scientists
Academic researchers
Government agencies
International scientific organizations
Coordinate research priorities through the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)
Foster collaboration on multinational scientific initiatives
Executive Communication & Policy Support
Present research strategies and findings to:
Executive Leadership
Board Members
Member Companies
External Scientific Organizations
Translate complex scientific concepts into actionable recommendations
Support science policy advocacy using research findings and data analysis
Serve as a trusted scientific advisor to internal leadership
Required Qualifications
Education
Master's or Doctoral degree in Science or a related technical discipline
Experience
10+ years of experience within:
Chemical industry
Government
Scientific research organizations
Related technical fields
Experience managing scientific research programs
Experience overseeing research budgets, contracts, and consultants
Experience developing scientific research strategies
Experience interpreting complex scientific data and studies
Experience working with international scientific organizations
Experience supporting multinational scientific initiatives
Experience with chemical assessment programs and scientific regulatory venues
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced expertise in:
Toxicology
Environmental Science
Public Health
Related scientific disciplines
Knowledge of chemical regulatory frameworks
Risk assessment methodology expertise
Science communication experience
Experience translating scientific research for policymakers and executive audiences
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have:
Master's or PhD in a scientific discipline
10+ years leading scientific research programs
Strong chemical industry or government research experience
Deep expertise interpreting complex scientific research
Experience influencing science-based regulatory policy
International scientific collaboration experience
Outstanding executive presentation and communication skills
Strong program management, budgeting, and contract oversight experience
Ability to build relationships across academia, government, industry, and global scientific organizations
Screening Questions
Describe a scientific research program you have managed. How did you oversee budgeting, contracts, consultants, and resource allocation while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives?
Tell us about your experience collaborating with industry, academia, government agencies, or international scientific organizations. How did you build and maintain those relationships?
Describe a time you used complex scientific research or data to influence regulatory policy, advocacy efforts, or executive decision-making. How did you communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders?
Interview Process
HR Director Interview
Hiring Manager Interview
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation
Base Salary: $211,629 – $254,000
Annual Performance Bonus
Annual Merit Increase Program
Benefits
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Additional Employee Benefits
Ideal Backgrounds
Strong candidates are likely to come from organizations such as:
Chemical manufacturers
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Government scientific agencies
Regulatory science organizations
Toxicology institutes
Environmental health organizations
Scientific research institutes
Trade associations
International regulatory organizations
Public health research organizations
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will combine deep scientific expertise with strategic leadership, translating cutting-edge research into meaningful policy, strengthening international scientific collaboration, and ensuring research investments drive measurable improvements in chemical safety, regulatory science, and evidence-based decision-making.