R&D Analytical Group Lead

About Chase Corporation

Founded in 1946 we have grown to become a global specialty chemicals company that is a leading manufacturer of protective materials for high-reliability applications across diverse market sectors.

Today we employ nearly 800 people and continue to grow and strengthen our business by employing a related diversification strategy that combines organic growth initiatives with strategic acquisitions.

Based in Westwood, Massachusetts, USA we operate manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia and continue to invest in our capabilities in order to deliver value to our global customer base demands.

Role Overview

The R&D Analytical Group Lead is responsible for managing the central analytical team at Chase’s Westwood R&D site. This leadership role oversees daily laboratory operations, prioritizes analytical workflow, and ensures safe, compliant lab practices. Serving as the technical authority in materials characterization, this individual will also play a key role in scaling new products, leading analytical strategy across sites, and mentoring early-career team members. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration skills, and the ability to support strategic initiatives across Chase’s global R&D and operations network.

Key Responsibilities

Team & Lab Management

• Manage and develop a high-performing analytical team at the Westwood R&D site.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including resource planning, lab supplies, and safety compliance.
• Provide mentoring and indirect/dotted-line leadership to early-career team members across the organization.
• Act as the Health & Safety lead for the Westwood R&D site, driving chemical inventory programs, safety audits, and lab best practices.

Technical Expertise & Analytical Operations

• Serve as the technical authority on materials characterization for both internal stakeholders (R&D, Operations, Quality) and external partners.
• Oversee analytical instrumentation including FT-IR, TGA, DSC, TMA, GC/MS, GPC, HPLC, and mechanical testing—managing consumables, calibrations, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Apply standardized test methods (ASTM, IEEE, UL) and develop internal test protocols to support product development and raw material evaluations.
• Generate technical reports and perform data analysis to support timely project milestones and decision-making.
• Maintain a global database of analytical capabilities and lead round-robin testing to ensure consistency across sites.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Engagement

• Contribute to global R&D strategic initiatives as part of the R&D leadership team.
• Coordinate with leadership on long-term project priorities and enterprise-wide strategic efforts.
• Participate in cross-functional problem-solving and root-cause investigations (e.g., 5 Whys) to support quality and process improvements.

Capital Planning & Process Support

• Lead capital planning and equipment procurement for the Westwood lab; advise satellite R&D facilities on CapEx planning.
• Support compliance with ISO 9001 standards; assist with internal, external, and customer quality audits.

Project & Site Support

• Travel to Chase R&D and manufacturing sites (up to 50%) to support:
• Scale-up and implementation of high-priority NPI (New Product Innovation) projects
• Execution of DCR (Design Control Request) and sustainment initiatives
• Coordination with cross-functional partners in Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Quality Control, and Supply Chain.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience leading analytical labs, developing test methods, managing teams, and driving lab safety programs.
• Technical expertise with analytical instrumentation and methods, conducting round-robin tests for similar equipment for Chase R&D & QC function.
• Experience with standardized testing (ASTM, IEEE) and certification processes (UL); familiarity with NPI and design control workflows.
• Strong safety leadership and implementation of programs such as 5S and chemical inventory management.
• Solid understanding of polymers and materials including polyurethanes, epoxies, silicones, acrylics, adhesives, and coatings.
• Familiarity with project management tools and stage-gate processes is preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field required.