Chief Science Officer / Head of R&D
PR/079121
Posted: 15/09/2025
- Competitive salary inc shares and IPO options
- Finland, Oulu
- Permanent
Role Overview
We are looking for an exceptional Researcher and Manager to take a hands-on role in our laboratory while providing strong leadership to our R&D team. The ideal candidate will be a highly accomplished chemist with deep expertise in organic chemistry, polymers, and ideally polysiloxanes. This role requires a blend of scientific excellence, industrial R&D experience, people leadership, and strategic vision, ensuring that our client remains at the forefront of cutting-edge material science.
Key Responsibilities
If interested please apply direct for further information.
Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.
We are looking for an exceptional Researcher and Manager to take a hands-on role in our laboratory while providing strong leadership to our R&D team. The ideal candidate will be a highly accomplished chemist with deep expertise in organic chemistry, polymers, and ideally polysiloxanes. This role requires a blend of scientific excellence, industrial R&D experience, people leadership, and strategic vision, ensuring that our client remains at the forefront of cutting-edge material science.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the R&D team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Actively participate in laboratory research and development, working hands-on to develop next-generation coatings.
- Oversee the planning and execution of scientific projects, ensuring alignment with company goals.
- Drive innovation in organic chemistry, polymer science, and polysiloxanes, advancing the company’s product portfolio.
- Translate research into commercially viable products and manufacturing processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, sales, and external research partners.
- Provide strategic input at the management level, shaping the future direction of the company's R&D.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to keep Optitune at the forefront of innovation.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices in scientific research.
- PhD in Chemistry (preferably in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or material science).
- Strong background in polymer science and, ideally, polysiloxane chemistry.
- Extensive experience in industrial R&D, including product development and commercialization.
- Proven track record of leading scientific teams and mentoring researchers.
- Hands-on experience in laboratory research and product development.
- Experience in managing R&D projects from concept to market implementation.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Fluent Finnish is preferred, but not an absolute requirement.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and inspire a diverse team.
- Moving to (or being based in) Oulu is essential, moving costs can be reimbursed.
- Be part of a fast-growing and innovative company at the forefront of sustainable nano-coatings.
- Work in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Take on a leadership role with direct impact on the company’s success.
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge materials and make a tangible difference in reducing environmental impact.
If interested please apply direct for further information.
Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.
Axel Vernon
Recruitment Business Manager
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