**Job Description Summary** As Associate Director, R&D, Materials Sciences, you will play a critical role in shaping the materials science function and capability within our $4B+ business unit (BU). You will lead a dynamic team of experts, advancing the BU’s innovation agenda and shaping the future of a broad, global portfolio of drug, device, combination products, where materials science innovation is critical to sustained market leadership. Beyond a leadership opportunity, it's a chance to be a catalyst for change. You will be entrusted with optimizing the existing portfolio, leveraging your deep technical and product development expertise to identify and implement improvements that enhance performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. You will be a strategic thought partner, collaborating across business platforms, the corporation, and the external ecosystem, to infuse materials science advances throughout our operations and portfolio. The position is based in Franklin Lakes, NJ. **Job Description** We are **the makers of possible** BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities. We believe that the human element, across our global teams, is what allows us to continually evolve. Join us and discover an environment in which you’ll be supported to learn, grow and become your best self. Become a **maker of possible** with us. As Associate Director, R&D, Materials Sciences, you will become the architect of our future, shaping the materials science function and capability within our $4B+ business unit (BU). You will lead a dynamic team of experts, advancing the BU’s innovation agenda and shaping the future of a broad, global portfolio of drug, device, combination products, where materials science innovation is critical to sustained market leadership. Beyond a leadership opportunity, it's a chance to be a catalyst for change. You will be entrusted with optimizing the existing portfolio, leveraging your deep technical and product development expertise to identify and implement improvements that enhance performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. You will be a strategic thought partner, collaborating across business platforms, the corporation, and the external ecosystem, to infuse materials science advances throughout our operations and portfolio. The position is based in Franklin Lakes, NJ. **Primary Responsibilities** **Portfolio Leadership & Innovation:** + Set the material strategy for multiple businesses to ensure compliance to an ever-changing regulatory landscape and work with the businesses to convert the strategy to an implementable roadmap. + In partnership with business platforms, lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive sustainability strategy and roadmap. + Think strategically and partner with business platforms to develop a clear vision for the future of the portfolio, addressing business’ growth and profitability aspirations. + Ensure timely and robust delivery of the product development portfolio, driving execution across functions and sites and ensuring effective and compliant commercialization of new products. + Integrate sustainability principles into all stages of the product development process, from material selection to manufacturing and end-of-life considerations. + Manage intellectual property portfolio related to the assigned portfolio. + Stay informed about emerging technologies and market trends, anticipating future needs and driving innovation in the medical device materials landscape. **People & Organization Development:** + Build and lead a diverse, high-performing expert organization with expertise in diverse material areas such as materials science, chemistry, and engineering. + Be the voice of the materials function across the organization. + Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, fostering talent development and empowering team members to reach their full potential. + Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and foster a collaborative and respectful work environment. + Implement talent development programs and identify opportunities for team members to grow and advance their careers. **Collaboration & Relationship Building:** + Foster a collaborative environment, partner closely with cross-functional teams within BU platforms to ensure business continuity and successful commercialization of new solutions. + Collaborate with sustainability experts within BD to ensure alignment with broader company goals and contribute to industry-wide sustainability initiatives. + Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions, research partners, and industry leaders. **Qualifications:** This role requires a seasoned leader with deep expertise in materials science, a passion for bringing differentiated and sustainable solutions to market and a strong commitment to people development and collaboration. + PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field. + 8+ years of experience in R&D leadership with a proven track record of success in product development, in a regulated environment, preferably in medical devices. + Demonstrated experience in leading and developing high-performing, geographically and culturally diverse teams. + Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship building skills, with the ability to influence and build trust across various departments and organizations. + Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific concepts into practical applications. + Passion for medical device innovation and a commitment to sustainability principles. + Strong knowledge of intellectual property protection and experience in managing patent portfolios (preferred). + Experience with regulatory requirements and processes relevant to medical devices (a plus). For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law. **Why Join Us?** A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. It’s also a place where we help each other be great, we do what’s right, we hold each other accountable, and learn and improve every day. To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of health. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow, and thrive. And find satisfaction in doing your part to make the world a better place. To learn more about BD visit  https://bd.com/careers Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status. **Primary Work Location** USA NJ - Franklin Lakes **Additional Locations** **Work Shift** Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.