Research Director, Tire Industry Project, WBCSD

TIP is seeking a Research Director to 1) oversee the scientific research program of TIP and 2) facilitate the engagement of the scientific community on potential human health and environmental issues associated with the tire life cycle (such as Tire and Road Wear Particles, Materials and Chemicals and Nanomaterials).

The Research Director will be part of the TIP secretariat (5-6 people) and work closely with the TIP working groups (WG), project managers, communication, external partners and academia to maximize the scientific relevance and independence, accessibility and impact of research and body of knowledge on these topics.

The Research Director:

• Builds and animates an academic network, including the identification of key topics, partners and reference experts to gather or validate the state of knowledge on key topics and ensure relevant and fact-based communication to stakeholders.
• Ensures neutrality and scientific robustness and integrity of the TIP research approach on key topics (based on his/her experience and by leveraging experts like the TIP Assurance Group and Advisory Panels).
• Holds accountability of progress of TIP scientific research program: Manages 1-2 Project Manager(s), and coordinates directly the Materials and Chemicals working group (at least initially). Ensures objectives are achieved, timelines and budget are managed, that issues and risks are flagged, and deliverables optimized.
• With an overview informed by contributions from TIP communications and other TIP engagement work, the Research Director assists and challenges the WGs and Project Managers in development of study design, objective setting, identification of partners, project milestones and study conclusions.
• Facilitates WG reporting for management reviews at various levels (tactical and strategic), and Assurance Group reviews
• Works hand-in-hand with the WGs, the communication team and consultants to synthetize knowledge (TIP and external), make sure that it remains up-to-date and available to the scientific community and general audience, helps identify key scientific actors and influencers, and validate and communicate key results and conclusions.
• Represents TIP on scientific topics in external interactions, conferences, inquiries and consultations. Ensures relevant and fact-based communication to stakeholders.
• Has management responsibility for at least 1 Project Manager

We are seeking a candidate with a solid scientific background, with:

• A PhD or MD in chemistry, toxicology, chemical engineering, engineering or environmental sciences
• Minimum 10 years experience in management of research projects or scientific communication, in private sector or academia

The candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Project management: track record and demonstrated experience in project management and effective facilitation of different perspectives and interests towards a common objective, and resource management.
• Strong communication and engagement/leadership skills, with ability to synthetize complex topics, articulate challenges, build trust and engage stakeholders
• Self-starter with a can-do attitude who is comfortable navigating in unchartered territories and establish structure and processes
• Global mindset coupled with hands-on experience working across geographies to build and nurture relationships with diverse groups and individuals

The position is full-time and based in Geneva, London, Amsterdam or New York, and will require international travel.

WBCSD is a purpose driven, forward-thinking and action-oriented organization, characterized by diversity of gender, nationalities and work experiences.