Chief Materials Researcher

Position: Chief Materials Researcher (VR Gloves) About the Role As the Chief Materials Researcher, you will spearhead the core materials R&D for our next-generation spatial computing and VR haptic gloves. Standing at the forefront of wearable technology and human-computer interaction (HCI), you will be dedicated to breaking the physical boundaries between the virtual and real worlds. This role requires you to lead a top-tier, cross-disciplinary research team to explore and develop flexible sensor materials, conductive polymers, smart fabrics, and micro-haptic actuators. Your ultimate goal is to ensure the final product achieves industry-disruptive levels of lightweight design, biocompatibility, durability, and precise tactile feedback. Key Responsibilities R&D Strategy & Roadmap: Define the mid-to-long-term technology roadmap for VR glove materials. Lead the full-cycle material development process, from Proof of Concept (POC) to New Product Introduction (NPI). Advanced Materials Innovation: Drive the research and development of highly sensitive flexible/stretchable sensing materials, electroactive polymers (EAP), piezoelectric/dielectric elastomers, and highly breathable, wear-resistant smart textiles. Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate closely with Hardware Engineering, Structural Design, Industrial Design (ID), and Algorithm teams to overcome engineering challenges related to ergonomics, thermal management, electrical connections, and the system integration of novel materials. Mass Production (Lab-to-Fab): Evaluate and establish a robust global advanced materials supply chain. Work directly on manufacturing lines to resolve bottlenecks related to yield, reliability, and consistency during scale-up production. Technical Moat & Leadership: Stay ahead of industry trends and drive the patent portfolio for core technologies to build a strong technical moat. Recruit, mentor, and grow a world-class materials science team. Qualifications & Requirements Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Flexible Electronics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field. Experience: 5-10 years of R&D experience in advanced materials, with at least 3 years in a leadership role (Principal or Chief level) managing technical teams. Prior work experience in Europe is highly preferred. Commercialization Track Record: Proven experience in successfully bringing innovative materials from the laboratory to the consumer electronics market. Experience scaling up to mass production (multi-million unit shipments) is highly preferred. Achievements: Holding core invention patents or possessing a strong publication record in top-tier international journals will be considered a significant advantage. Skills Technical Proficiency: Mastery in polymer synthesis and modification, nanocomposite preparation, and advanced material property characterization. Industry Insight: Profound understanding of haptic feedback mechanisms and the underlying physics of Human-Computer Interaction. Soft Skills: Exceptional troubleshooting and complex problem-solving abilities; outstanding leadership, cross-functional communication skills, and resilience in a fast-paced environment. Travel Readiness Must be willing to travel globally (approximately 20% - 30% of the time). This includes visiting global R&D centers, manufacturing facilities (for on-site troubleshooting), supply chain partners, and attending key international academic conferences and industry exhibitions. Language Skills Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin (both written and verbal) is highly required. Must be able to fluently draft technical specifications and patents in English, and effectively present technical defenses or project updates in cross-border team collaborations and global executive meetings. Fluency or proficiency in an additional European language (e.g., German, French) is a strong plus.