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Director of Research

What is Inventables looking for?

We're looking to add a systems-minded person to our core team to lead our group of Global Technology Hunters. In this role you will use your degree in engineering or computer science and experience with systems architecture to lead the research team that is directly responsible for finding, organizing, and relating the most innovative materials and technologies to our clients. You will be responsible for ensuring that Inventables research remains extensive, accessible and relevant to the world's top product developers. You should have strong verbal communication skills and project management experience.

Requirements

  • BA/BS in Mechanical or Materials Engineering or Computer Science.
  • Very high technical competence and strong academic record.
  • A solid understanding of how to create systems and processes
  • Experience with web application design
  • Strong vision and an "It's Possible" attitude
  • The uncommon mix of intelligence, project management, domain knowledge, verbal agility, analytical thinking, and diplomacy which allows you to rapidly earn the trust of the technology vendors and speak with Inventables clients.
  • A record of individual project management achievement
  • Desire for a leadership career

Responsibilities

  1. Manage and grow the Technology Hunter Program
  2. Communicate with vendors regarding sample acquisition
  3. Code and/or Project Manage the following:
    1. Create and implement a new system of technology delivery focused on relevance and ease of use for the customer
    2. Develop the Inventables database interface to make it a must-have tool for product developers
    3. Design a real-time dashboard tracking system for customers to measure Inventables adoption
    4. Set a long-term plan to find, organize and relate all the technologies in the world

    Benefits

    1. The opportunity to be a part of the core team of a growing, exciting start-up
    2. Health benefits
    3. Flex hours for nearly every professional employee
    4. Casual dress everyday
    5. Exploration budget to satisfy your curiosity
    6. Located in downtown Chicago in the heart of the River North restaurant and entertainment district

    Future growth opportunities

    Inventables is a growing start up company. In this position, as with all positions at Inventables, you will be the master of your own destiny. Your success will be determined by how intelligent you are and how hard you choose to work. Success will open the door for future advancement both in compensation and responsibilities. This is the kind of company where you are encouraged to create opportunities for yourself. Your responsibilities will grow as your ability to handle this role improves over time. Possible next steps for growth in this role include Director of Research, VP of Operations and Chief Operating Officer.

    About our Team

    Honesty and Integrity - We are honest with each other, vendors, customers, and honest with ourselves. We acknowledge things as they are, not as we wish them to be.

    Commitment to rational thinking - Decisions are based on logic and reason instead of emotions or intuition.

    Dedication - We work hard, this will not be a 9-5 job. We share the entrepreneurial spirit and play to win.

    Excellence - As individuals we have higher expectations for ourselves than Inventables has for us. We are committed to personal excellence and self-improvement.

    Curiosity - We are curious people that are always learning about new things and investigating new areas: from buying novel products at the grocery store to exploring new information technology.

    About Inventables

    Founded in 2002, Inventables helps companies engender innovative thinking in their product development teams to help them come up with new, product ideas. Inventables' innovation programs educate teams about materials and technologies that have unexpected properties. This education involves a hands-on experience with actual samples of technologies provided by Inventables. Thousands of product developers at companies including Herman Miller, BMW, Nike, Procter & Gamble, and Black & Decker are working with Inventables. Products directly influenced by Inventables are already beginning to fill store shelves.

    How to Apply:

    Please e-mail jobs at Inventables.com explaining why you are interested in this position and attach your resume. Please include "Director of Research" in the subject line.