Sr. Principal Scientist - R&D

Overview

The Research Strategic Office (RSO) of Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to serve as the Senior Program Manager for Research Strategy & Portfolio Management. This position is responsible for leading TRINA's research strategy, portfolio governance, and strategic partnership initiatives that directly influence long-term research investments, organizational priorities, and Toyota's global innovation strategy.

This position will be located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of portfolio governance frameworks that guide research prioritization, investment decisions, and resource allocation across TRINA.
• Analyze research investments, outcomes, and emerging opportunities to ensure alignment with Toyota global strategy and long‑term innovation objectives.
• Advise senior leadership on research prioritization, resource allocation, and strategic investment decisions.
• Lead strategic planning activities that connect research initiatives to future business opportunities and technology roadmaps.
• Coordinate strategic research initiatives across TRINA and Toyota global research organizations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with leading universities, national laboratories, industry partners, government agencies, and research consortia.
• Represent TRINA with executive leaders in external strategic collaborations.
• Prepare executive‑level business cases, analyses, presentations, and recommendations.
• Provide strategic insights on AI, advanced technology, and research ecosystems.
• Influence organizational decisions through strategic analyses, executive communications, and cross‑functional leadership.

• Must have a PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Physical Sciences, Business Strategy, Public Policy, or other related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience spanning research strategy, innovation management, technology planning, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong record of influencing executive decision‑making and shaping enterprise‑level priorities.
• Experience or an understanding of research funding ecosystems and university collaboration models.
• Track record of leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives to successful outcomes.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills.
• Experience leading or supporting advanced research organizations and innovation portfolios (added bonus).
• Experience or working knowledge of AI, technology forecasting, benchmarking, and innovation intelligence.
• Experience in global, matrixed organizations.

This role follows our return to office policy, requiring onsite attendance Monday through Thursday. Remote work on Fridays may be permitted based on project priorities and business requirements; employees should be prepared for periodic mandatory onsite Fridays as needed. Must be willing to travel up to 10%–20% domestically and internationally and maintain scheduling flexibility to participate in early and/or late‑evening meetings with stakeholders as business needs require.

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement.
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount.
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family.
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more.
• Tax‑advantaged accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA).
• Relocation (if applicable).
• Belonging at Toyota.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.