Robert Sorenson
South Jordan,UT
Summary
Dynamic R&D leader with extensive experience at Ultradent Products, Inc., driving innovation in chemical product formulation and cross-functional strategy. Expert in regulated product development and analytical method validation, I excel in team leadership and budget management, successfully optimizing product pipelines and fostering external technology partnerships to enhance organizational growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, R&D Chemical
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
11.2022 - 11.2025
- Directed three departments—R&D Chemical Innovation, R&D Chemical Development, and R&D Oral Care—totaling 20–25 scientists, engineers, developers, and lab personnel.
- Led strategic planning, cross-functional alignment, and portfolio management across multiple product lines.
- Oversaw research, development, analytical testing, verification/validation, and technical sustainment activities.
- Built and optimized early-phase development systems feeding into UPI’s phase-gate innovation pipeline.
- Partnered with universities and industry groups to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies.
- Managed external innovation programs and communications across Product Management, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory.
- Owned multi-department budgets, resource planning, and long-term strategic prioritization.
R&D Chemical Innovation Manager
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
01.2018 - 11.2022
- Led 8–12 developers, lab technicians, and material testers across three high-innovation teams.
- Drove technology scouting, customer insight programs, and early feasibility investigations.
- Defined early product requirements through provider engagement, VOC work, and clinical input.
- Guided development of novel materials, formulations, and consumable dental products.
- Identified and translated technology-driven opportunities into strategic product roadmaps.
R&D Chemical Developer & Team Lead
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
08.2010 - 01.2018
- Led 2–4 material testers and 3–6 developers in formulation development and prototype generation.
- Developed multiple chemical and composite products through early-phase verification.
- Conducted feasibility assessments to determine commercialization pathways.
- Prioritized project workloads aligned to organizational goals and delivery timelines.
R&D Analytical Chemist
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
01.2007 - 08.2010
- Supported analytical method development, verification, and validation for new product formulations.
Education
MBA - Data Analytics Focus
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT02.2025
B.S. - Biochemistry
University of California
San Diego06.2006
Skills
- Digital Product Alignment
- Cross-Functional Strategy
- Regulated Product Development
- ISO 13485
- ISO 9001
- FDA QSR
- Consumable Product Formulation
- Chemical Product Formulation
- Scale-Up
- Upstream Product Management
- Roadmap Definition
- DOE
- Statistical Analysis
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Analytical Method Development
- Analytical Method Validation
- Phase-Gate Methodologies
- Structured NPD Methodologies
- Innovation Discovery
- External Technology Partnerships
- Team Leadership
- People Management
- Organizational Development
- Budget Ownership
- Portfolio Management
- Resource Planning
Key Product Development Achievements
Opal Seal, 2014, $3.16M; Transcend Composite, 2023, $2.27M; Unnamed Paste Composite, 2026, $1.98M, Unnamed Flowable Composite, 2027, $1.36M; Multiple toothpaste formulations; Peak ZM, 2018, $0.21M; UltraTemp Rez II, 2022, $0.58M; Peak Unit Dose, 2023, $0.36M; J-Temp, 2023, $0.28M; Unnamed Bulkfill Composite, 2026, $2.50M
Accomplishments
Sorenson, Robert, 2023, Dental Compositions and Related Method of Use, US Patent #011793602-B2
Additional Interests
- Woodworking, furniture design, and custom cabinetry
- Outdoor activities: hiking, camping, boating, ATVing, skiing
Timeline
Senior Manager, R&D Chemical
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
11.2022 - 11.2025
R&D Chemical Innovation Manager
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
01.2018 - 11.2022
R&D Chemical Developer & Team Lead
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
08.2010 - 01.2018
R&D Analytical Chemist
Ultradent Products, Inc. (UPI)
01.2007 - 08.2010
MBA - Data Analytics Focus
Southern Utah University
B.S. - Biochemistry
University of California