Senior Polymer Chemist

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to lead the development of novel biodegradable materials and fundamental understanding in the water-soluble technology field. In this role they will be responsible for leading programs focused on polymer design, leveraging scalable polymerization and modification routes, as well as investigating formulation-based structure property relationships. 

This is a cross functional position that will collaborate with internal stakeholders, Poval (resin division) and corporate R&D both locally and globally. The overall effort will be focused on the downstream product development for key strategic customers. 

The candidate will have an opportunity to lead projects for future market innovations with on-the-job training in a variety of laboratory and processing techniques, lean innovation methodologies and data analysis tools related to practical polymer science and engineering problems. This position is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to be able to perform both routine and specialized laboratory activities, while executing development projects within the R&D group of a fast growing company. This position will report to the Technology and Upstream Research R&D Manager and require the candidate to spend 60-70% within the laboratory setting. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead synthesis and evaluation of novel water-soluble polymeric systems within or tangential to the PVOH space.  

• Develop and enhance understanding of key structure property relationships in novel and existing water-soluble polymers or formulation spaces. 

• Utilize internal and external characterization techniques and resources to assess polymer and material properties and behavior 

• Lead, develop, and establish new technology platform capabilities utilizing MonoSol’s innovation process and tools. 

• Utilize common and advanced laboratory test equipment to perform hands-on mechanical and performance testing. 

• Utilize advanced data interpretation methods to evaluate new materials, existing products and processes to meet internal and external customer requirements.  

• Prepare for and facilitate risk assessments through close collaboration with Poval and other external partners to support larger scale material production and qualification. 

• Collaborate locally and globally with fellow scientists, engineers, operations, sales, and marketing team members on development projects, interpreting test results. 

• Leverage external sources of innovation, including Kuraray’s R&D capabilities, to develop technologies for new products and processes. 

• In a non-supervisory capacity, provide coaching, and guidance regarding project tasks to other engineers, designers, technicians and associates. 

• Requires a flexible work style and travel as necessary to perform assignments. 

• Preferred knowledge of vinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol chemistries  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Material or Polymer Science/Chemistry, is required;  

• 3+ years of post-grad polymer synthesis/development and laboratory experience required.  

• Strong expertise in various polymerization techniques  

• Strong understanding of polymer fundamentals and material structure-property relationships. 

• Expertise in polymer formulation, additive selection and associated interactions