Senior R&D/TS&D Technician - Paper Coatings

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. 

The Dow Chemical Company has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Senior R&D/TS&D Technician in the Paper Coatings segment, part of Dow Coating Materials (DCM) located in Collegeville, PA. 

Job Summary:

DCM provides innovative raw material technologies that help advance the performance and sustainability of a broad portfolio of polymeric binders, dispersants, rheology modifiers, surfactants, defoamers, and wetting agents for a wide variety of end markets, including paints, traffic markings, industrial coatings, paper packaging, metal packaging, and performance additives. 

DCM's product portfolio for paper packaging includes a range of products and chemistries used in coating systems for paperboard, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, and specialty papers.  We offer a broad portfolio and strong legacy of technologies and chemistries, such as POLYCO™ and RHOPLEX™ binders that are well-known in the paper industry and have earned a reputation for excellence.  Our RHOBARR™ branded products are enabling new advances in sustainable paper and fiber-based packaging with unique combinations of superior barrier performance, processability, and certified pulpability/recyclability.

The Paper Coatings segment is a strategic investment area and growth engine for DCM.  Sustainability is an important market driver for brand owners, with increasing adoption of paper packaging formats because of high recycling rates, mature recycling infrastructure, and widespread consumer acceptance of paper packaging.  The candidate will provide laboratory support on a range of new product developments to drive growth in specialty paper with major brands and value chain partners. 

Current innovation efforts are focused on development of polymer chemistries with enhanced barrier performance to water, oil and grease, water vapor, oxygen, and aroma, alongside improved sustainability (including but not limited to bio-sourced and/or bio-degradable polymers) and recyclability and compostability certifications.  These market needs are fueled by increasing consumer and brand-owner demand for sustainable packaging solutions. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Interacts and communicates effectively with Paper R&D organization to support delivery of innovation projects.
• Interacts and communicates effectively with global TS&D organization on customer projects and generation of strategic market-relevant data to drive new business development in specialty paper.
• Conducts laboratory experiments with high degree of independence, effectively analyzes and communicates results, and provides recommendations on next steps.
• Handles complex laboratory tasks including methods and procedures and recommends variations in problem-solving approach.
• Holds essential know-how on safe operation of small-scale and large-scale laboratory equipment and change management processes, and implements these to Dow standards.
• Responsible for calibration, safe operation and routine maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, machinery, and systems.
• Uses knowledge of the relevant technology consisting of product, test methods, industry standards, and testing equipment to efficiently complete projects.
• Defines and implements new testing methods for development purposes which may require creating unique configurations of existing equipment or development/fabrication of new equipment, test methodologies, or systems.
• Documents laboratory findings in a timely and well-organized manner.
• Interacts and communicates effectively with other groups and departments to streamline critical laboratory operations (e.g. sample shipping, analytical support, etc.)
• Trains other work group members and contractors on specific work processes, equipment, and machinery.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a High school diploma or GED equivalent.
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