R&D- Senior Chemist

The R&D Senior Chemist is responsible for conducting specialized analyses, testing, and the formulation of new products, with a focus on latex and water-borne resin synthesis. This role involves developing and refining chemical formulations, executing moderate-scale projects or components of larger initiatives, and establishing quality standards. The Senior Chemist independently manages the commercialization of new resin while collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to support scale-up and production. With expertise in polymer synthesis and coating formulations, the chemist provides technical leadership across multiple product lines, applications, and markets. Additionally, this role may include supervising support-level technicians and mentoring entry-level chemists.

Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.

This role is not remote/hybrid. This role will report to Sherwin-Williams Morikis Global Technology Center located at 6745 Miller Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.
 

Responsibilities:

• Lead or support NPD projects from concept to commercialization, including planning and executing R&D investigations under the guidance of the Synthesis Technical Manager. Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Analytical/Material Science, Process Chemistry, HSE, and Business teams to drive project success and align on shared goals. 
• Conduct lab-scale WB resin synthesis (emulsion, polyurethane dispersion...) and develop coating formulations. Perform application testing, analyze data, refine technical strategies, and recommend the next steps. Document and communicate findings through presentation and technical reports. 
• Apply experimental design principles to deepen understanding and develop innovative solutions aligned with project objectives. 
• Review patents and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and product development. 
• Act as a technical liaison, addressing moderately complex inquiries from manufacturing, quality control, and internal stakeholders regarding development activities. 
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration and cleanliness. Use both standard and specialized instruments as needed. 
• Provide guidance or supervision to technicians, junior chemists, or support staff on research activities. 
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies, safety protocols, and applicable regulations. 

BASIC QUALIFICATION:
• Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying for employment (without now or in the future needing sponsorship for employment work visa and/or permanent residence status).
• Must be at least 18 years of age

FORMAL EDUCATION:
Required: 
• Must have a bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (“STEM”) field

Preferred: 
• PhD in Polymer science, Material Science, Chemistry or related area

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE: 
Required: 
• Must have at least 5 years of polymer synthesis lab experience  
• Demonstrated use of statistics and data analysis in project work

Preferred: 
• WB polymer synthesis and coatings specific industry experience 
• In-depth understanding of polymer structure-property relationships and coating formulation. 
• Proficiency in emulsion polymerization highly desired  
• Proficiency in Polyurethane dispersion and PUD/Acrylic hybrid highly desired 
• Knowledge of coatings/formulation  
• Knowledge of product commercialization in an industrial setting 
• Project management experience
• Experience in using DFSS tools in projects

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 10%

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:

Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility t