Sr. Research Scientist

Description

 The Senior Research Scientist plays a strategic role in the innovation and premier product position of Paragon Films. This role collaborates with the R&D team to create new and improved formulations for our stretch film products. The Senior Research Scientist is responsible for researching and sourcing alternative materials and additives, scaling up laboratory findings to production scale, developing a pipeline of new formulations, and documenting and reporting your research findings. This role partners with internal cross-functional teams and suppliers to develop products that align with the growth strategy of Paragon Films. 

RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Research and source alternative materials and additives that meet standards to produce premier stretch film
• Work with existing suppliers to maximize current technologies while staying up to date on new innovative technology options and processes, specifically in polymer science and stretch film.
• Partner with multiple cross-functional teams such as Quality, Production, Engineering, and Sales and others to work through the collaborative process of developing, testing, and finalizing new productions.
• Continuously develop a pipeline of new formulations to enhance Paragon’s product portfolio.
• Plan, coordinate, and perform laboratory tests to review and access the physical/chemical properties and performance of Paragon’s products.
• Scale laboratory test findings to production scale projects, lead or assist with test trials, documenting results and analyzing findings.
• Prepare and present written reports and presentations to all levels of internal and external audiences, including Paragon leadership, Board of Directors, and customers.
• Contribute to the business and R&D strategy development in areas of assigned focus, and propose new R&D projects to the Director of R&D and Paragon leadership teams.
• Utilize Paragon’s material testing equipment to maximize efficiency in our testing plans, identify and develop testing methodology to support process and product development, and assist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment.
• Continuously strive to optimize processes to increase efficiency and product quality.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to R&D Team, Quality Team and Production Team members. 

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE/SKILL/ABILITY

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Material Science
• 5 years of experience in Stretch Film, Plastics, Polymers, or Chemistry with PP or PE.
• Experience in Material Analysis testing methods such as DSC, Transmission FTIR, ATR-FTIR, Torque Rheometer, Hot Stage Microscopy, GPC, NMR, SEM-EDS, TOF-SIMS, and Microscope Imaging.
• Biopolymer/Biodegradable experience (PHA, PLA).
• Additive and formulation expertise.
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and ideation skills, relevant to the plastics & stretch film market.
• Experience performing root cause analysis to solve problems, with the ability to be innovative and adept at testing new methodologies. 
• Data Analysis experience with experience in statistical analysis of large data sets, with ability to transform data into attainable solutions. 
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage individuals, both direct reports and project leadership.
• Strong technical aptitude with an excellent understanding and strong troubleshooting skills within the manufacturing industry and extrusion equipment.
• Ability & experience to successfully communicate with external contractors and equipment suppliers to build long-term, lasting relationships
• Self-starter with proven ability to successfully work in a collaborative relationship with multiple departments. 
• Negotiation and conflict management skills together with demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and problem solving.
• The ability to adapt to fast-paced rapid changes, and to manage multiple tasks, while handling unexpected delays or events. All while maintaining organization and constant attention to detail discerning the correct prioritization of each project assigned.
• Organized, motivated self-starter, with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• High level of attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Strong written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills, strong presentation skills including technical writing and above-average documentation skills, with the ability to effectively explain, demonstrate, and train employees on policy and procedures.
• Advanced MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project Management Software, and CAD systems.
• Practice and promote teamwork and servant leadership style within t