Sr. Scientist – Solvent-Based Coatings

Shape the Future of Polymer Innovation

Are you a visionary scientist with a passion for polymers, coatings, and industrial minerals? Join a dynamic team as a Sr. Scientist – Polymer Applications and take the lead in pioneering new application developments in solvent-borne coatings. This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation, transforming ideas into tangible solutions that drive customer success and market growth.

What You’ll Do: Key Responsibilities

• Drive New Product Development: Lead the formulation, testing, and optimization of solvent-borne coatings and polymer systems using advanced industrial minerals.
• Lead Innovation Projects: Manage projects from ideation to commercialization—bringing novel solutions to market that solve real customer challenges.
• Collaborate Across Functions: Partner closely with sales, marketing, operations, and project management to ensure seamless product development in a stage-gate environment.
• Develop IP Strategy: Support platform leadership in crafting a robust intellectual property strategy and conduct regular IP landscape reviews to maintain competitive awareness.
• Customer-Centric Support: Provide hands-on technical support for existing polymer customers—overseeing comparative evaluations, troubleshooting, and solution development.
• Establish a Best-in-Class Lab: Lead the design, setup, and operation of the polymers application laboratory. Ensure a safe, efficient, and innovative lab environment guided by 5S principles.
• Mentor & Lead: Supervise lab technicians, fostering technical growth and maintaining high standards for safety, performance, and precision.
• Be an Industry Voice: Represent the organization at technical forums, industry conferences, and customer engagements—showcasing thought leadership and deep domain expertise.

What You Bring: Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry with 10+ years of relevant experience
• OR Master’s/Ph.D. with 5+ years of industrial experience
• In-depth knowledge of thermoplastic polymer systems including polyolefins, PVC, and TPEs
• Experience with elastomers is highly desirable
• Strong background in polymer compounding, extrusion, blown film, sheet production, and/or injection molding
• Well-networked within the polymers ecosystem—suppliers, compounders, and converters
• Deep understanding of structure-property relationships in coatings and polymer systems, particularly with pigments, fillers, curing agents, and related materials
• Competent in laboratory procedures, equipment upkeep, and ASTM protocol execution
• Familiarity with the stage-gate process and the ability to lead cross-functional project teams

Why Join?

• Be a driver of innovation with the freedom to explore and experiment
• Join a company that values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Enjoy competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth opportunities
• Work in an environment that celebrates creativity, safety, and impact