Why You'll Love This JobThe
Research Scientist leads assigned research, product development, process improvement, and scale-up initiatives that convert technical opportunities into manufacturable and commercially relevant solutions. The role applies polymer science, experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve product performance, strengthen manufacturing capability, reduce technical risk, and support successful commercialization.
Responsibilities The essential functions include, but are not limited to:
- Lead research and development projects focused on new products, process improvements, and specialty polymer applications, delivering technical solutions that advance business growth, manufacturing capability, and customer value.
- Design and execute experimental programs using sound scientific and engineering principles to generate actionable data, reduce technical uncertainty, and support informed decision-making.
- Develop and evaluate polymer formulations, processing conditions, and product performance characteristics to improve product quality, manufacturability, sustainability, and commercial competitiveness.
- Translate laboratory findings into pilot-scale and commercial-scale implementation strategies, supporting successful technology transfer, scale-up, and product commercialization.
- Plan, coordinate, and support manufacturing trials while analyzing results and providing technical recommendations that improve process performance, product consistency, and operational reliability.
- Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Marketing, Commercial, and Sustainability teams to resolve technical challenges and accelerate the development and deployment of customer-focused solutions.
- Analyze technical, operational, and analytical data to identify trends, diagnose root causes, and develop practical recommendations that improve product and process performance.
- Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to laboratory personnel and project teams, fostering scientific rigor, knowledge sharing, and safe execution of development activities.
- Support the evaluation, selection, and implementation of laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing equipment, enhancing technical capabilities and supporting strategic business objectives.
- Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, test methods, technical documentation, and best practices to strengthen data quality, knowledge management, safety performance, and regulatory compliance.
- Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, establishing priorities, timelines, and resource requirements to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business goals.
- Serve as an R&D technical representative on cross-functional initiatives, effectively communicating technical findings, influencing project direction, and contributing to business planning, innovation, and long-term technology strategy.
Skills & Qualifications Education- M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
Experience- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in polymer science, chemical processing, product development, process development, or related technical environments.
- Experience leading research, product development, process improvement, or commercialization projects from laboratory concept through pilot or manufacturing implementation.
- Experience applying experimental design, statistical methods, and technical data analysis to evaluate product performance, process capability, and technology development opportunities.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical data sets, identify trends, develop fact-based conclusions, and communicate recommendations that support business and manufacturing decisions.
- Experience with PET resins, rPET, polyester manufacturing processes, recycling technologies, or related polymer industries strongly preferred.
- Strong experience with laboratory testing, analytical methods, data visualization, and interpretation of scientific and operational data.
- Knowledge and experience with chemical process safety in laboratory and manufacturing environments preferred.
- Experience operating laboratory-scale reactors, pilot-scale equipment, or similar polymer processing systems preferred.
Competencies- Demonstrates strong technical expertise and scientific leadership to advance research, product development, and process improvement initiatives that support business growth and manufacturing excellence.
- Actively contributes to cross-functional teams, fostering technical knowledge, collaboration, innovation, and operational effectiveness.
- Applies critical thinking, scientific methodology, and data-driven decision making to analyze results, identify root causes, solve complex technical challenges, and develop innovative solutions.
- Effectively manages multiple priorities, projects, and resources, maintaining a high degree of scientific rigor, attention to detail, and executional discipline.
- Collaborates across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Marketing, Commercial, and Sustainability functions to support business objectives, product performance, and successful commercialization.
- Maintains a strong commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and technical excellence, ensuring work is conducted in accordance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
Travel- Ability to travel approximately 10% to 30% of time (international and domestic travel)
Physical Requirements- Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods during site visits and travel.
- Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds of materials, documents, or equipment.
- Ability to safely work in manufacturing and laboratory environments, including participation in site audits, technical reviews, and operational activities where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
- Must be capable of responding appropriately to operational disruptions, audits, and site emergency situations in accordance with established company procedures and safety requirements.
Work Environment- Flexibility and the ability to travel to different office or plant locations.
- Some site visits may include exposure to loud machinery, temperature variations, and other typical manufacturing conditions that require the use of PPE.
