Overview (Scope of Role)The
Research Scientist will lead a portfolio of R&D initiatives to strengthen the PMMA Resins and Surfaces product portfolios and deliver new technologies aligned to customer and market needs. Partner with customers and internal stakeholders (Marketing, Business Development, TS&D, Process Technology, Manufacturing, and Quality) to define scope, success criteria, and resourcing, and drive execution from concept through commercialization. Manage multiple concurrent projects with clear governance (scope, schedule, budget, risk, and deliverables) and disciplined application of stage gate methodologies, including gate readiness and decision reviews. Provide proactive stakeholder management and crisp progress reporting through recurring reviews and executive updates; maintain external technical networks and global exchanges.
This is a hybrid position in Exton, PA with at least 3 days per week in office. There will be up to 10% travel required.
ResponsibilitiesPortfolio & Program Leadership: lead multiple concurrent R&D projects/programs from ideation through commercialization using stage gate methodologies. Own integrated plans (scope, milestones, resources, budget, risks, IP) and drive execution, decision-making, and delivery through cross-functional global teams - 35%
Technology Strategy & Stakeholder Management: translate strategy, market trends, and customer needs into a prioritized technology roadmap and business cases. Align stakeholders on problem statements, success metrics, timelines, and trade-offs; manage expectations and communications across functions and regions - 25%
Technical Excellence & Problem Solving: ensure technical rigor across the portfolio (DOE, statistical thinking, structured problem solving). Set standards for documentation and knowledge capture; coach team members on clear technical communication - 20%
Governance, Communication & Influence: run portfolio governance and stage gate reviews; surface risks/issues early and drive timely decisions. Provide concise updates on portfolio health, milestones, and decisions needed; influence outcomes with data-based recommendations - 10%
Qualifications- Ph.D. or Master's Degree in Polymer Science, Material Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience, depending on role level)
- Ph.D. with minimum of 3-5+ years of industrial R&D experience (or M.S. with 8+ years), including leadership of multiple concurrent cross-functional projects/programs through commercialization.
- Strong experience and working knowledge in polymer/materials chemistry, characterization, structure-property relationships, polymer physics, and melt processing.
- Proven technical leadership and delivery (e.g., commercialization, publications, patents, or equivalent impact).
- Strong project/program management: stage-gate execution, critical-path planning, risk/issue management, and on-time delivery across multiple concurrent projects.
- Strong stakeholder management: align internal/external stakeholders, influence without authority, facilitate decisions, and manage expectations with clear communication.
- Experience leading global, cross-functional teams; proficient with common PM tools and comfortable using DOE/statistics to drive decisions.
#LI-Hybrid
