Scientist - Solvent Based Coatings - Huntersville, NC
DESCRIPTION:
As a Scientist you will lead the application development of solvent borne coatings through formulation design, evaluation, and engagement with customers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the exploration of new application development of industrial minerals in the polymers markets. Work hand-in-hand with mineral specialist to create value-added solutions for end-customers.
- Lead innovation projects from idea inception to commercialization from the technical side.
- Work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, operation and project management to ensure seamless transition of projects in the stage-gate process. Provide training and technical assistance to other functions as needed.
- Support the platform director to develop IP strategy in the polymers space. Conduct annual IP landscape study, stay up to date to competitive IP.
- Support existing polymers customers. Coordinate comparative testing & evaluation of competitive products in the polymers markets. Serve as a resource for customer problem resolving and technical support.
- Lead the design, installation, commissioning, and on-going maintenance of the polymers laboratory.
- Supervise lab technicians. Ensure a safe working environment and implement 5s standard.
- Represent company in forums and conferences within specific area of application expertise.
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
- Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry with minimum 10 years' experience in the relevant industry, or Master /Ph. D degree with 5 years of industrial experience
- Demonstrated expertise and relevant industrial experience in various thermal plastics polymer systems (polyolefin, PVC, TPE, etc.) are required. Experience with elastomers a plus.
- Hands-on experience with polymer compounding, extrusion, blown film, sheets, and/or injection molding.
- Well networked in the industry with polymers suppliers, compounders, and converters.
- Deep understanding of structure-property relationship regarding paint, coatings and polymers formulations with pigments, fillers, curing agents, activators etc.
- Hands-on ability to execute analytical / laboratory procedures, maintain applicable equipment / systems, familiarity with ASTM procedures/protocols.
- Experience with project management and stage-gate process is preferred.