Research Scientist – Polymer Modification Application Development Lead

Situation in organization

The position reports to the Functional Additives R&D Director. One or two persons may report to this position.

Job dimensions
Application and customer oriented position, responsible for initiating and managing new product and new application development of organic peroxides and their formulations in polymer modification and crosslinking market segment

Interacts with customers to provide application support, understand the customers’ technology and identify opportunities for Arkema products

Employee must work closely with global research and business teams in Europe, Asia and South America

Coordinates projects with all Arkema functions, such as process technology, manufacturing, HES, sales and marketing

Understands the science and technology of Arkema’s organic peroxide chemistry, products and their applications

Regularly participates in Arkema Inc. innovation activities

Participates actively in appropriate professional/trade organizations or industry groups

Key Activities and responsibilities
Actively participates in safety programs; ensures safe laboratory operations and utilizes all relevant safety processes.

Initiates and conducts research projects to develop new products and applications; projects can involve new formulations, or developing capabilities for applications research and testing

Develops new applications in close collaboration with customers and aligned with business strategy

Interprets and communicates test results to cross-functional teams globally

Manages projects and participates in Stage Gate projects as a team leader or team member

Promotes Organic Peroxide technology through presentations, publications and participation at trade shows and conferences

Assists customers in troubleshooting issues when using Arkema’s products and technologies

Develops networks with other scientists within Arkema (US, Europe, China) to overcome issues, find solutions, and achieve objectives

Follows scientific and patent literature related to the field and provide expert analysis

Protects Arkema’s intellectual property and generates intellectual property when applicable

Up to 15% travel may be required

Context and environment

This position is part of the US subsidiary of large, international chemical company

The organic peroxide business is core to Functional Additives. Safety is critical in all aspects of this business.

Required Education/Qualifications /Work experience

Ph.D. in Material Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline with at least 4 year of relevant experience, or MS degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience. Background in physical organic chemistry, organic synthesis, or polymer synthesis or modification.

Demonstrated Competencies (Describe behaviors necessary for role)

• Track record of new product commercialization through customer interaction, successful project leadership, and leading small teams successfully.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of collaboration, networking, and teamwork. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Self-starting ability with exceptional time and project management skills.
• Demonstrated track record of strong safety practices and techniques.
• Familiarity with experimental design and polymer materials is a plus.

Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and sustainable materials. With the ambition to become in 2024 a pure player in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into three complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials - Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions - accounting for some 80% of Group sales, and a well-positioned and competitive Intermediates segment. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of €9.5 billion ($10.6 billion) in 2021, and operates in 55 countries with 20,500 employees worldwide.

The diversity of its employees is an asset that the Arkema group wants to preserve. Its non-discrimination policy applies to recruitment, salary levels and career management. The Arkema group is committed to ensuring diversity among its employees.

Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence.