Sr Scientist

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking a Senior Scientist - Performance Materials Applications - to oversee our Akron, OH Technical Center lab. This role is responsible for applications such as: paper, carpet coating, tire cord, to name a few. You will support the Technical Service Managers and Sales Managers in the US with technical questions and also deliver technical projects in lab in cooperation with these colleagues. You will also closely collaborate with other local functions such as production and regulatory affairs to troubleshoot and assist with complaints.

Your primary responsibilities:

• Manage the Performance Materials application lab in Akron, OH (Akron Technical Center), including responsibility for lab equipment and all lab tasks; ordering materials / samples when needed; and coordinating maintenance and repairs of equipment

• Conduct laboratory work individually, as part of a local application team, and as part of overall Synthomer team including sales, technical service, production, and regulatory functions supporting the Paper & Carpet business in US

• Plan and conduct test series based on our products to find solutions that ensure product fit for our customers

• Capacity to manage multiple series / projects in parallel

• Collaborate with teams in the Applications, Technical Service, Operations, and Material Characterization groups

• Follow Synthomer’s Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) guidelines ; proactively work to improve safety and housekeeping in the lab and the offices

• Independently identify and solve complex problems; train and coach others in problem solving techniques

• Complete projects on time; deliver reports and presentations internally and/or externally as needed

• Keep an overview of all work (triggered internally and externally) and set appropriate priorities

• Fulfill QMS responsibilities

• When needed, actively support internal sales and technical service staff in customer interactions

• Actively participate in teams tasked with implementing product / process changes / adopting of products (e.g. PPC related tasks)

• Arrange sample sending to customers or within the global company

What we need from you:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry

• 7+ years in Industrial Application or R&D Lab Experience (not necessarily water based samples)

• Experience in the world of emulsion polymers / dispersions, their compounding and application testing in synthesis labs

• Ability to transfer customer processes into “lab methods” to simulate the customers processes.

• A broad technical understanding to translate problem descriptions into meaningful lab experiments

• High-energy self-starter, as well as collaborative team player with strong work ethic

• Strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills

• Solid written, oral and presentation communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills required, all work must be documented in the LabDB electronic notebook, and other databases (e.g. LIMS, C4C etc.)

• Ability to work independently, without direct supervision, as part of a global organization.

• Agile multi-tasker who can prioritize work daily to meet project timelines and customer demands

• Demonstrated PC skills including MS Office suite and various data analysis software

Qualifications that can set you apart:

• Familiarity in setting up compounds based on polymer dispersions and provide its testing

• Experience in the paper or carpet coating industry

• Familiarity with industry standards and test methods used in the characterization of polymers

• Experience working in an industrial lab or active laboratory setting (i.e. outside the classroom)

• Experience with handling chemicals, especially hazardous materials

Why Synthomer?

We are ambitious!
We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.​

We believe in high challenge, high support!
We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.​

We personalize our approach to development!
At Synthomer, you won't find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We'll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.

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