pMDI Research Scientist

Job Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory research on pMDI resin systems, including neat resin, aqueous suspensions, emulsions, and related binder technologies for wood composite applications such as OSB, MDF, particleboard, and adjacent materials.
• Design and execute experiments that link formulation, processing, and substrate variables to adhesive performance, including moisture, press time, resin loading, viscosity, emulsion stability, penetration behavior, and wood-furnish characteristics.
• Integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics with laboratory research to generate predictive models that optimize bond performance, process efficiency, raw-material usage, and total cost in wood-mill operations.
• Develop structure-property-process understanding for pMDI systems using analytical, thermal, rheological, microscopy, and mechanical testing methods.
• Interpret laboratory and pilot data to define performance windows, identify root causes, and uncover opportunities for product and process optimization.
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations for scale-up, plant trials, manufacturing implementation, and customer-facing technical support.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, commercial teams, and external stakeholders to align innovation priorities with business strategy and mill-performance goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Wood Science, Data-Enabled Materials Research, or a closely related technical discipline; or M.S. with significant directly relevant industrial research experience.
• 10+ years of experience in polymer, adhesive, isocyanate, polyurethane, or related reactive resin research and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in structure-property relationships, formulation science, laboratory experimentation, and translating data into practical product and process insight.
• Experience applying statistical analysis, design of experiments, modeling, and/or artificial intelligence tools to research, development, or manufacturing optimization problems.
• Hands-on experience with material characterization and performance testing relevant to reactive resin systems.
• Strong technical writing, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices and chemical handling requirements for reactive materials.