Polymer Additives Sr. Application Scientist

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

About the role

The Polymer Sr. Additives Application Scientist (Polyolefin Stabilization & Formulations) will provide technical application leadership to develop, validate, and support polymer additive solutions for polyolefins, with deep expertise in functional additives and formulation development. The role generates high-quality application data, translates customer needs into robust formulations, and supports commercial growth across key segments including automotive, agriculture, building & construction, wire & cable, durable goods, and molding applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize polyolefin stabilization packages (UV stabilizers, UV absorbers and antioxidants) for PP/PE and related resin systems.
• Formulate with complementary additives (e.g., pigments, flame retardants, slip/antiblock agents, fillers) to meet performance and regulatory requirements for targeted applications.
• Build “Cause and Effect” understanding linking additive chemistry, processing history, and end-use performance.
• Plan and execute polymer processing trials using extrusion (single/twin-screw), injection molding, compression molding, and related compounding/conversion methods.
• Define processing windows and assess effects of shear/temperature/oxygen exposure on stabilization performance (melt stability, color, odor, die build-up, etc.).
• Lead accelerated weathering and durability evaluations (e.g., UV exposure, thermal aging), including test plan definition, controls, and interpretation.
• Conduct, analyze, and interpret test results (e.g., MFR/MFI, DSC/OIT, TGA, tensile/impact/flexural, hardness, color/ΔE, gloss, haze, density; as relevant).
• Develop statistically sound application datasets and technical documentation to support product positioning, claims, and customer trials.
• Provide expert technical support to internal teams and customers: troubleshoot formulation, processing, and performance issues; propose corrective actions and validate solutions.
• Troubleshoot and maintain key lab/testing instruments; coordinate repairs/calibration with vendors and internal resources as needed.
• Partner with R&D, Product Management, Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to align on priorities, launch readiness, and customer support.
• Contribute to innovation pipelines by identifying unmet needs and proposing new additive concepts, test methods, or application platforms.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations at customer meetings and industry conferences; contribute to papers/posters where appropriate.
• Capture competitive intelligence and market trends; share learnings internally to improve products and messaging.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of experience in polymer additives application development, with strong focus on polyolefin stabilization and formulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in UV stabilizers/HALS, UV absorbers, antioxidants, including interactions and performance trade-offs (process vs. long-term stability).
• Solid knowledge of polyolefin end-use requirements in automotive, agriculture, building & construction, wire & cable, durable goods, and molding applications.
• Hands-on experience with polymer processing: extrusion, injection molding, compression molding (compounding/conversion experience strongly preferred).
• Experience with accelerated weathering and durability testing and interpreting failure modes.
• Competency in polymer characterization and physical testing; ability to design test plans and draw clear, defensible conclusions.
• Familiarity with additional additives: pigments, flame retardants, slip/antiblock agents, processing aids, etc.
• Strong communication skills: clear technical writing, data storytelling, and conference-level presentation capability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with customer trial support and stage-gate development projects.
• Knowledge of relevant standards/methods (e.g., ISO/ASTM; weathering standards and durability requirements).
• Experience in instrument troubleshooting, method development, and lab safety/quality practices.

Skills

• Experimental design and data rigor; practical problem-solving mindset
• Customer-oriented technical leadership and collaboration across functions
• Ability to translate chemistry into application performance and value propositions
• Strong organization and prioritization across multiple projects

Benefits

• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations
• Training platform for all employees
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

Pay

The U.S. annual base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this new hire is: $112,000 to $140,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, such as skills, experience, qualifications, etc. and can ultimately be more or less than the posted salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.