Reactive Chemicals Subject Matter Expert (Process Safety / Thermal Hazards)

About the role

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. As the Reactive Chemicals Subject Matter Expert, you will evaluate thermal stability, flammability, and dust explosion hazards across chemical processes and facilities supporting Corteva's R&D and Manufacturing functions. You’ll ensure the safe operation of labs, pilot plants, and production sites by partnering with chemists and engineers to quantify reactive hazards, define safe operating envelopes, and prevent runaway reactions, fires, and explosions.

Responsibilities

• Build deep expertise in the Reactive Chemicals (RC) discipline and provide technology-aligned RC support for molecule and process development.
• Partner with chemists and engineers to identify, quantify, and manage reactive chemical hazards through calculations, database searches, experimental design, data collection and interpretation, and hands-on consulting.
• Apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to real process scenarios to minimize the risk of runaway reactions, fires, and explosions, and to define safe operating envelopes.
• Supervise lab technicians/analysts and ensure safe, efficient lab operations.
• Develop RC training and communication plans to keep engineers and scientists current on reactivity and stability hazards across Process, Formulations, and Manufacturing.
• Partner with Process Safety teams to analyze worst-case scenarios and lead root-cause investigations of reactive chemical incidents.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting on RC issues and advise project teams and leadership on the best path forward.
• Develop and maintain best-practice guidelines for generating and applying RC data (testing SOPs, thermo-kinetic modeling support, and more).
• Identify and qualify external reactive chemical testing resources to meet the needs of Corteva's global businesses.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with 2+ years of experience in Reactive Chemicals, or an MS with significantly more relevant experience.
• Experience designing experiments, operating instruments, and interpreting data to address chemical process reactivity concerns.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and mentoring/coaching skills.
• Strong time-management and multitasking ability to run multiple programs and consulting efforts simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently to address business needs.
• Demonstrated capability in both lab management and people leadership.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (5–20%) to other production sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with thermal stability and/or flammability hazard testing.
• Experience with kinetic modeling and calorimetry (e.g., DSC, ARC, RC1, VSP).
• Knowledge of Dust Explosion and Flammability Testing.
• Strong networking skills to leverage corporate and external resources for timely, cost-effective solutions.
• Experience working in a cross-functional, global environment.

Benefits

• Direct impact on global food security and safety.
• Access to advanced calorimetry and process-safety labs.
• Professional development, mentorship, and clear career pathways.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Numerous development opportunities to build your skills.
• Health benefits for you and your family starting on your first day of employment.
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays.
• Excellent parental leave, including a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father.
• Future planning with a competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.