Research Chemist

About the role

The Senior Research Chemist leads and participates in technical projects focused on developing new products and formulations for insulation and engineered products. Key responsibilities include designing and conducting pilot/plant trials, providing technical support for operations and customer issues, and applying expertise to improve product quality and process efficiency. The role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, delivering project updates, and utilizing laboratory equipment, statistical tools, and material characterization techniques to analyze data and develop structure/process/property relationships.

Responsibilities

• Designing and conducting pilot/plant trials
• Providing technical support for operations and customer issues
• Applying expertise to improve product quality and process efficiency
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Delivering project updates
• Utilizing laboratory equipment, statistical tools, and material characterization techniques to analyze data and develop structure/process/property relationships
• Lead or support technical projects in binders and nonwovens
• Apply expertise at manufacturing sites and troubleshoot product/process issues
• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop relationships to improve products
• Collaborate with teams and present findings internally and externally
• Perform hands-on laboratory work and support operational needs

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in polymer science, chemistry, or materials science with at least 5 years of R&D experience; Master’s or PhD with 2+ years preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of chemical reactions, analysis, and mechanical evaluation techniques
• Experience with statistical tools like DOE and ANOVA, plant trials, and working with production teams
• Proven project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership abilities
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and in teams
• Willingness to travel moderate to heavy (10-20%)