Researcher

About the role

The Researcher will be responsible for developing, formulating, and evaluating innovative coating technologies that support Nouryon's growth and innovation objectives. This role involves designing and analyzing technical data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations for R&D, marketing, and commercial teams. The researcher will identify opportunities to improve formulation methodologies, application testing, and product performance while contributing to the development of new technologies aligned with Nouryon's Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) strategy. Working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, the scientist will play a key role in advancing innovation projects from concept through commercialization and delivering value-driven solutions to customers and the coatings industry.

Key objectives

• Active participation in RD&I projects, technical support activities for customers and internal continuous improvement activities
• Preparation and evaluation of Paint, Adhesive, Building and Construction (B&C) formulations using polymers, surfactants, and other additives
• Capturing the results in reports and presentations
• Participate in planning and carrying out evaluation of new products and comparing these to benchmarks

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of basic ingredients (binders, pigments, polymers and other additives) for Paint, Adhesive, Building and Construction (B&C) formulations
• Basic formulation knowledge in aforementioned areas
• Testing of additives in aforementioned areas
• Use, improve, and implement new methodologies and tools to link test data to consumer attributes in above market areas
• Delivering results for small to large sized and/or complex projects on time, with Project Management skills a plus
• Participate in planning and preparation of sales and marketing materials
• Stay up to date with development in paint and B&C applications and testing equipment
• Be responsible for maintenance and calibration of equipment
• Align lab testing procedures with those used by customers in the Americas
• Responsible for ordering raw materials and lab equipment
• Be prepared to travel to other sites and occasionally to customers
• Active participation in technical training for salespeople and distributors
• Act as an instructor for new employees on how to prepare and evaluate paint and B&C formulations
• Multi-tasking, organizational, and communication skills (written and presentation)
• Collaboration internally with R&D teams (synthesis, analytical and applications), marketing, technical service, and manufacturing groups, and externally with customers to fulfill product needs within targeted markets

Qualifications

• MS in materials engineering, polymer engineering, ChemE, chemistry or related scientific discipline OR Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, polymer engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering or related scientific discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industrial experience in paints, coatings industry
• 3–5 years in Paints and Coatings
• Problem solving, technical communication, customer focus, drive for results, timely decision making, teamwork & interpersonal effectiveness, creativity & innovation in a fast-paced R&D environment
• Willing to perform hands-on lab work; proactive, independent and results-oriented
• Ability to communicate effectively within technical & business networks and collaborate in a global team
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English
• Basic knowledge of key raw materials used in paints, coatings formulations, including binders, pigments, polymers, surfactants, dispersants and other additives
• Testing of additives in aforementioned areas
• Ability to maintain and calibrate equipment
• Lab notebook and record keeping
• Able to set-up, plan, execute, analyze, interpret and report experiments
• Keeps current on uses and improves relevant research methods in the field, ensures retention of knowledge through research reports and ensures other team members stay current
• Participates in projects and ensure executing and delivery using own area of expertise
• Understands, develops and comments on technical strategy in own area
• Prepares and presents information for customer activities as appropriate
• Maintains and promotes a safe work environment. End results are zero or minimum safety incidents and a clean, orderly working environment

Pay

The hiring salary range for this position ranges from $76,500.00 to $109,300.00, although individuals may eventually progress through the pay scale in this role up to $142,100.00. Actual compensation will be dependent upon the specific role as well as the individuals' qualifications, experience, skills, and certifications. Hired applicant will be eligible to receive annual bonuses.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance for employees and their families
• 401k plan
• Paid time off and mandated company holidays throughout the calendar year

Schedule

Standard, on-site, full-time