Senior Scientist

About the Role

This position is responsible for building and executing a pipeline of research and development activities specifically relating to materials science, development/implementation of new resins/barriers/additives/processes, and increasing usage of Post Consumer Recycled resins. This person will work extensively with both internal and external partners to lead development of next-generation materials science solutions that enable more sustainable products in the marketplace.

Responsibilities

• Use material science knowledge to lead research and decision-making relative to new resin solutions and alternatives.
• Drive ongoing innovation and technology scouting activities in sustainability, particularly in the materials arena.
• Serve as internal expert regarding PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) usage and approaches/methods for increasing PCR in RPSNAB products.
• Maintain timelines and budgets as they relate to material development programs aligned with overall business objectives.
• Exhibit a collaborative work style with willingness to learn as well as teach/coach others.
• Lead high-priority, cross-functional development programs, including indirect leadership of cross-functional project teams.
• Prescribe the use of appropriate project management and engineering tools for development and implementation of resin/barrier solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to engineering, manufacturing, and other internal/external customers as required.
• Support business units to create business cases for resin/barrier solutions, including targeted performance specifications, costing, and overall value proposition.
• Establish inspection protocols and validate new product and materials specifications.
• Combine lateral/creative thinking with scientific knowledge to achieve results.
• Understand overall market needs and predict future needs based on business knowledge.
• Work autonomously and add value in all phases of a project while applying analytical skills.
• Seek feedback and correct own performance.
• Oversee resin trials and/or participate in material selection activities.
• Specify and approve lab work requests, including sign-off on resin/process configurations and oversight of the qualification of new resins/materials.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exhibit tact and effectiveness in dealing with a wide variety of stakeholders, including executive reporting/communication.
• Hold self and others to appropriate policies and procedures.
• Maintain and enforce all company safety, environmental, and department of health requirements.

Requirements

• Master's Degree or PhD in a materials-related discipline preferred.
• 8-10+ years of relevant experience plus a degree in material science, engineering, or equivalent.
• Experienced program leader in material science within a corporate setting, able to define, implement, and maintain effective program management practices.
• Proficient in material science and its impact on injection and blow molding processes.
• Proficient knowledge of PET, PP, HDPE, and basic knowledge of alternative materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in plastics conversion technologies (extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, ISBM, etc.).
• Ability to work in a complex research and development environment.
• Proficient at establishing and maintaining relationships with vendors and other external partners.
• Travel up to 10%.

Skills

• Core Competencies: Customer Focus, Learning on the Fly, Interpersonal Savvy, Drive for Results.
• Amcor Leadership Framework Competencies: Functional/Technical Skills, Dealing with Ambiguity, Organizational Awareness, Innovation Management.

Relationships

• Commercial and Operations stakeholders.
• Corporate R&D, upper management, peers, Design team, and Project Management team.
• Internal relationships with quality control, purchasing/procurement, and finance.
• External relationships with clients and vendors.

ADA Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Normal vision, hearing/listening, hand/finger dexterity, walking, standing.
• Work Environment: Office environment.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Pay

The starting salary for this position is expected to be between $112,800 to $141,000; however, base pay offered may vary within the full salary range of $112,800 to $169,200 depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on national averages, and a geographic differential may be applied based on work location. The position may also be eligible for Amcor’s Management Incentive Plan/Sales Incentive Plan, which is an annual bonus program based on business and individual performance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible time off, starting at 80 hours paid time per year for full-time salaried employees.
• Company-paid holidays starting at 8 days per year (may vary by location).
• Wellbeing program and Employee Assistance Program.
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account.
• Life insurance, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, and voluntary benefits.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
• Tuition Reimbursement (dependent upon approval).
• Discretionary annual bonus program (initial eligibility dependent upon hire date).