Senior Scientist

Department Management

• Responsible for performance management, recruiting talent, training, and supervision of the team members assigned to the department
• Developing and Planning Research Projects for the department in line with overall R&D and Corporate goals
• Execute R&D projects in membrane-based separation technologies in accordance with the company's strategic plan for biomimetic membranes
• Ensure that all team members understand and follow Vandstrom policies
• Support competitive benchmarking activities as needed to support product development objectives
• Manage project plans for designated R&D activities
• Develop strategic relationships with partners (academics, research institutes, etc.) to permit collaborative development activities and leverage outside resources to further the company’s research and development goals

IP Support

• Support the creation of a comprehensive IP strategy in the field of membrane technology to ensure a competitive advantage for the company
• Maintain an understanding of competitive IP from academics and other technologists in the areas of the company’s focus
• Research and implement appropriate testing methodologies to support membrane-related IP activities

Scale-up and Production Support

• Research and implement appropriate testing methodologies to support consistent membrane production and appropriate quality control
• Collaborate with Tech-transfer and engineering team to design and produce prototype elements of new products for internal and external evaluation
• Support the procurement and sourcing of raw materials and the evaluation of additional suppliers

Commercial Support

• Follow and remain current on academic and commercial activities in the marketplace for membrane and separation technology
• Ensure participation in technical conferences and publication in recognized journals

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related fields. A Ph.D. is preferred.
• Track record of successfully managing scientific personnel involved with complex research activities
• Willingness and ability to continuously develop leadership skills
• At least five years of working experience in membrane R&D roles, preferably in an industrial environment
• Documented understanding of surface chemistry and coating strategies, preferably on porous substrates
• Experience with membrane fabrication processes, including the non-solvent induced phase separation process and the interfacial polymerization process
• Proficiency in surface characterization techniques as well as membrane and polymer characterization, such as HPLC, TEM, SEM, FTIR, NMR, and UV-VIS
• Experience with roll-to-roll coating technology preferred

Additional Qualifications

• Effective communicator in both verbal and written forms
• Ability to successfully implement new technologies in challenging markets
• Critical thinker
• An excellent listener; interpersonally engaging at all levels so as to build a rapport with people in all parts of the organization
• Ability to wear PPE as needed
• Awareness of fire, safety, and chemical hazards