Research Scientist

Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company - at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.

A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers - ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.

As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day.

Overview (Scope of Role)

The Research Scientist will be responsible for identifying opportunities to grow the existing PMMA product portfolio and leading the development of new technologies that meet customer needs. The Research Scientist will work with customers, marketing, business development, and TS&D to identify unmet needs and provide innovative solutions. This role must manage multiple projects concurrently as the R&D project leader.

The Research Scientist will have direct involvement with the commercial teams, customers, process technology and manufacturing and can potentially grow into a leadership position within the scientific community. There is also an expectation to have routine, global technical exchanges with teams in Europe, China, and India. This position has significant external visibility and networking opportunities with customers, academic collaborators, consultants, scientific and technical societies, trade associations and other industry groups.

This will be a hybrid role in that will require being in the lab, 3-5 days per week. There will be up to 10% travel to customer and internal sites to be expected.

(35%) Project Leadership: Lead R&D projects through commercialization using the stage gate system. Designs project plans, technical approaches, timelines, deliverables, and IP strategies. Directs cross-functional, global project teams in the execution of project plans. Conducts laboratory work as needed to help the team meet timelines. Manage multiple projects/programs concurrently.
• (25%) Ideation and Technical Leadership: Works with customers, technical and commercial teams to identify and start new R&D projects that are consistent with business strategy. Regularly submits new project ideas to further innovation. Identifies and establishes opportunities for technical exchange and collaboration between internal and external groups to enhance capabilities and knowledge. Setting and executing technology development strategy for global markets. Monitors technical literature to develop strong understanding of relevant external technologies and leverage internal needs.
• (20%) Technical Excellence: Ensure high level of technical excellence through sound use of scientific principles including design of experiment, critical thought, creative problem solving, analytical thinking, open and honest communication of best practices.
• (10%) Collaboration & Partnership: Effectively represents the department at multiple levels within the company. Provide regular updates of individual projects through monthly reviews/reports, technical reviews, stage-gate reviews.

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Material Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 3-5+ years of industrial experience and strong knowledge in polymer or materials chemistry, characterization, polymer structure-property relationships, polymer physics, melt processing.
• A demonstrated track record of technical success, technical knowledge, publications, and patents.
• Proficient in computer software: Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint
  Experience with design of experiment (DOE) and statistical analysis methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to lead global projects through stage gate system
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally amongst various business partners

Equity and Inclusion

With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity. We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.

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