
The purpose of this position is to provide polymer physics and rheology expertise to the WACKER analytical team in North America. The WACKER analytical team is responsible for supporting R&D, business teams, and process chemistry teams for silicone as well as other polymer-based products and technologies.
The senior analytical chemist will utilize strong technical expertise to deliver polymer physics and rheology excellence across a broad range of applications to internal stakeholders. This includes the prioritization and management of a broad range of analytical requests, as well as the participation in research and development projects from idea conception through product commercialization.
Job Responsibilities
- Apply knowledge of and lead research efforts in polymer physics and rheology to support business needs and generate fundamental knowledge to provide solutions to technical challenges
- Solve analytical challenges by communicating and interacting with a broad range of stakeholders from R&D, business teams, and process chemistry through technical reports, in-person meetings, and presentations
- Generate, organize, interpret, and report data generated both in-house and externally to support technical projects and analytical service requests
- Independently develop, qualify, and validate new methods and transfer methods from other WACKER sites
- Maintain familiarity with current literature and advances in polymer physics and rheology
- Help develop the technical capabilities of the physical and wet chemistry group to meet current and future business needs and to keep state-of-the-art polymer physics and rheology capabilities, including procurement and maintenance of instrumentation
- Initiate and conduct continuous improvement initiatives to improve the quality of service and enhance the contribution of the physical and wet chemistry team
- Collaborate with WACKER's global analytical organization to further enhance analytical capabilities
- Actively participate in WACKER safety programs, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and maintain good housekeeping
- Mentor and help to develop less experienced technical personnel
Job Qualifications
- Education: M.S. in material science, polymer science, or related discipline is required, Ph.D. is preferred
- Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in industry required
- Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with techniques such as rotational, capillary, and extensional rheometry, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, and STA).
- Experience mentoring colleagues in an industrial setting for at least 5 years
- Proven expertise in field supported by technical publications and/or presentation
- Considerable knowledge of laboratory safety policies and practices
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team
- Strong oral and written communication skills required
- Ability to creatively problem-solve and independently lead technical projects is required
- Experience in IT and computer networking is a plus but not required
- Knowledge of silicone chemistry is a plus but not required
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Compensation and Incentive plans
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
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Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
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Paid parental leave
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Wellbeing fund
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Flexible hybrid work arrangements
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401(k) with company match
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Education Assistance Program
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Career development and advancement opportunities
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Support for Community Involvement
Reference Code: 21395
Nearest Major Market: Ann Arbor
Nearest Secondary Market: Detroit