Synthetic Organic/Polymer Research Scientist

Company Description

With over 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.  Sika has offices in over 100 countries with over 300 manufacturing facilities and more than 33,500 employees worldwide. With annual sales of 11.5 billion dollars in 2022, our commitment to quality, innovation, and the environment as well as putting our customer’s needs first, encompasses why Sika is the global leader in our industries.   

Job Description

We are looking for a scientist with capabilities in synthetic organic and polymer organic chemistry to conduct research and development on polymer (in)organic systems, including coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers with special interest in polyurethane and silicone systems. The successful candidate will have opportunities to demonstrate leadership while providing support to polymer development and manufacturing, and performing independent projects.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out research projects, such as development of new products and testing methods.
   
• Direct technicians and other staff in the chemical processing and testing including analyzing raw materials and processing conditions.
   
• Conduct and lead basic and applied research including polymeric materials with various application and end-use applications.
   
• Utilizing the scientific method, design experiments to determine the structure-property relationship to achieve pre-determined targets.
   
• Identify key technical issues and produce cutting edge breakthroughs.
   
• Build relationships with internal and external partners to better understand market trends for future project development.
   
• Work closely with process and production engineers to scale-up new products at global production sites.
   
• Conduct IP strategy development and prior art analysis, write disclosures and patent applications including the data generated from your experiments.
   
• Deliver effective presentations, reports, and publications to internal and external interested parties.
   
• Maintain a safe working environment including but not limited to utilizing the proper PPE for the designated task and safe chemical storage and handling. Ensure compliance with company procedural guidelines, laboratory procedures, and safety programs.
   
• Assist with the development and/or review of SOPs and continuous process improvement initiatives.
   
• Collaborate with domestic and global colleagues in an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or similar discipline is required, Ph.D. preferred.

Experience / Competencies:

• 5 Years experience in an R&D environment
• Strong background in polymer synthesis and characterization
• Structure-property understanding of diverse application areas
• Excellent written, verbal, and communication skills
• Ability to work in highly collaborative, fast paced, cross-functional environment involving global customers, labs, and manufacturing sites
• Well-developed time management skills with the ability to work on and lead multiple projects simultaneously
• Creativity, ingenuity, curiosity, and initiative
• Willing to learn from other scientists and senior technicians on product processing and testing.

Additional Information

• Competitive Benefits: Health Insurance, 401k with company match, year-end profit-sharing bonus, paid time off, and paid holidays.  

• Meaningful Work: Sika products enhance our surroundings and the work every employee completes helps positively impact daily lives by making our world stronger, more durable, and more reliable – every day.   

• Company Culture: Sika centers work culture around entrepreneurship where individuals have the power to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and define their career.   

• Community Involvement:  Sika takes active roles in our community and aims to support volunteer work and charitable endeavors across the United States through rebuilding and giving back.   

• Sustainability Initiatives: Sika is committed to sustainable development, reducing environmental impacts, and assuming social responsibility. The company supports energy efficient projects and implements numerous measures aimed to boost economic, social, and ecological sustainability.   

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.