Senior Polymer Research Scientist

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Full Time Akron, OH, US

G‑3 Chickadee—formerly part of Goodyear Chemical—is undergoing a major transformation. As a newly independent, Private Equity–backed organization, we are modernizing our infrastructure, implementing new systems (SAP, MES, cybersecurity), and building a strong operational foundation for continued growth.

We are seeking a senior polymer research scientist to drive new technology development, generate intellectual property, and lead projects from the bench through commercialization. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in polymer or chemical synthesis, a track record of product development in an industrial R&D setting, and the scientific leadership to influence technical direction across R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.

• Design and execute polymer synthesis programs at the bench; maintain rigorous documentation and lab notebook standards.
• Lead assigned R&D projects end-to-end: planning, milestone management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers; contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, accountability, and collaboration.
• Represent R&D in cross-functional teams and, as appropriate, with external customers or partners.

• Expertise in polymer synthesis, including chain-growth and/or step-growth polymerization mechanisms.
• Strong command of structure-property-processing relationships in polymeric systems.
• Proficiency in standard polymer characterization techniques (GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, rheology, NMR, FTIR, etc.).
• Track record of generating intellectual property; patent filing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in new product development and/or cross-functional commercialization activities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Materials Science or related fields required.
• 5+ years of industrial R&D experience; demonstrated record of IP generation.

• Ziegler-Natta and/or anionic polymerization experience strongly preferred. Rubber or elastomer experience a plus.
• Experience with rubber or elastomer systems (e.g., EPDM, S , ,  , or specialty rubbers).
• Exposure to compounding, vulcanization, or rubber processing is a plus.
• Experience presenting to or collaborating with external customers, suppliers, or academic partners.
• Proficiency with DOE (Design of Experiments) and statistical data analysis tools.

• Fast‑paced environment with significant opportunities for innovation and optimization
• Competitive compensation and benefits package