Scientist, Research Scientist, Biotechnology

About the Job

Scientist role is a high‑impact technical position within the Product Chemistry group at the Bridgewater Innovation Center. The successful candidate will serve as a subject‑matter expert in polymer design, synthesis, and structure–property relationships, independently driving complex research programs that support new product development and process improvement across multiple application areas. The role requires exceptional scientific depth, strong experimental intuition, and the ability to independently manage the technical execution of multi‑step, multi‑variable projects.

The Scientist will be responsible for designing new materials, synthetic strategies, solving complex chemistry and scale‑up challenges, generating intellectual property, and delivering high‑quality solutions and technical results with minimal supervision.

• Independently conceive, design, and execute research programs focused on novel polymer and surfactant structures that address customer and market needs.
• Develop and optimize polymer structures and synthetic routes, including feasibility assessment, design, and scale‑up considerations.
• Serve as a technical expert during technology transfer, identifying potential scale‑up risks and proposing chemistry‑based solutions.
• Provide hands‑on support to manufacturing during start‑up of new products, including troubleshooting process deviations.
• Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (applications, marketing, regulatory, analytical, operations) as the primary technical chemistry expert on assigned projects.
• Maintain rigorous laboratory documentation and uphold best‑in‑class safety and 5S practices.
• Deliver clear, concise technical reports and presentations to stakeholders.
• Manage both short‑term tactical experiments and long‑term strategic technical programs with minimal supervision.
• Travel as needed (approximately 10%).

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in Chemistry (Preferred: PhD Chemistry).
• Experience:
  
  7–15 years of industrial experience in polymer chemistry.

• Expert‑level knowledge in polymer design, synthesis, and characterization, with the ability to independently conceive, plan and execute complex experimental programs.
• Strong command of structure–property relationships and their translation into performance.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot sophisticated chemistry and process issues, including scale‑up and technology transfer challenges.
• Proven track record of technical accomplishments (patents, publications, or commercialized technologies).
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple technical work streams in alignment with direct manager.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets and draw accurate and actionable conclusions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting work, presenting findings, and collaborating with cross‑functional partners.

• Experience with polysaccharides, siloxanes, or silicon‑based polymer chemistry.
• Experience supporting pilot‑plant or manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with structured project execution frameworks (e.g., Stage‑Gate) from a technical contributor perspective.
• Experience in surfactants and specialty chemicals.

• Advanced organic and polymer synthesis, including multi‑step routes and design of novel polymer architectures.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, GC, GPC, LC, MS, microscopy, and classical wet chemistry.
• Ability to develop or adapt analytical methods to characterize new materials, in collaboration with the analytical department.
• Strong scientific writing skills for technical reports, patent disclosures, and data summaries.

The hiring salary range for this position is $104,000 to $148,500, with potential progression up to $165,000. Actual compensation will be dependent upon specific qualifications, experience, and certifications. The role includes eligibility for annual bonuses.

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) plan enrollment.
• Paid time off and company holidays.

This is a permanent, onsite position on a full‑time basis, reporting to Section Manager – Product Chemistry, based in Bridgewater, NJ.

Nouryon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.