Applied Surfactant & Polymer R&D Scientist

Ready to build what’s next?

Do you enjoy taking a blank page, reviewing the literature, and crafting a formulation that scales from bench to plant? Can you move between FTIR spectra, GCMS traces, and HPLC chromatograms as comfortably as you lead an MOC discussion? If so, this role is for you.

• Design and execute syntheses and analyses for routine and developmental products at the direction of the Technical Director, commercial team, and senior leadership (SLT).
• Perform literature searches to inform and accelerate new product development within Polyventive’s Technology Department.
• Contribute both individually and on teams; create clear technical documentation.
• Own scale‑up: prepare lab‑made products for pilot and full manufacturing, carrying responsibility from project start through plant scale‑up while growing toward technical leadership.
• Provide on‑call technical and plant support; lead or participate in meetings for new product introductions and MOC’s.
• Maintain an organized, safe laboratory; set the standard for housekeeping and compliance.
• Direct and mentor R&D and QC technicians as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/training.
• 3+ years’ experience in surfactant and polymer synthesis/formulation/structure–activity relationships spanning at least two sectors: textiles, HI&I, O&G, adhesives, or coatings.
• 3+ years with FTIR, GCMS, HPLC.
• Excellent computer proficiency and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

You’ll partner with scientists, technicians, and commercial stakeholders to guide promising concepts into reliable products. Expect hands‑on experimentation, robust discussions, and frequent opportunities to influence how new products come to life.

Work is typically performed in an inside, temperature‑controlled environment. Work and travel throughout plant environment of varied temperatures and humidity, and wear personal protective equipment, as required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Various operations in the plant generate noise, dust, vapor and fumes in the normal course of production. The Company has been and is committed to eliminating these conditions to the extent possible through the application of design engineering. The Company also provides a variety of safety equipment to keep all associates safe and within OSHA standards. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.