R&D Synthesis Specialist

Position: R&D SYNTHESIS SPECIALIST
Mallard Creek Polymers is seeking a qualifiedR&D Synthesis Specialist to join our team.

Who you are: Our ideal teammate...

Will lead the design, formulation, and scale-up of innovative emulsion polymer products, including acrylic, vinyl-acrylic, and styrene-butadiene latexes. This role bridges laboratory synthesis and manufacturing implementation, ensuring smooth transition from research to full commercialization. The Specialist will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, technical, and commercial teams to optimize recipes, improve processes, and deliver high-quality products that meet customer and market requirements.

What you do: Our ideal teammate has work-related experience with the following

• Design and execute synthesis and commercial processes for new emulsion polymer products in a timely and efficient manner.
• Develop and implement test methods to evaluate product performance and compliance with product and process specifications.
• Plan and manage projects related to product performance, recipe/process improvement, and equipment design for new product scale-up and existing product optimization.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and external partners to ensure effective scale-up and ongoing production while safeguarding intellectual property.
• Apply research principles and models to implement new products/processes, resolve recipe and process issues, improve productivity, reduce costs, and maintain quality.
• Identify, communicate and implement opportunities for product and process enhancements through quality and productivity improvements.
• Prepare technical reports, summarize research results, and recommend changes.
• Communicate project progress and results to team members and business leadership.
• Interface with customers and internal stakeholders to support technical inquiries and product development goals.
• Work independently and in cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and commercial functions.
• Mentor and/or manage technical staff and contribute to organizational capability development

Collaboration: you can expect to collaborate in the following environments:

• Customers facing interaction to solve problems using MCP products
• Collaborates with R&D Colleagues, Sales and Marketing
• Works with production and QC functions to establish expectations for products for which this position is responsible.

Skills and Qualifications:

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science required, MS or higher preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in the chemical industry with at least 5+ years in emulsion polymer chemistry (styrene-butadiene preferred; pressure reactions experience a plus).
• Proven experience in product/process development, scale-up, and optimization in a chemical production environment.
• Strong knowledge of latex product chemistry, process design, and control systems.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques for problem-solving and recipe/process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement robust solutions for complex product mixes.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects, and work independently or in teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships internally and externally.
• Leadership and decision-making capabilities; ability to mentor and inspire others.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Safety-conscious and able to comply with all PPE and safety regulations.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Laboratory duties include standing at a lab bench for extended periods of time, bending, lifting and reaching.
• Must be able to wear the required personal protective equipment

Travel:

• This position requires frequent travel to customers and industry events; approximately 25% of the time

Work Schedule:Monday
- Friday, 8 hour work days

Positions available:1 (one)