Advanced Scientist, Agricultural Coatings

Advanced Scientist, Agricultural Coatings

We are excited to offer an outstanding opportunity for an Advanced Scientist to join our Global Research & Development (R&D) team within the Agricultural Coatings segment.

Informed by important market needs and new trends, you will develop waterborne product prototypes through your ability to connect structure/property fundamentals with novel product functionality. Your mindset for identifying problems and creating solutions will fuel a “reason to believe” for the novel functional benefits to be provided by Michelman materials and help accelerate growth in the Agricultural Coatings segment.

• Collaborate with sales and marketing to develop problem statements based on market trends and latent customer needs.
• Lead the development of new application‑centric solutions enabled by Michelman technologies within the agricultural coating team.
• Design product‑development experiments at the lab scale—by yourself or others.
• Build working knowledge of coating application methods and performance tests to develop new concepts.
• Lead the design, development, and optimization of seed coating formulations for synthetic, natural, and biodegradable polymer platforms.
• Conduct hands‑on lab work, including batch preparation, pilot‑scale simulations, and film characterization (adhesion, abrasion resistance, drying time, etc.).
• Evaluate coating performance with treated seeds, including plantability, dust‑off, active loading, and biological compatibility.
• Document thoroughly and accurately all experiments, analyses, and testing results.
• Ensure timely delivery of project‑related information/results to partners.
• Plan, initiate, and execute projects using the Michelman project management process.
• Provide written and verbal reports on technical results to business and technology leadership.
• Collaborate with the global technical team to foster idea exchange and knowledge transfer.
• Partner with commercial and customer‑facing teams to tailor solutions based on market needs and application methods.
• Draft effective user guidelines for Michelman’s products, both “application ready” solutions and additives for formulation with other materials.
• Lead internal discussions to keep colleagues up‑to‑date on relevant product/application issues.
• Support external collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and key agribusiness stakeholders.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates.

• Strong analytical and observation skills.
• Practical experience developing waterborne products, additives, or formulations for agricultural applications.
• Demonstrated track record of innovation, technology scouting, or process/product prototyping.
• Solid understanding of polymer chemistry, film‑forming behavior, and application methods for seed coating (rotary coater, fluidized bed, seed treater systems).
• Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks impacting seed coatings, such as Regulation 2023/2055, FIFRA, OECD standards.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and work independently while collaborating across disciplines.
• Experience with stage‑gate project management and required documentation.
• Agile mindset to adapt to shifting business priorities and evolving technical challenges.
• Ability to develop new laboratory methods and train others as needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer/Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant industrial experience, including at least three (3) years in seed coating or formulation technologies.
• Preferred qualifications include experience in bio‑stimulant seed coatings, bio‑based polymer for formulation development or controlled release applications, or collaboration with major seed or agrochemical companies.

• Able to travel by car or plane to visit customers when needed.
• May require long periods of standing and/or an extended work schedule.
• May require heavy lifting from time to time (as much…