Scientist, Packaging

The Polymer Scientist is a position at GPI’s Food service Technical Center with responsibilities for research and development of polymeric materials for food packaging including biopolymers, renewable polymers, other functional barriers, and adhesives to support GPI’s organic growth and sustainability goals. The position is part of a world class talented engineering & technical team at GPI’s Food service Technical Center and will report to the Senior Manager, Research & Development.

• Research and development of materials, processes, and applications for traditional food packaging polymers such as LDPE, PET, PS, and PP, as well as biopolymers, functional barriers, additives, adhesives, and other materials for food packaging such as fiber cups, food containers, cartons, and lids.
• Develop and manage partnerships with material suppliers.
• Work directly with other innovation resources in experiments, trials, and prototyping.
• Write technical reports with actionable recommendations to drive product and platform innovation.
• Communicate results via technical and business-focused presentations.
• Operate and train on the use of analytical lab equipment.
• Keep current with technical literature and intellectual property. Be a point‑of‑contact with our IP Legal team, translating discoveries and results into patent applications.
• Participate in relevant industry organizations and committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Experience with traditional food packaging polymers such as LDPE, PET, PS, and PP.
• Experience with biopolymers, functional barriers, additives, adhesives, and other materials for food packaging such as fiber cups, food containers, cartons, and lids is a plus.
• Experience with equipment and processes for extrusion. Thermoforming is a plus.

• Master’s in chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering, with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Continue education in a STEM field is a plus.
• Thorough understanding of polymers and processing equipment for food packaging is a plus.

• Strong analytical skills. Must have the ability to interpret results from microscopy, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, and rheological analysis.
• Must have the ability to explain technical concepts in non‑technical and understandable language.
• Must have the ability to be self‑directed and manage priorities.
• Able to translate analytical results to practical applications.
• Experience with data analytics.

• General schedule is an 8‑hour Monday‑Friday assignment, but the employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally, including early mornings, nights, and/or weekends, and be punctual while doing so.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required, including flying, driving, riding or by rail.
• Position may require up to 25% travel.
• Occasional ability to work remotely.

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time up to 8 hours.
• Occasional lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
• Use of various office hand and electrical tools or equipment.

• Oral and written communication skills
• Researching and investigating
• Problem solving
• Hands‑on skills
• Detailed documentation

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.  

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