R&D Mechanistic Chemist

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An established global materials and additives company is seeking a PhD-level Chemist to support fundamental research into reaction mechanisms and structure-property relationships within rubber and performance materials. This role focuses on driving scientific insight – translating molecular behavior into improved product performance, formulation strategy, and new technology development.

Base salary: $100,000–$130,000

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, and 401(k).

• Lead comprehensive mechanistic investigations into advanced tire chemistries by characterizing small molecule, polymerization and vulcanization kinetics
• Elucidate chemical cross‑linking, activator, accelerator mechanisms
• Engineer reactivity pathways to achieve superior material properties
• Develop a fundamental understanding of the interactions of rubber chemicals and their impact on rubber performance
• Utilize analytical instruments such as NMR, HPLC, GC‑MS, FTIR, and computational methods to analyze reaction dynamics, material characteristics, and predict performance outcomes, transforming data into innovations for enhanced traction and durability
• Create mechanistic models and propose reaction pathways based on experimental and theoretical evidence
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary innovation, partnering with application scientists, synthetic chemists, process experts and tire manufacturers to integrate mechanistic insights into molecular design, next-generation tire formulations, evaluate environmental impacts, and support pilot trials for real-world performance gains
• Interpret test results from raw materials and compounds, prepare technical reports, secure patents for inventions, and maintain awareness of regulatory standards
• Drive sustainability and emerging trends through scouting and evaluating new technologies, such as renewable materials or alternatives to toxic accelerators, to reduce environmental footprints while advancing tire performance for applications like electric vehicles

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field, with a focus on reaction mechanisms or kinetics
• Prior experience in the tire industry, and in-depth knowledge of the chemistry of rubber vulcanization is highly desired
• Demonstrated experience in mechanistic chemistry, including hands‑on synthesis, characterization, and data interpretation in polymer or rubber systems
• Proficiency in analytical instrumentation and techniques for organic molecule analysis, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to apply chemical principles to practical innovations in materials science
• Experience with statistical analysis and computational modeling is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, team collaboration, and presenting findings
• Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting, with knowledge of hazardous materials handling and PPE requirements
• If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Tory Mack at

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Science and Research

Chemical Manufacturing, Chemical Raw Materials Manufacturing, and Rubber Products Manufacturing