Research Scientist Jobgaston, Sc

Why You'll Love This Job

The Research Scientist leads assigned research, product development, process improvement, and scale-up initiatives that convert technical opportunities into manufacturable and commercially relevant solutions. The role applies polymer science, experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve product performance, strengthen manufacturing capability, reduce technical risk, and support successful commercialization.

• Lead research and development projects focused on new products, process improvements, and specialty polymer applications, delivering technical solutions that advance business growth, manufacturing capability, and customer value.
• Design and execute experimental programs using sound scientific and engineering principles to generate actionable data, reduce technical uncertainty, and support informed decision-making.
• Develop and evaluate polymer formulations, processing conditions, and product performance characteristics to improve product quality, manufacturability, sustainability, and commercial competitiveness.
• Translate laboratory findings into pilot-scale and commercial-scale implementation strategies, supporting successful technology transfer, scale-up, and product commercialization.
• Plan, coordinate, and support manufacturing trials while analyzing results and providing technical recommendations that improve process performance, product consistency, and operational reliability.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Marketing, Commercial, and Sustainability teams to resolve technical challenges and accelerate the development and deployment of customer-focused solutions.
• Analyze technical, operational, and analytical data to identify trends, diagnose root causes, and develop practical recommendations that improve product and process performance.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to laboratory personnel and project teams, fostering scientific rigor, knowledge sharing, and safe execution of development activities.
• Support the evaluation, selection, and implementation of laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing equipment, enhancing technical capabilities and supporting strategic business objectives.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, test methods, technical documentation, and best practices to strengthen data quality, knowledge management, safety performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, establishing priorities, timelines, and resource requirements to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business goals.
• Serve as an R&D technical representative on cross-functional initiatives, effectively communicating technical findings, influencing project direction, and contributing to business planning, innovation, and long-term technology strategy.

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in polymer science, chemical processing, product development, process development, or related technical environments.
• Experience leading research, product development, process improvement, or commercialization projects from laboratory concept through pilot or manufacturing implementation.
• Experience applying experimental design, statistical methods, and technical data analysis to evaluate product performance, process capability, and technology development opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical data sets, identify trends, develop fact-based conclusions, and communicate recommendations that support business and manufacturing decisions.
• Experience with PET resins, rPET, polyester manufacturing processes, recycling technologies, or related polymer industries strongly preferred.
• Strong experience with laboratory testing, analytical methods, data visualization, and interpretation of scientific and operational data.
• Knowledge and experience with chemical process safety in laboratory and manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience operating laboratory-scale reactors, pilot-scale equipment, or similar polymer processing systems preferred.

• Demonstrates strong technical expertise and scientific leadership to advance research, product development, and process improvement initiatives that support business growth and…