Material Scientist

MISSION / SUMMARY:
The Material Scientist is a position with responsibilities for research and development on materials including traditional polymers, biopolymers, functional barrier, additives, adhesive and other chemistries for food packaging such as cups, lids, food containers, carton etc. to support organic growth and sustainability goals and ensure a competitive advantages on sustainability and compliance. The position is part of a world class talented engineering & technical team and will report to the Senior Manager, Research & Development.

JOB FUNCTIONS: Job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Research and development of materials including traditional polymers, biopolymers, functional barrier, additives, adhesive and other chemistries for food packaging such as cups, lids, food containers, carton, etc.
• Interact with vendors on formulation improvements when needed.
• Work directly with other innovation resources in experiments, trials, and prototyping.
• Author technical reports and communicate results via technical and business-focused presentations.
• Keep current with technical literature and IP and use that knowledge to generate ideas for new products and applications, be a point-of-contact with our IP Legal team, translating discoveries and results into patent applications.
• Ensure the right chemistry is selected and proper statements are claimed.
• Navigate the full landscape of compliance packaging (compost ability, repulp ability etc.), track changes on compliance certificates, manage all certifications to ensure they are up to date.
• Represent the organization at BPI and ASTM sub-committee meetings on standards development.
• Other duties as assigned

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with materials including traditional polymers and biopolymers as functional barriers or primary packaging.
• Experience with coating of fiber-based packaging is strongly preferred.
• Experience with equipment and processes such as extrusion coating, dispersion coating, extrusion, thermoforming, printing, adhesive systems, surface sizing, etc.
• Experience working with composability and repulp ability Certification and Testing agencies, BPI, DIN, AMC, WMU, etc.

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE:

• Masters in chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science with 10 years of relevant experience. PhD in related fields is a plus.
• Thorough understanding of FDA regulations and approval procedures on food-contact products.
• Thorough understanding of industrial compost ability, home compost ability, marine composability and other compliance requirements and standards in the U.S. market and across the globe.
• Thorough understanding of repulp ability standards and certifications.
• Knowledge of SBS, SUS, CRB paperboard used for the Foodservice industry is a plus.

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical skills. Must have the ability to interpret results from microscope, 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.
• Experience with data analytics.

SCHEDULE DEMANDS:

• General schedule is an 8-hour M-F assignment, however, employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or by rail.
• Position may require up to 25% travel.
• Occasional ability to work remotely.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Researching and investigating
• Explain technical concepts in non-technical and understandable language
• Documentation

Required Skills

• Strong analytical skills. Must have the ability to interpret results from microscope, 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.
• Experience with data analytics.

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