Where is the R&D Scientist – Silicone Surfactants & PIR Foam role at Trylak based?

This role is based in Chicago, IL.

What degree is required for the R&D Scientist – Silicone Surfactants & PIR Foam role at Trylak?

The posting accepts the following combinations: BS + 3 years, MS + 2 years, PhD + 0 years.

How many years of experience does this R&D Scientist – Silicone Surfactants & PIR Foam role require?

The posting calls for at least 2 years of relevant experience.

One of 6,305 open polymer and materials roles on Crosslinked, each read for materials, degree, visa and salary. See roles like this

R&D Scientist – Silicone Surfactants & PIR Foam

Q: What polymers or materials does this R&D Scientist – Silicone Surfactants & PIR Foam role work with?

silicone surfactants, polyether-modified siloxanes, polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam, polyurethane foam.

Q: What techniques or methods are required for this R&D Scientist – Silicone Surfactants & PIR Foam role?

FTIR, NMR, viscometry, thermal conductivity k-factor testing, cell size microscopy.

Trylak · Chicago, ILtodayverified 1 h ago

BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (444 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Synthesize silicone surfactants via hydrosilylation and test them in high-index PIR rigid foam formulations.

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Foams · R&D / Research roles, by email

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own both synthesis and foam application testing, correlating siloxane structure to insulation performance.

Might not be for you. Requires relocation to Chicago and hands-on work with hazardous chemicals.

Mostly at the benchDeep specialist PhD-friendlyFirst industry roleBS acceptable Realistic requirements

Core polymer roleSynthesis and application testing of novel silicone surfactants for polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid foams; hydrosilylation of siloxane polyethers

Seniority: Mid-level
Work: On-site
Type: Full-time
Degree: BS
Experience: 2+ yrs
Industry: Chemicals
Role: R&D / Research
Relocation: Offered

Materials

silicone surfactantspolyether-modified siloxanespolyisocyanurate (PIR) foampolyurethane foam12 roles

Techniques

FTIR241 roles NMR45 roles viscometry9 rolesthermal conductivity k-factor testingcell size microscopy

Benefits

relocation package

Role details

THIS JOB REQUIRES RELOCATION TO CHICAGO. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED.

We are seeking a hands-on

R&D Scientist

to support the synthesis and application testing of novel

silicone surfactants for polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid foams

In this bench-level chemistry role, you will work on both sides of product development: synthesizing siloxane polyether additives in the lab via

hydrosilylation

and evaluating their performance directly inside

high-index PIR rigid foam formulations

. You will optimize molecular structures (siloxane backbone length, EO/PO alkoxylation ratios) based on physical foam performance, cell structure, and insulation value.

Key Responsibilities

Surfactant Synthesis:

Perform benchtop synthesis of organo-modified silicones, silicone polyethers, and polyether-modified siloxanes using

hydrosilylation reaction chemistry

PIR Foam Formulation:

Prepare, pour, and test high-index

polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid foam formulations

(NCO index > 200) using pentane, HFO, and water blowing agent systems.

Property & Performance Testing:

Measure how custom silicone additives impact foam processing and physical properties, including:

Reactivity profiles (cream, gel, tack-free, and rise times).
Cell morphology (cell size analysis via microscopy, closed cell content).
Thermal and mechanical metrics ($k$-factor / R-value, compressive strength, density).
Structure-Property Correlation:

Analyze test data to establish how molecular changes in the silicone surfactant affect foam cell stabilization and nucleation.

Process Scale-Up Support:

Assist senior team members and process engineering in transferring lab-scale organosilicone reaction protocols to pilot autoclaves and production reactors.

Qualifications

Education:

B.S. (3+ years experience), M.S. (2+ years experience), or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.

Core Technical Skills:

Synthetic Experience:

Hands-on experience executing

hydrosilylation reactions

(Si-H siloxanes + allyl polyethers/alkoxylates) or organosilicone modifications.

Formulation Experience:

Direct experience formulating and pouring

rigid polyurethane or high-index PIR foams

Analytical Skills:

Proficiency with basic lab characterization tools (FTIR, NMR, viscometry, thermal conductivity $k$-factor testing, cell size microscopy).