Principle Scientist – Synthetic Applications (Coatings, Adhesives & Tougheners)

Role details

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

We are seeking a

Synthetic Applications Leader

to bridge the gap between our synthetic chemistry platform and real-world application performance. In this high-impact technical leadership role, you will direct the application development, formulation, and technical evaluation of new synthetic additives, reactive modifiers, and

resin tougheners for coatings and structural adhesives

.

You will work directly with our synthetic R&D chemists to establish clear structure-property relationships—guiding the design of next-generation molecules (EO/PO block copolymers, ester/amide intermediates, modified siloxanes) based on how they perform in cured polymer matrices and coating systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Applications Leadership:

Lead and mentor a team of application chemists and technicians evaluating synthetic additives in coatings, industrial adhesives, and toughened thermoset resins.

• Toughener & Modifier Development:

Design formulation strategies and test protocols to evaluate structural toughening, impact resistance, flexibility, and adhesion in epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, and hybrid adhesive systems.

• Synthesis-to-Application Alignment:

Partner closely with synthetic R&D chemists to translate application performance data back into molecular design, optimizing polymer architecture, molecular weight, and functional grouping.

• Coatings & Adhesives Formulation:

Develop prototype formulations, benchmarks, and technical data packages for flow/leveling additives, surface modifiers, adhesion promoters, and toughening agents.

• Commercial & Customer Engagement:

Serve as the primary technical interface for customer technical service, joint development projects, and technical presentations with key tier-1 accounts.

• Testing & Analytics:

Oversee comprehensive physical, mechanical, and rheological testing (fracture toughness, impact resistance, tensile/peel strength, lap shear, viscometry, and cure kinetics).

Qualifications

• Education:

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Organic Chemistry.

• Experience:

7+ years of hands-on industrial experience in application development, technical service, or formulation chemistry within the

coatings, adhesives, or structural resins

sectors (with 2+ years in a technical leadership capacity).

• Core Application Expertise:

Proven expertise in formulating and evaluating structural adhesives, industrial coatings, and toughened thermoset networks (epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics).

• Synthetic Chemistry Literacy:

Strong understanding of synthetic polymer chemistry (alkoxylates, block copolymers, esters, amides, organosilicones) and how molecular structure dictates end-use physical/mechanical properties.

• Customer Interfacing Skills:

Strong track record of collaborating with clients, troubleshooting customer technical challenges, and driving commercial product adoption.