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Research Scientist

Sika · Madison Heights, MItoday

Listed pay for MS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked center on $132k (64 with a salary).This posting does not list one.

Lead R&D on sealing and bonding materials, formulating epoxy/urethane adhesives and driving new product launches.

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Adhesives/sealants · R&D / Research roles, by email
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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own formulation and structure-property work on sealing/bonding materials at a global specialty chemical leader.

Might not be for you. Requires 10+ years experience and heavy patent/IP focus, less open-ended academic research.

Mostly at the benchDeep specialist Senior hires only Files patents regularlyRoom for your own research

Core polymer roleExpand expertise in sealing/bonding materials, including chemical interactions, formulation concepts, structure-property relationships; epoxy adhesives

Seniority
Senior
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
MS
Experience
10+ yrs
Industry
Chemicals
Role
R&D / Research
Benefits
401K with generous company matchPaid parental leaveEducation assistance

Role details

About Sika

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika is a specialty chemical company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Roles & Opportunities

Collaborate closely with internal and external team members by sharing experiences and findings and developing next steps. Responsible for creating new technologies with track record of commercial implementations. Comfortable in managing unknown situations and independently planning and leading product development. Routinely recommend new products and technical solutions.

Job Description

  • Independently plan and lead research projects to systematically solve technical challenges to create new technologies and chemical building blocks for sealing/bonding materials
  • Expand expertise in area of sealing/bonding materials, including chemical interactions, formulation concepts, structure-property relationships, and analytical test methods. Prior experience with epoxy adhesives is considered a plus.
  • Systematical experimentation using DOE and other statistical methods in evaluating data
  • Determine and protect intellectual properties and support activities for patent monitoring and filing
  • Cultivate global collaboration via initiation of internal and external scientific community engagement
  • Internal consultant/champion for sealing/bonding technology
  • Independent worker that is competent with self-directed work and may provide leadership to researchers

Qualifications

  • MS, or PhD. degree in Chemistry desired
  • Experience in adhesive formulation is considered a plus, especially relevant epoxy and/or urethane experience and interpretation of mechanical and analytical test results
  • Manufacturing support of product trials, issues, customer questions
  • Communication with internal and external customers on products in market and under development
  • 10+ years experience in self-driven work and solving technical challenges.
  • Excellent oral communication, technical writing skills and presentation skills
  • Skilled in maintaining and improving safety requirements
  • Some supervisory skills
  • Established track record of new product development and launch

Additional Information

Perks & Benefits

  • 401K with generous company match
  • Bonuses
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Floating Holidays + Paid Volunteer Time
  • Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
  • Education Assistance
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education, and or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

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Common questions

Does Sika sponsor H-1B visas?

Sika has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Research Scientist role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Research Scientist role at Sika based?

This role is based in Madison Heights, MI.

What degree is required for the Research Scientist role at Sika?

This role requires a MS.

How many years of experience does this Research Scientist role require?

The posting calls for at least 10 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Research Scientist role work with?

Epoxy adhesives, Sealants, Adhesives.

What techniques or methods are required for this Research Scientist role?

Mechanical testing, Analytical test methods.