Where is the R&D Scientist – PIR Foam Formulation & Applications role at Trylak based?

This role is based in Chicago, IL.

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

The posting calls for at least 5 years of relevant experience.

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R&D Scientist – PIR Foam Formulation & Applications

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

polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam, rigid polyurethane (PUR) foam, silicone surfactants, polyester polyols, isocyanates.

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

thermal conductivity (k-factor) measurement, ASTM E84, cone calorimetry, compressive strength testing, reactivity profiling.

Trylak · Chicago, ILtodayverified 1 h ago

BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (453 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Lead PIR rigid foam formulation R&D, testing additives and supporting customer insulation applications.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own the application lab as internal SME on high-index PIR chemistry, shaping next-gen silicone surfactants.

Might not be for you. Requires relocation to Chicago and 5+ years of specific rigid PU/PIR foam experience.

Mostly at the benchDeep specialist Senior hires only

Core polymer rolePIR Foam Formulation: Develop, optimize, and benchmark high-index polyisocyanurate (PIR) and rigid polyurethane (PUR) foam formulations

Seniority: Senior
Work: On-site
Type: Full-time
Degree: BS
Experience: 5+ yrs
Industry: Chemicals
Role: R&D / Research
Relocation: Offered

Materials

polyisocyanurate (PIR) foamrigid polyurethane (PUR) foamsilicone surfactantspolyester polyolsisocyanates10 roles

Techniques

thermal conductivity (k-factor) measurementASTM E84cone calorimetrycompressive strength testing1 rolereactivity profiling

Benefits

relocation package

Role details

THIS POSITION REQUIRE RELOCATION TO CHICAGO. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED

We are seeking a

PIR Foam Expert

to lead our application development lab focused on

polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid foam formulations

In this high-impact R&D role, you will be the internal subject matter expert on high-index rigid foam chemistry. You will build realistic PIR foam recipes (boardstock, panels, and spray foam), screen and optimize performance additives—specifically

silicone surfactants, trimerization catalysts, and polyols

—and generate application data packages that prove our additive performance to major insulation manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

PIR Foam Formulation:

Develop, optimize, and benchmark high-index polyisocyanurate (PIR) and rigid polyurethane (PUR) foam formulations utilizing pentane, HFO, and water blowing agent systems.

Additive Evaluation:

Evaluate novel silicone surfactants (cell stabilizers), catalysts, and polyester polyols in PIR foam matrices to establish structure-property-performance relationships.

Physical & Analytical Testing:

Perform comprehensive physical, mechanical, and thermal testing of rigid foam samples, including:

Reactivity profiles (cream, gel, tack-free, and rise times).
Cell structure analysis (cell size, open/closed cell content).
Thermal performance ($k$-factor / R-value) and dimensional stability.
Mechanical strength (compressive strength, friability) and flame/flammability testing (ASTM E84, cone calorimetry).
Cross-Functional R&D Collaboration:

Partner directly with internal

Synthetic Silicone Chemist Leaders

to translate foam performance data back into molecular design—guiding the synthesis of next-generation silicone surfactants.

Customer Technical Service:

Serve as the technical authority during customer evaluations, helping commercial boardstock and insulation producers troubleshoot formulation issues and adopt our additive technologies.

Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

5+ years of hands-on industrial R&D or technical service experience specifically focused on

rigid polyurethane / polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam formulation

Core Technical Expertise:
Deep understanding of

high-index chemistry (NCO index > 200) , isocyanurate trimerization kinetics, and aromatic polyester polyols.

Direct experience working with

pentane blowing agents

(n-pentane, cyclopentane, isopentane) or HFOs.

Proven expertise evaluating

silicone cell stabilizers

and their impact on foam cell nucleation and density.

Testing Proficiency:

Hands-on experience with lab-scale foam pour/mix equipment, ASTM physical testing standards, and thermal conductivity measurement ($k$-factor).