Senior Material Scientist

Since MonoSol’s founding in 1953, our business is helping people and the planet. With the power of water-soluble technology and our brilliant team of chemists, engineers and innovators, we create safer, simpler and more sustainable solutions for a range of industries.

We constantly challenge our employees and customers to rethink what’s possible. Our technology has already revolutionized product categories like detergents, healthcare and agriculture. Our recent technological advancements enable us to tackle packaging waste issues.

Although MonoSol has expanded across the globe, we take pride in maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit from when we began with just one facility in Northwest Indiana. A lot has changed since 1953, but we’ve never lost the heart of close-knit, nimble and inventive company. We believe in each other, what we do and our power to do good for the world.

Description

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to contribute to a global sustainability initiative aimed at developing alternative solutions using natural polymers to replace existing packaging comprised of non-sustainably sourced materials.

In this role they will be responsible for leading programs to develop structural-property relationship of

new packaging materials (films or alternative formats)including water soluble flexible packaging. . The candidate will lead cross-functional team/s coordinating the evaluation of the application of new materials, developing materials property models through testing and computational modeling, and work closely/interface with corporate R&D as well as key suppliers and customers.

The candidate will have an opportunity to explore film converting processes and develop mechanistic understanding of the transformations for both new and existing products and applications.

An important aspect of this role will be to provide technical leadership and support to marketing, sales, and operations initiatives.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to be able to perform both routine and specialized laboratory activities, while executing development projects within the R&D group of a fast-growing company. This position will be in Chicago (link shown below) and report to the R&D Vice President.

Company Behind Tide Pods Technology Plans Innovation Center in Chicago’s Fulton Market (costar.com)

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and establish new application platform capabilities. Utilize common and advanced laboratory test equipment to perform hands-on mechanical and application testing, and make recommendations for future instrumentation capabilities and developing nonstandard tests.
• Utilize advanced data interpretation methods to evaluate new materials, existing products and processes to meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Create concept models and prototypes utilizing lab-scale tools and equipment as well as external partners.
• Analyze, evaluate and develop intellectual property.
• Collaborate locally and globally with fellow scientists, engineers, operations, sales, and marketing team members on development projects, interpreting test results.
• Leverage external sources of innovation, including Kuraray’s R&D capabilities, to develop technologies for new products and processes.
• In a non-supervisory capacity, provide coaching, and guidance regarding project tasks to other engineers, designers, technicians and associates.
• Requires a flexible work style and travel as necessary to perform assignments.
  
  

Qualifications

• M.S or Ph.D. in Material Science, or Polymer Engineering, Polymer packaging is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in development structural-property relationship models and their applications.
• Strong expertise in polymer fundamentals and material structure-property relationships, with knowledge of film processing and converting and impact of formulation on mechanical properties
• Prior experience in managing professionals and technicians is a plus.
• Strong team-oriented professional with good interpersonal skills who is hands-on with a high energy approach to work leveraging analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with computational modeling, such as CFD, is a plus.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and be capable of working independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to communicate ideas and information clearly, effectively, and frequently (oral and written) both to senior management, customers and associates.
• Has working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Office, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint.
  
  

CLOSING

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this position. This is not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. MonoSol, LLC reserves the right to make changes to the job description whenever necessary.

DISCLAIMER

As part of MonoSol, LLC’s employment process, finalist candidates will be required to complete a physical drug / alcohol test and background check prior to commencing employment. MonoSol, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.