Lead Scientist, Technology AMR

polyvantis • Mount Vernon, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Technology & Innovation (T&I) organization in Mt. Vernon, Indiana is seeking a Lead Scientist, Product and Application Development. This role serves as a key scientific and technical leader, responsible for driving high-impact innovation programs, enabling successful commercialization of new products, and expanding proven solutions across new customer bases. The Lead Scientist operates with significant autonomy, influencing strategy, guiding cross-functional execution, and serving as a visible internal and external technology representative for POLYVANTIS.

Requirements

• PhD or MS in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in R&D within the chemical or polymer industry.
• Proven ability to translate business and customer needs into differentiated technical solutions with demonstrated success in commercialization and technology scale-up.
• Deep knowledge of polymer processing and structure–property relationships with experience in compounding, formulation, extrusion and/or coating processes.
• Proficiency in statistical experimentation and data analysis.
• Strong experience interfacing directly with customers, suppliers & manufacturing teams.
• Self-driven and proactive; capable of executing lab work plans including hands-on tasks.
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, execution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Enterprise systems and processes (e.g., SAP, IP management, NDAs, RMI) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in polymer chemistry and materials science related to Polycarbonate systems.
• Translate market needs and customer requirements into actionable technical programs in partnership with Product Management, Marketing, and Commercial teams.
• Initiate, plan, and execute complex, ambiguous multi-disciplinary research projects within predefined deadlines and aligned with business needs and impact.
• Manage and prioritize large, complex projects by coordinating immediate resources and cross-functional teams including global T&I, Manufacturing/Quality, Product Management, Commercial, Procurement, Legal, and external customers.
• Play an active role in stage-gate governance and project management practices to ensure rigor, discipline, and data-driven decision-making (milestones, cost, timelines, risk management, stakeholder alignment).
• Lead root-cause investigations and complex technical problem-solving to support business continuity efforts.
• Build and maintain an external network with suppliers, customers, universities, and research institutes.
• Represent POLYVANTIS externally at technical conferences, industry forums, and customer engagements to enhance scientific reputation and market positioning.
• Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and operational excellence within the T&I organization.
• Ability to travel up to 20% to primarily domestic limited international locations.

Benefits

• Full benefits and 401k employer contributions
• Paid holidays, vacation and generous sick time off
• A collaborative environment where employee feedback is valued and actively shapes how we work
• Programs and resources that support your physical, mental and financial well-being

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior