Materials Physics Scientist

Syensqo • Alpharetta, GA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Syensqo is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to investigate physical and chemical problems in continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites and prepreg technologies. The role focuses on experimental research to develop fundamental structure–process–property relationships relevant to composite performance. It brings together polymer science, composite mechanics, microstructural characterization, and materials engineering to address technical challenges in advanced composite development.

The scientist will study composite and prepreg microstructures, processing history, resin chemistry and morphology, and the resulting material behavior. The work includes micromechanical testing and characterization across length scales, from constituents and microstructures to bulk composite performance. Findings will inform material formulation, prepreg design, processing, and product development. The position involves collaboration across multidisciplinary R&D teams and rigorous documentation and communication of research methods, data, analyses, and conclusions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science or Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience with continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites; carbon fiber composites and prepreg materials are preferred.
• Strong experimental background in composite materials characterization, mechanical testing, micromechanics, or structure–property relationships.
• Understanding of the mechanics and failure behavior of fiber-reinforced composites, including damage and failure mechanisms in unidirectional composite systems.
• Working knowledge of polymer matrix systems used in advanced composites, such as epoxy, thermoset, and/or high-performance thermoplastic matrices.
• Experience analyzing experimental data and developing scientifically defensible conclusions from complex materials datasets.
• Ability to independently formulate hypotheses, design experiments, troubleshoot methods, and drive research programs from technical question through conclusion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary R&D teams.

Nice To Haves

• Finite element analysis, analytical micromechanics, multiscale modeling, or other computational approaches for interpreting composite behavior; in-silico/modeling skills are highly desired.
• Python, MATLAB, statistical analysis software, image-analysis tools, or other computational tools for experimental data analysis and visualization.
• Microstructural characterization of composite prepregs and cured composites using optical microscopy, SEM, X-ray CT, or related techniques.
• Quantitative image analysis and statistical characterization of composite microstructures.
• Thermoset cure chemistry and cure kinetics.
• Polymer phase behavior, phase separation, morphology development, or structure evolution during cure and processing.
• Experience with toughened resin systems and understanding of relationships among resin morphology, interfaces, and composite damage tolerance.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research projects and programs focused on continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites, prepregs, and constituent materials.
• Characterize composite and prepreg microstructures and establish quantitative relationships between microstructural features, processing history, and material performance.
• Investigate fiber distribution and alignment, resin-rich regions, porosity and voids, fiber–matrix interfaces, local heterogeneity, and other performance-relevant microstructural features.
• Use micromechanical testing methods, including laboratory micromechanical test frames, to investigate deformation, damage initiation and evolution, and failure mechanisms in unidirectional plies, prepregs, and representative composite architectures.
• Apply microscopy, image analysis, mechanical testing, and complementary characterization techniques to understand composite structure–property relationships.
• Develop mechanistic understanding of failure modes and connect observations across length scales, from constituent and microstructural behavior to bulk composite performance.
• Investigate the chemistry, morphology, and physical state of thermoset and/or thermoplastic resin systems, including changes during processing and cure.
• Evaluate relationships among resin formulation, cure history, phase behavior and morphology, network development, and mechanical performance.
• Apply analytical, statistical, computational, or micromechanical modeling approaches where appropriate to interpret experimental results and develop predictive structure–property relationships.
• Develop test methods and experimental approaches for materials questions that established methods do not address.
• Collaborate with polymer scientists, materials scientists, engineers, modeling specialists, and manufacturing and process development teams.
• Translate scientific findings into actionable guidance for material formulation, prepreg design, processing, and product development.
• Document experimental methods, data, analyses, and conclusions rigorously and reproducibly, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package; U.S. base salary range of $98,720–$140,000 per year.
• Bonus and/or other incentives.
• 16 or more weeks of maternity, paternity, and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations.
• Training platform for all employees.
• Free language courses, with 24 languages available.
• Free physical and psychological well-being sessions.
• 401-K match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree