Polymer Additives Sr. Application Scientist

Syensqo • Stamford, CT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Polymer Sr. Additives Application Scientist (Polyolefin Stabilization & Formulations) will provide technical application leadership to develop, validate, and support polymer additive solutions for polyolefins, with deep expertise in functional additives and formulation development. Also the purpose of the role is to generate high-quality application data, translate customer needs into robust formulations, and support commercial growth across key segments including automotive, agriculture, building & construction, wire & cable, durable goods, and molding applications.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of experience in polymer additives application development, with strong focus on polyolefin stabilization and formulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in UV stabilizers/HALS, UV absorbers, antioxidants, including interactions and performance trade-offs (process vs. long-term stability).
• Solid knowledge of polyolefin end-use requirements in automotive, agriculture, building & construction, wire & cable, durable goods, and molding applications.
• Hands-on experience with polymer processing: extrusion, injection molding, compression molding (compounding/conversion experience strongly preferred).
• Experience with accelerated weathering and durability testing and interpreting failure modes.
• Competency in polymer characterization and physical testing; ability to design test plans and draw clear, defensible conclusions.
• Familiarity with additional additives: pigments, flame retardants, slip/antiblock agents, processing aids, etc.
• Strong communication skills: clear technical writing, data storytelling, and conference-level presentation capability.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with customer trial support and stage-gate development projects.
• Knowledge of relevant standards/methods (e.g., ISO/ASTM; weathering standards and durability requirements).
• Experience in instrument troubleshooting, method development, and lab safety/quality practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize polyolefin stabilization packages (UV stabilizers, UV absorbers and antioxidants) for PP/PE and related resin systems.
• Formulate with complementary additives (e.g., pigments, flame retardants, slip/antiblock agents, fillers) to meet performance and regulatory requirements for targeted applications.
• Build “Cause and Effect” understanding linking additive chemistry, processing history, and end-use performance.
• Plan and execute polymer processing trials using extrusion (single/twin-screw), injection molding, compression molding, and related compounding/conversion methods.
• Define processing windows and assess effects of shear/temperature/oxygen exposure on stabilization performance (melt stability, color, odor, die build-up, etc.).
• Lead accelerated weathering and durability evaluations (e.g., UV exposure, thermal aging), including test plan definition, controls, and interpretation.
• Conduct, analyze, and interpret test results (e.g., MFR/MFI, DSC/OIT, TGA, tensile/impact/flexural, hardness, color/ΔE, gloss, haze, density; as relevant).
• Develop statistically sound application datasets and technical documentation to support product positioning, claims, and customer trials.
• Provide expert technical support to internal teams and customers: troubleshoot formulation, processing, and performance issues; propose corrective actions and validate solutions.
• Troubleshoot and maintain key lab/testing instruments; coordinate repairs/calibration with vendors and internal resources as needed.
• Partner with R&D, Product Management, Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to align on priorities, launch readiness, and customer support.
• Contribute to innovation pipelines by identifying unmet needs and proposing new additive concepts, test methods, or application platforms.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations at customer meetings and industry conferences; contribute to papers/posters where appropriate.
• Capture competitive intelligence and market trends; share learnings internally to improve products and messaging.

Benefits

• A full range of benefits as expected of a successful company
• Opportunities for growth and learning
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations
• Training platform for all employees
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

What This Job Offers

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