R&D Associate Chemist

Sherwin-Williams • Pittsburgh, PA

2d • $71,945 - $89,724

About The Position

The Associate Chemist, Polymer Development, supports research and development of packaging coating technologies through polymer synthesis, material characterization, product development, and laboratory operations. The role applies foundational chemistry and polymer science knowledge to support innovation, product improvement, and commercialization while following safety, quality, and operational standards.

The Associate Chemist works with scientists, chemists, and cross-functional teams to develop and evaluate polymer technologies, conduct laboratory experiments, analyze results, and communicate findings. The position offers opportunities to develop technical skills in polymer synthesis, formulation development, statistical analysis, and scale-up activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or math).
• Successful completion of college-level general and organic chemistry coursework, including laboratory coursework.
• At least one year of laboratory experience gained through academic coursework, research, internships, co-op assignments, or employment.
• Ability to accurately prepare samples, solutions, and experimental materials using established formulations and procedures.
• Ability to perform laboratory calculations and accurately record, organize, and interpret experimental data.
• Working knowledge of laboratory documentation practices, including recording procedures, observations, and results.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures, chemical-handling requirements, and established test methods.
• Ability to identify experimental or equipment issues and apply basic problem-solving skills to support troubleshooting.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework or concentration in polymer chemistry, polymer science, coatings science, materials science, or chemical engineering.
• Additional coursework in polymer chemistry or synthesis, analytical or physical chemistry, materials characterization, coatings science, statistics, or Design of Experiments.
• Foundational knowledge of general and organic chemistry, including chemical reactions, material properties, solution preparation, and laboratory calculations.
• Ability to follow written experimental procedures and accurately document methods, observations, calculations, and results.
• Basic ability to organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, adjust priorities, and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work safely and collaboratively in a laboratory and cross-functional technical environment.
• Academic, internship, co-op, or professional experience with polymer synthesis, polymer characterization, coatings formulation, or materials development.
• Exposure to epoxy, polyester, acrylic, or other thermoset or thermoplastic polymer systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory characterization techniques used to evaluate polymers, coatings, or related materials.
• Experience using statistical analysis, Design of Experiments, or data-visualization tools.
• Exposure to product development, process scale-up, manufacturing, or commercialization activities.
• Experience in the coatings, polymers, packaging, chemicals, or related materials industry.

Responsibilities

• Perform polymer synthesis, characterization, and evaluation for epoxy, polyester, acrylic, and other polymer systems in support of platform and product-development initiatives.
• Contribute to the development, modification, optimization, and scale-up of coating formulations and polymer technologies.
• Apply fundamental polymer chemistry principles to support product and process improvements.
• Assist with evaluating, selecting, and qualifying raw materials for product-development projects.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments and accurately document procedures, observations, and results.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to technical recommendations and project decisions.
• Develop and deliver technical reports, presentations, project updates, and recommendations to technical and business stakeholders.
• Operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate laboratory equipment according to established procedures.
• Maintain laboratory organization and housekeeping and comply with safety and environmental requirements.
• Support statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Manufacturing, Analytical Services, Quality, Regulatory, and other cross-functional groups.
• Perform additional project and laboratory responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• The company describes a range of benefits related to retirement, health care, total well-being, and commuting; eligibility and details are available through its benefits website.
• The company describes rewards, benefits, and flexibility intended to support employee health and well-being, as well as opportunities to learn, develop skills, and grow.

What This Job Offers

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