R&D Associate Chemist

Sherwin-Williams•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Associate Chemist is an entry-level role supporting new product development projects in the Household Products (HP) segment of the Packaging Coatings Division. Reporting to the HP R&D Technical Manager, the chemist works under the guidance of experienced team members and contributes to cross-functional projects addressing technical specifications defined by HP Marketing. The position offers opportunities to build technical knowledge while interacting with technical, analytical, quality, manufacturing, sales, and service personnel. The role involves supporting lower-complexity development projects, preparing and testing coating samples, conducting experiments, documenting and analyzing data, and preparing technical summaries with guidance. The Associate Chemist also supports manufacturing and internal customers, customer trials, and product commercialization. The position requires adherence to laboratory safety procedures, established professional and laboratory procedures, PCG Stage-Gate, and applicable Quality Systems. The job description notes that duties may involve contact with employees and access to confidential or proprietary information and that a criminal-history review is considered necessary to protect the business, its operations and reputation, and the safety of staff and business relationships. Travel requirements are 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
At least 1 year of laboratory experience gained through academic coursework, research, internships, co-op assignments, or employment.
Ability to safely operate standard laboratory equipment and conduct experiments using established procedures, test methods, and scientific principles.
Ability to accurately prepare and test laboratory samples and perform basic laboratory calculations.
Ability to collect, document, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data with guidance.
Ability to recognize unexpected results and apply basic problem-solving skills to laboratory work.
Ability to follow laboratory safety requirements, quality practices, and standard operating procedures.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate technical summaries and communicate findings verbally and in writing.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or coursework in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, coatings science, or a related discipline.
Coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, polymers, coatings, or materials science.
Coursework or hands-on experience in coatings, polymers, materials science, formulation, or related chemical or material systems.
Experience preparing and testing laboratory samples using established procedures.
Exposure to product development, manufacturing support, scale-up, customer trials, or commercialization.
Familiarity with statistical concepts or Design of Experiments methodology.

Responsibilities

Support low-complexity development projects within the Household Products segment under close supervision.
Manage assigned tasks and timelines with guidance from a supervisor or project lead.
Develop foundational knowledge of packaging coatings chemistry, applications, and testing procedures.
Provide support to manufacturing and internal customers as directed.
Assist in designing and executing experiments using the scientific method.
Prepare and test coating samples; record, analyze, and summarize results with guidance.
Prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical summaries and conclusion reports with guidance.
Collaborate with technical department, sales, and manufacturing colleagues to help address customer needs.
Build proficiency in assigned laboratory applications, test methods, and procedures.
Assist with projects using design of experiments (DOE) and statistical tools.
Assist colleagues and contribute to shared team goals.
Apply critical thinking, recognize unexpected results, and seek direction or coaching when needed.
Use historical information, internal resources, and approved search tools to understand projects and help develop work plans.
Support and attend customer trials as assigned.
Communicate with the manager, project team, manufacturing, procurement, vendors, and other business partners to support successful product commercialization.
Work effectively in a team environment and learn from experienced colleagues.
Follow PCG Stage-Gate, Quality Systems, and applicable procedures.
Complete assigned work using established laboratory and professional procedures.
Maintain a safe work area by following laboratory safety procedures and practices.