Researcher - Polyolefin Catalyst Development

Braskem • Pittsburgh, PA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Braskem is seeking a highly motivated Researcher to join the U.S. Polyolefin Catalysis team at the Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh. This role is crucial for the discovery, development, and scale-up of heterogeneous polyolefin catalysts, aiming to translate business needs into innovative or improved catalyst solutions. The position is part of Braskem's strategy centered on people and sustainability, contributing to the Circular Economy. Braskem America is a leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with a strong focus on innovation and biotechnology.

The candidate will collaborate with the Global Catalysis team to understand business requirements and develop new catalyst programs. Responsibilities include conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) and technology landscape assessments, hands-on catalyst synthesis, planning and evaluating polymerization experiments, analyzing data to understand structure-performance relationships, and assisting in catalyst scale-up and technology transfer. The role also involves maintaining current knowledge in catalysis and polymerization science, building Braskem's core catalyst technology, transferring technical knowledge, and mentoring fellow researchers.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science with some postdoctoral or industrial experience in catalyst synthesis, discovery, and development.
• Strong hands-on skills in synthetic chemistry, catalyst preparation, reaction planning, troubleshooting, and handling hazardous chemicals, including inert-atmosphere techniques.
• A solid understanding of heterogeneous catalysis, catalyst characterization, and structure-performance relationships is essential.
• Skills in olefin polymerization, reaction engineering, problem-solving, teamwork, and excellent communication are also required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Ziegler-Natta catalyst synthesis for polyethylene and polypropylene is preferred.
• Less than 10 years of post-Ph.D. industrial and/or postdoctoral experience in catalyst synthesis, discovery, and development.
• Strong safety mindset
• Strong focus on mentoring
• Track record of working in a team environment
• Strong technical/problem solving aptitude
• Initiative, a drive for results, and ability to solve complex problems by identifying and enrolling appropriate resources
• Must be team- and results-oriented with the ability to lead and implement new technology improvements.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to Braskem’s safety with strong knowledge of safe laboratory practices, including proper handling of hazardous, air-sensitive, and pyrophoric chemicals, chemical storage, waste disposal, and SDS requirements.
• Participate in project teams conducting catalyst research and develop and implement comprehensive technical project plans.
• Plan and initiate independent research programs in support of business and technology goals.
• Identify catalyst technology opportunities based on business needs and contribute to the development of new catalyst concepts and research programs.
• Conduct literature, patent, technology landscape, and Freedom to Operate (FTO) analyses to support catalyst discovery, guide technology development, and identify potential intellectual property opportunities.
• Take full ownership of hands-on catalyst synthesis, including developing synthesis plans, safely handling catalyst precursors and reagents, executing catalyst preparation procedures, troubleshooting synthesis challenges, and maintaining accurate experimental records.
• Plan polymerization experiments, evaluate catalyst performance, and analyze polymerization results together with catalyst and polymer characterization data to guide further catalyst development.
• Support catalyst technology scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory development through pilot and manufacturing implementation, including technical troubleshooting as needed.
• Maintain current knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, polyolefin catalyst technologies, polymerization science, and relevant scientific and technical developments.
• Build and expand Braskem’s core catalyst technology through new scientific discovery, external collaboration, and development of intellectual property.
• Transfer technical knowledge through presentations, technical reports, and day-to-day collaboration with fellow researchers, chemists, engineers, and technicians.
• Train and mentor fellow researchers, chemists, and technicians in catalyst preparation, laboratory techniques, data interpretation, and safe experimental practices.
• Work effectively as a collaborative team member within the U.S. and Global Catalysis teams.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Retirement Benefits
• Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Teladoc
• A wide range of voluntary benefits like Pet Insurance, Legal and ID Theft Insurance
• Flexible work schedules like 9/80 schedules for eligible team members

What This Job Offers

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