Senior Polymer Specialist

BASF SE • Southfield, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The automotive coatings division is one of BASF’s most dynamic and fast-growing businesses in the region. We have great people filled with a passion to deliver innovative, high quality coatings solutions to our customers – carmakers and aftermarket alike. Our team is dynamic, customer focused and growth oriented. We are seeking a professional like you to join our team to support the introduction of new resins and polymers for automotive coatings into production, as well as provide technical expertise to solve production issues with established polymers and champion the localization of global technologies by close collaboration with global resins groups. In this role, you will also proactively identify business opportunities, as well as plan and execute laboratory research for the development of polymers for Basecoat and Ecoat in the area of automotive coatings.

Requirements

• PhD in chemistry, polymer science and Coatings or material science.
• Strong understanding of polymer science concepts.
• Hands on skills in the preparation of polymers for primer, basecoat and/or Ecoat using a variety of techniques including but not limited to free radical polymerization and or controlled free radical polymerization, condensation polymerization, emulsion polymerization.
• Application of polymers in the coatings area.
• High level of chemistry competency relating to the elucidation of structure-property relationships.
• Preparation & monitoring of intellectual property.
• Experience of working across cultures and being part of a global team.
• Exceptional communication skills – verbal and written.
• Analytical instrumentation.
• Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Project development process (converting intellectual property into projects) and subsequent project management skills.
• Trouble shooting.
• Following work procedures.
• SAP
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of experience industrial automotive OEM coatings (preferred).
• Understanding of resin regulatory registrations.
• Training of other associates and serving as a mentor.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and develop resins to support development projects.
• Perform advanced analysis of polymers and run proof of concept experiments.
• Execute and support global projects in the field of polymers for Basecoat and Ecoat.
• Prepare and monitor Intellectual Property.
• Collaborate closely with Global and Local Product Development and Color functions, exBU’s and functions, and translate creative technical approaches into generation of commercial resins.
• Represent the North America Resin group on a Global Platform and actively participate in internal and external meetings.
• Dissipate updates and findings through Presentations.
• Contribute as a raw material expert and qualify alternate sources based on comprehensive analysis and resin synthesis.
• Prepare polymers using a variety of techniques such as Free radical polymerization and or Controlled Free Radical Polymerization, Condensation Polymerization, Emulsion Polymerization.
• Collaborate with global Technology and Operations groups to lead the localization of global resin technologies.
• Trouble-shoot manufacturing issues.
• Replicate manufacturing scenarios by performing lab synthesis.
• Participate in the introduction of new resins into production.
• Train other associates and serve as a mentor.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

What This Job Offers

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