Senior Scientist R&D

Toyota • Ann Arbor, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Toyota Research Institute of North America, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the in-house research on hydrocarbon polymer materials. This role will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to develop advanced hydrocarbon membrane and ionomer materials for fuel cell and water electrolysis applications. The successful candidate will lead original research in the design, synthesis and characterization of polymer materials, while actively collaborating with academic and industry partners to accelerate in-house research efforts. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative environment with diverse scientific and engineering teams. This role requires deep expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization to drive the development of hydrocarbon polymers. Responsibilities include synthesizing advanced hydrocarbon polymer materials and supporting their integration into electrochemical devices. A key focus of this work will be addressing the critical performance and durability challenges associated with hydrocarbon polymers for fuel cell and water electrolysis applications. This position offers a unique opportunity to advance polymer research from early laboratory concepts to practical applications.

Requirements

• Must possess a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related scientific discipline, with demonstrated expertise in polymer chemistry and materials development.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience and hands-on in monomer and polymer design, synthesis, modification, and characterization.
• Experience developing and synthesizing advanced polymeric materials using a variety of polymerization and functionalization approaches is strongly preferred, including techniques such as Diels-Alder, condensation, ROMP, superacid polymerization, and sulfonation.
• Experience with ion-exchange polymers for fuel cell and water electrolysis applications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in scaling polymer synthesis from laboratory scale to large-scale batch production.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize effectively, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly self-motivated, with intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a drive to overcome technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of hydrocarbon polymer materials for membrane and ionomer applications in fuel cell and water electrolyzers.
• Develop synthesis strategies to explore different types of hydrocarbon polymer chemistries and performance polymer characterizations using techniques such as GPC, NMR, IEC, DMA, and other relevant analytical methods.
• Collaborate with electrochemical device experts to design and modify polymer structures and support material integration into fuel cell and water electrolysis devices.
• Work with external partners to support polymer scale-up from laboratory synthesis to larger-scale batches.
• Address emerging technical challenges in the field of polymer materials research.
• Prepare high-impact publications, patent applications, and technical reports; deliver regular updates to the team and management; and present findings at conferences.
• Contribute to defining technical roadmaps and project strategies in alignment with organizational goals.
• Mentor and support junior scientists and lab assistants in the planning and execution of polymer research.

Benefits

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Tuition reimbursement
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
• Relocation (if applicable)

What This Job Offers

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