Senior Scientist

National Gypsum Company • Charlotte, NC

11d • $114,528 - $143,160

About The Position

The Senior Scientist is responsible for leading and conducting scientific research including generating ideas, designing experiments, collecting, and interpreting data, and providing strategic insights to ensure that NGC maintains leadership in the building products market. This role carries a focus on joint compounds, plaster, and related wet-applied and finishing systems. We welcome candidates whose depth comes from adjacent paste- and slurry-based formulation fields — such as cement-based mortars and finishing systems, paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, concrete admixtures, or other calcium sulfate / gypsum products — and who are eager to channel that expertise into joint compound and plaster. They will play a key role in the identification and improvement of current processes and products as well as introduction and scale-up of new products/technologies that would be valuable to NGC. The incumbent shall work closely with the manufacturing team, vendors, and other allied partners to provide detailed analysis of existing products with a focus on performance improvement and sustainability. The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively and adherence to NGC core values during daily work is imperative.

Requirements

• MS in a relevant field plus 5+ years of industrial experience, or a PhD in a relevant field with 0–2 years of industrial experience.
• Hands-on formulation experience in joint compounds or plaster, or in an adjacent paste- or slurry-based building material field — for example, cement-based mortars, tile adhesives, grouts, self-leveling underlayments, renders or stuccos, paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants, caulks, concrete admixtures, or other calcium sulfate / gypsum products. Directly relevant adjacent experience is valued and will be considered.
• Demonstrated command of one or more core formulation competencies that transfer to our work: paste / slurry rheology and workability, waterborne polymer and film formation, mineral filler and additive systems (thickeners, defoamers, surfactants, dispersants, biocides), and set / cure control.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the science of wet-applied and finishing building materials, and the drive to go deep on joint compound and plaster chemistry, rheology, and application performance — the kind of scientist who is energized by problems others overlook.
• Proven track record of successful research and developing new products/technologies.
• Demonstrated creativity, analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• An organized, self-starter requiring minimal supervision.
• Must have can-do attitude with a willingness to roll up sleeves to get the job done.
• Must be an excellent communicator, both verbal and written, including formal presentation skills.
• A willing team player with the leadership skills necessary to focus on objectives and complete assignments on time.
• A willingness to travel as much as 40% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Generate, lead, and conduct impactful research that expands the existing technology envelope, with particular emphasis on joint compound and plaster formulation, rheology, and performance.
• Plan and design scientifically rigorous experiments; collect, analyze, and interpret data providing conclusions, highlighting risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Contribute to innovation and development of new products, technologies, laboratory techniques and test methods and foster information sharing.
• Develop and/or adapt test methods to quantify physical properties of new or existing products.
• Supervise witnessed test programs and edit the reports for technical accuracy.
• Collaborate with various functions across the organization to achieve project objectives.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and scientific literature; establish a detailed knowledge of competitive products and systems, their performance characteristics, and strengths and weaknesses compared to NGC — including the competitive joint compound, plaster, paints, and coatings landscape. This includes attending relevant industry trade shows (Coatings show, etc.) to stay close to emerging technology and materials.
• Effectively communicate technical activities, results, guidance, and support (both verbally and in writing) to all levels within the company and outside the company when required.
• Lead and mentor junior staff by providing training and supporting their professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements.
• Ensure strategic alignment to ProForm’s business unit objectives when it comes to current and future innovation needs and prioritization — working together with the business unit to develop a robust innovation pipeline that is sustainable.
• Drive the path from ideation to commercialization — knowing and understanding process or equipment limitations. Work with the business unit to develop the capital or technical discipline needed to accomplish this.
• Serve on technical committees as needed (example — Drywall Finishing Council).
• Embrace and integrate AI tools to solve formulation or innovation needs in the drywall finishing space to accelerate time from conception to implementation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits to include: Medical Dental Vision 401(k) with employer match Retirement Account Parental Leave Fertility Services Adoption Assistance Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Tuition Reimbursement Life Insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Flexible spending accounts Wellness Program with medical premium incentives

What This Job Offers

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