Senior Technical Associate - R&D Chemist

DuPont•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The R&D Senior Technical Associate is a highly independent, lab-focused role responsible for formulation development, hypothesis-driven experiments, batch and sample preparation, testing, and data analysis for Automotive Adhesives. This role extends beyond execution. The individual will own defined portions of larger development programs or independently lead smaller projects, while guiding the day-to-day technical work of R&D technicians. They are accountable for ensuring work is conducted efficiently, safely, and with strong scientific rigor. Success in this role requires a high level of ownership, the ability to work autonomously, and confidence in driving technical decisions within a defined project scope, while staying aligned with development leadership.

Requirements

B.S degree in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
2+ years in an R&D or product development environment is preferred
Experience working directly with customers, including technical support, data review, or joint development activities
Demonstrated ability to work independently on lab projects and collaborate across cross‑functional teams

Responsibilities

Design, plan, and execute hypothesis-based Design of Experiments (DOEs) to support new product development, formulation optimization, and troubleshooting
Perform independent formulation development within defined project scopes, including raw material selection, formulation adjustments, and experimental strategy
Apply strong scientific reasoning and polymer fundamentals to propose, execute, and refine experimental paths
Independently execute lab-scale batch preparation for adhesive formulations, including weighing, mixing, conditioning, and handling of raw materials
Perform sample preparation for testing with a strong focus on repeatability, traceability, and data quality
Execute relevant testing, including rheological based testing and other performance characterization required for automotive adhesive applications
Ensure testing aligns with internal, customer, and industry standards where applicable
Own defined portions of complex development programs or independently lead smaller projects, managing activities from planning through execution and final reporting
Identify technical risks, propose mitigation strategies, and drive problems to resolution with minimal supervision.
Proactively define next steps and experimental plans rather than waiting for direction.
Guide and direct the work of R&D technicians on a regular basis, including task prioritization, experimental execution, and data quality expectations
Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned lab activities, ensuring technicians understand objectives, methods, and success criteria
Collaborate effectively with analytical, manufacturing, and cross functional partners
Occasionally support customer‑facing technical activities, including participation in technical reviews, data discussions, or customer visits as needed