Polymer Chemist

The Polymer Chemist is responsible for leading activities related to polymer research and new product development within the Performance Coatings Group Polymer team. The incumbent will have opportunities to demonstrate leadership while providing support to polymer manufacturing, performing independent projects, and supervise technicians on a day to day basis.
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Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.


The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.


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Performs polymer synthesis, evaluations, and development of new or updated formulas that require a strong understanding of chemistry, product lines, and materials; assists with determining quality standards and troubleshooting
Polymer synthesis includes but is not limited to alkyds, polyurethanes, polyesters and acrylics; both waterborne and solvent borne
Formulates and applies coatings to screen/evaluate polymer performance to gain structure-property relationship knowledge and guide polymer design
Develops and adjusts product formulas and coding, develops test batches and applies a basic understanding of application principles and practices; assists with the development and scale up of production formulas 
Analyzes, evaluates, and selects materials for evaluations and production batches
Serves as a team member for projects that are complex in nature and are generally sub-sets of larger objectives and provides professional support to the product development, quality control, manufacturing processes, and other operations 
Interprets and applies department policies and procedures and applicable laws, rules, and regulations; ensures compliance with these areas
Develops reports and documents detailing evaluation, project, and overall results
Gives high level presentations that review progress to internal customers at Sherwin-Williams   
Responds to complex questions and concerns from plants, research technicians, quality control, customers and other internal and external parties regarding development and related programs and services
Operates, cleans, and calibrates a variety of equipment that requires professional judgment and background; also utilizes technical or standard equipment during the course of projects   
Assists with general project development and provides input regarding resources, timelines, and other project requirements
May supervise or serve as a lead to lower level technicians, interns or support personnel performing research projects 
Stays current with relevant scientific literature, intellectual property, and trends
Performs other duties as assigned
FORMAL EDUCATION: Required:• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering  • Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying for employment (without now or in the future needing sponsorship for employment work visa and/or permanent residence status).
Preferred:• Master’s or Ph.D. in Polymer Science or related area
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:Required:• 7 years of polymer synthesis experience• 5 years of coatings related polymer synthesis experience
Preferred:• 7 years of coatings related polymer synthesis experience• In-depth understanding of polymer structure-property relationships and coating formulation.
TECHNICAL/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:Required:• Applying fundamental application methods and procedures• Strong communication (written and verbal) skills• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills• Solving problems and recommending solutions• Applying a general understanding of the commercialization process• Prioritizing daily project tasks• Interpreting and applying department policies and procedures and applicable laws, rules, and regulation• PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and other applicable applications
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:10%
 
Upon completion of construction, the individual selected for this role will primarily work at the new Sherwin-Williams Global Technology Center in Brecksville, Ohio. Construction is expected to be complete in Q4 2024. Until then, the role will be based at 4440 Warrensville Center Rd, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128.