Scientist – Powder Coatings

What are we looking for?

This is an amazing opportunity for a career move if you are a dynamic technical minded with aspirations to move up and even into a technical service type role with travel to Italy to learn processes.

Reporting to the Technical Manager Coatings Americas, this Scientist role for Powder Coatings will work within a technical team environment to supply the necessary applications support for Synthomer’s Coatings business to reach its growth targets.  The scope of this support will include applications work to help resolve customer complaints, retain current business, close new business opportunities and introduce new products into the marketplace. While the primary focus of this role will be conducting laboratory based activities and reporting the results of this work to Synthomer technical service and plant based personnel, there will also be externally focused activities such as attending industry conferences, building of relationships with technical personnel at suppliers / customers and the development of an individual presence within the NA coatings industry.  The successful candidate will act as a regular team member and occasionally as a project team leader (once properly trained) of product / process change activities and new product development projects that impact the Synthomer coatings business.

Your primary responsibilities…

• Conduct laboratory work individually and as part of a team (coatings application team & overall Synthomer team including sales, technical service, production, product management and regulatory functions) that supports the objectives of the Synthomer coating business.
• Complete projects on time and deliver reports / presentations internally or externally as needed.
• Actively participate in customer interactions alongside sales and technical service staff as required.
• Collaboratively participate in teams tasked with implementing product / process changes and with the development of new products.
• Upon completion of training, there will be opportunities to lead innovation projects for regional or global market requirements.
• Participate in trade associations, trade shows, and presentation of papers for new product introductions.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of Synthomer’s current product offering / technologies and how they can be used to gain new coatings business.

What you'll need to be successful...

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Coatings Technology, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Application / Technical Service with a background in the coatings industry. Prefer 5 or more years’ related experience.
• Demonstrated experience with different types of coatings, the coating formulation process and the evaluation of coatings for a variety of applications.
• Capability of lab formulation including onsite formulation for different coating applications.
• Above average interpersonal skills, high-energy self-starter, collaborative team player and strong work ethic.
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills.
• Solid written, oral and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision as part of a matrixed organization.
• Agile multi-tasker who can prioritize work daily to meet project timelines and customer demands.
• Above average proficiency of MS Office suite and data analysis software.

Qualifications that can set you apart …

• Five or more years of coating application and/or technical service experience in specialty chemicals industry with a strong focus on polyester resins and powder coatings.
• In depth knowledge of coating formulation / recent trends in powder coatings.
• Familiarity with industry standards and test methods used in powder coatings.
• Solid background in chemistry of specialty coating binders.
• Effective communicator and active listener with solid interpersonal skills to foster strong customer relationships.
• Previous project management training and experience.

Why Synthomer?

We are ambitious!
We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.​

We believe in high challenge, high support!
We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.​

We personalize our approach to development!
At Synthomer, you won't find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We'll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.