R&D Scientist

The Opportunity:

Chemist-R&D: Under general supervision, assists in the development of new silicone materials and processes by conducting research, analysis, synthesis, and experimentation. Conducts long-term silicone research and development projects. Investigates process and product improvement for silicones.

Avantor is looking for a experienced and passionate R&D Scientist to optimize our NuSil team, delivering results against some of the most complex business and technology initiatives. 

This role will be a full-time position based out of our Carpinteria, CA facility. You will have the opportunity to partner with all the departments including warehouse, QA, and R&D groups. If you have experience with polymers, materials sciences, and leading projects– let’s talk! 

The team 

Avantor’s NuSil team is part of our Lab and Production Services business unit. This team supports the innovation and growth objectives of major industries across the globe by helping with the integration of new technology solutions into their processes and operations.

What we’re looking for 

• Education: Advanced degree in Chemistry or Polymers or Materials Science or related field and some relevant experience, or BA/BS and significant relevant experience.
• Experience: 5+ years experience as SME in multiple technical areas and 1+ years experience in project leading and presenting summaries to management
• Combination of PhD or higher education and experience will be considered as well

Preferred Qualifications

• SME in silicone materials preferred

How you will thrive and create an impact 

• Leads multiple projects at a time.
• Plans, sets up, conducts and analyzes data from multiple series of experiments. 
• Draws valid conclusions from gathered data.
• Performs background literature and patent searches to deepen knowledge in relevant fields and understand the competitive landscape.
• May write specific procedures. 
• Follows proper documentation procedures, including keeping up-to-date and correct records. 
• Assists in the scale-up of material from R&D to production. 
• Assists in the development of new process methodology. 
• Performs analytical and functional testing. 
• Brings routine and non-routine problems to attention of supervisors. 
• Interacts with department personnel in sharing ideas and results of various projects. 
• Will likely have customer contact. 
• Must be regular and punctual in attendance. 
• Responsible for maintaining quality within the scope of the job description.

EXPECTATIONS TOWARDS THIS ROLE

Knowledge & Experience

• Recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) in multiple technical areas.
• Extensive hands-on and practical knowledge of silicone materials & formulations.
• Has a track record of working effectively in a cross-functional environment to identify issues and solutions using problem solving principles such as Six Sigma, Lean, ABS, etc.
• Has developed new materials/processes with proven business impact and/or published articles in relevant fields.
• Explores and applies new analytical techniques & effective experimental methodology to solve complex problems.
• Experienced project leader; presented summaries to management as part of a stage/gate process

Decision-Making & Complexity

• Identifies opportunities for the introduction of new products / technologies and practical approaches to commercialization.
• Identifies opportunities to improve on existing products/process and realistic approaches to avoid late-stage project failures.
• Applies advanced statistical / quality tools to aid in root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Leads external technical communications.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Accountability and Impact

• Independently leads projects, executing development through the complete commercialization process - and/or - leads Platform Technology projects that impact multiple product lines and enable advancement of new product developments.
• Knowledgeable in relevant literature & publications that have bearing on feasible technical approaches utilized in product and/or platform developments.
• Acts as technical point of contact for R&D & Operations team members (e.g. technical triage).
• Identifies critical product testing needs, securing new equipment and/or identifying external testing capabilities to generate critical data.
• Skillfully presents technical content facilitating technical discussions internally and potentially with customers / external parties.
• Familiar with IP concepts (e.g., process know-how, trade secrets) and process to secure intellectual property; files invention disclosures & supports patent filings.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

$109,000.00 - $181,000.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW Poster, EEO is the Law Poster Supplement, and Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.