TAPPI Industry Career Center: Dow, Inc. Seeks a Research Scientist

The Dow Chemical Company (DCM) provides innovative raw material technologies that help advance the performance and sustainability of a broad portfolio of polymeric binders, dispersants, rheology modifiers, surfactants, defoamers, and wetting agents for a wide variety of end markets, including paints, traffic markings, industrial coatings, paper packaging, metal packaging, and performance additives.

The Paper Coatings segment is a strategic investment area and growth engine for DCM. Sustainability is an important market driver for brand owners, with increasing adoption of paper packaging formats because of high recycling rates, mature recycling infrastructure, and widespread consumer acceptance of paper packaging.  The Research Scientist will provide project leadership and strategic direction for new technical innovations and capabilities to address key needs for paper and fiber-based packaging.  The Research Scientist will partner with multiple DCM functions (Technical, Marketing, Sales, Operations) and collaborate with other Dow organizations (Core R&D, Ventures & Business Development, and Dow businesses) to advance the innovation portfolio. Finally, external engagement with value chain partners (customers, paper producers, packaging converters, industry trade associations, universities, and national labs) will be an important component of this role.

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Responsibilities & Duties:

• Leads new product development for key projects in the innovation pipeline and champions projects through the product development process.
• Collaborates across multidisciplinary project teams, including Technical Service and Development, Marketing, and Process R&D to understand market needs and help shape a multi-generational product pipeline for sustainable paper packaging.
• Defines and conducts research on projects using advanced knowledge of scientific principles, theory and experimental design across adjacent scientific disciplines.
• Develops and implements technical solutions through hands-on experimentation and problem-solving for research problems that are well defined within a project area.
• Consistently applies the Scientific Method in the planning and execution of experimental plans and problem solving. Formulates hypotheses and develop experimental plans to test hypotheses. Leverages Six Sigma tools and methodology to solve complex problems with projects of regional or global scope.
• Keeps current with developments in relevant area of technology and identifies and implements applications which will benefit Dow. Has an in-depth understanding of the patent and journal literature across related areas of technology. Understands and incorporates the competitive landscape in technology mapping. Works with legal department to manage IP and secure freedom to practice and patent new technologies.
• Maintains awareness of emerging trends in sustainable materials, including sustainable/renewable sourcing, integration with end-use applications, and end of life considerations.
• Strong project leadership/management skills to drive and accelerate progress of innovation portfolio.
• With minimal coaching, communicates clearly and effectively in a timely manner (verbal and written formats) and effectively interacts with audience for related discussions.
• Serves on multi-disciplinary project teams to collaborate, provide technical input, and deliver results aligned with team deliverables.
• Understands and follows appropriate EH&S standards, policies and procedures applicable to their job. Lead by example in the area of safety behaviors by promoting safe work habits.
• Mentors junior level scientists and technologists.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, Physics, Paper Science and Engineering, or other science related field Bottom of Form  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, Physics, Paper Science and Engineering, or other science related field preferred
• 5+ years relevant industrial experience with packaging materials and/or packaging related technologies.

Dow Offers:

• A robust total rewards program, including: competitive base pay, variable pay that rewards individual, team, and Company performance, and comprehensive benefits
• On-going learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive and rewarding work environment
• Career experiences that can span different Dow businesses and functions with opportunities for personal and professional growth
• The chance to work within a global company and interact with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities that spark your imagination and ignite your passion to help others

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