Summary and Purpose
The Senior Materials Scientist I will perform formulation, compounding, conversion, and characterization of polymers and all related research and development activities for Danimer Scientific. The scientist will engage in a challenging work environment at Danimer Scientific Inc. to lead and conduct biopolymer formulation research and develop products for our customers. The Senior Materials Scientist I will be part of increasingly stronger R&D teams who work in close collaboration with customers and academic partners on innovations. The Senior Materials Scientist I will lead and conduct research into the structures and properties of polymers in order to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Actively interface with business and technology leaders to develop custom polymer formulation and/or processes adhering to customer specifications, quality requirements, and operational goals and standards.
Contribute to product platform development through the application of statistical experimental design, product testing, and data analysis.
Perform literature and patent searches to guide experimentation.
Partner with operations resources to develop test methods and establish quality controls for new materials/processes.
Support marketing and sales through development of product and application data.
Summarize experimental strategies and data analysis in written reports and presentations for communication with peers, customers, and various levels of management.
Characterize polymers and compositions and determine polymer physical and mechanical properties
Make substantial individual and collaborative contributions within multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams.
Develop new polymers and compositions with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various processing and use conditions on particular polymers.
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of polymers having defined characteristics.
Prepare technical reports detailing procedures, outcomes, observations, and study findings for the use by customers, other scientists and requestors.
Recommend polymers to match application needs of customers.
Research methods of processing, converting, and fabricating polymers in order to develop new products
Develop structure-property relationships for polymers and compositions used in Danimer products.
Works on projects and or matters of Increasing complexity in a leading role.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience- Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry required with up to 10 years of industrial polymer experience.
Knowledge of the Polymer development and commercialization process.
Inter-dependent partnering skills, team-oriented, and ability to influence outcome necessary.
Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills needed to manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously
Must be able to innovate, analyze and solve critical or complex technical problems.
Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proficient in chemical and analytical laboratory operations
Knowledge of the multidisciplinary principles and advanced techniques of biology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, math, and statistics.
Skill in the operation of laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to conduct advanced analyses and tests; to interpret test results; to prepare reports; to develop procedures; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Proficient in handling non-pathogenic biological objects and chemical agents
Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment.
Proficient in using computers with Windows Operating System including Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Advanced working knowledge of quality control principles to a wide range of development documents and records including regulatory submissions.
Ability to effectively manage workload to meet aggressive development timelines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Able to interact, cooperate, and motivate across departments and functions.
Stays current on all applicable SOP, safety, human resource, and annual laboratory quality related training.
Prior experience using LIMS systems a plus.
Proven ability to critically evaluate scientific and technical information from a Quality and Regulatory perspective.
Knowledge about polymer industry, products and technologies.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position may have supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed in a chemical laboratory and polymer processing setting. In the laboratory setting the handling of chemical agents will be required.
Work is performed using office equipment with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office and laboratory equipment.
Requires walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending and occasional lifting of material up to fifty (50) pounds
Performance of this position will require exposure to laboratory hazards which require the use of personal protective equipment