Polymer Applications Scientist

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Promerus, LLC ( ) is searching for a dynamic individual with experience in polymer application development. This scientist will work with a team of other application development scientists. Responsibilities will include screening new application opportunities, conducting laboratory synthesis and polymer characterization, developing material formulations, interpreting and reporting results, and maintaining laboratory equipment. The scientist may serve as the project and customer point person for internal and external collaborations.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Requirements:
  • Results driven
  • Applications focused (not research focused)
  • Willingness to spend majority of time in laboratory
  • Interest in learning cleanroom processing techniques (e.g., spin-coating, photo-exposure alignment tools, profilometry, laser microscope, reactive ion-etch, sputtering, electroplating, etc.)
  • PhD or MS Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering, or BS with 5+ equivalent experience
• Preferred Additional Requirements:
  • Experience in polymer application development for high value markets (e.g., display technologies, silicon wafer/chip coatings, OLED, biomedical applications, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of chemical properties, hazards and safe handling practices
  • Appreciation of structure-property relationships for improvement of mechanical properties
  • Understanding of methods to characterize chemicals and materials by Instron, DSC, DMA, TGA, DRM, GPC, HPLC and NMR
  • Knowledge of polymer synthesis techniques (e.g., ROMP, organometallic catalysis, vinyl addition and free radical polymerization, condensation polymerization, etc.)
  • Interest in successfully driving research and development projects to commercial success
  • Interest in working with patent attorney in scoping out the invention and drafting new patent applications
  • Proficiency in Japanese would be advantageous

General Skills and Physical Requirements:

• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Sharepoint and Teams
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good attention to detail and keen observation skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain thorough, accurate records
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Ability to multi-task
• Manual dexterity required to use syringes and to operate and maintain instruments
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time, for up to 2 consecutive hours

Company Profile:

Promerus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Bakelite, a pioneer in plastics with over 6,000 employees and $2B in annual sales. Promerus is involved in the development of a platform of polymers based on cyclic olefins that are polymerized using proprietary organometallic catalysts. Application areas include the semiconductor, optoelectronic and electronic packaging markets. Ongoing development and commercial activities with multiple Fortune 500 companies in the micro-electronics and semi-conductor industries is the primary business focus.

Benefits:

We offer a wide range of competitive benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability plans available on the date of hire
• Vacation, Personal and Holiday pay available on the date of hire
• Competitive wages
• 401 (K) with company match of 50% of the first 6% contributed
• A great work environment
  
  Physical Demands:
  These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions:
  
  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required walk and stand, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  
  Work Environment:
  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. On occasion, the employee will be exposed to wet/humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather, extreme heat/cold (non-weather), toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, working near moving mechanical parts, and working in precarious places.
  
  Notice:
  This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not a comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks and duties of the individual performing the job may differ from those outlined, and other functions, as assigned, might be part of the job.
  
  Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement:
  Sumitomo Bakelite North America Holding Inc., and all its affiliate companies, is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, age, military or veteran status, genetic information, height, weight, familial status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.