Research Specialist II

SUMMARY

This position will support Westlake Epoxy coatings product development and growth strategy by developing novel, innovative coatings technology through use of polymer science and coating application knowledge; Work with global R&D and local marketing teams to bring ideas/concepts to commercial products with velocity.  The job is located in Stafford, Texas. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support innovation, sustainability, product/process development & improvement through collaboration and team effort
• Perform all lab activities and work in a safe manner; create a safe environment in the work place
• Conduct coating formulations and testing in the lab
• Identifies and prioritizes new, novel ideas to test in the lab
• Ability to analyze, arrange and interpret data to reveal unambiguous relationship and draw conclusions by applying solid scientific principles.
• Plans, organizes and completes projects by applying project management process
• Applies knowledge of coating formulation, epoxy-amine curing chemistry, polymer structure-property relationship
• Ability of generate reliable and repeatable data in the lab
• Communicate data/results precisely and clearly.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communications skills
• Knowledge of structure-property relationship of polymer science
• Experience of coating formulation/application is desirable
• Knowledge of epoxy or thermosetting chemistry is desirable.
• Ability to search, identify and screen ideas quickly
• Able to interpret results, summarize and present results
• Exhibits and fosters team behavior in and outside of lab –interacting with internal regional and global teams and external customers.
• has a track record of creatively identifying opportunities and translating them into new chemical products, works with velocity and manages to move things forward in an organization.  
• Ability of being multi-tasking; working with cross-functional teams; Versatility is also important.
• Familiar with use of AI tools to support R&D activities e.g. literature searches, report writing, other
• Work experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in polymer and coating industry is required; 5 plus years  preferred.
• Education Requirements: Bachelors in Chemistry Required; M.S or PhD in polymer chemistry, or related field preferred