2027 Research & Development PhD Program

PPG; Hampton Township (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, PA launches the 2027 Research & Development PhD Graduate Program designed to translate scholarly breakthroughs into market-ready technologies.

As a recent PhD graduate, you will join our Core R&D facility in Allison Park, collaborating across polymer science, materials, and coatings to drive new products for global markets.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a relevant field (Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics).
• Demonstrated ability to search and interpret scientific literature and evaluate competitive tech.
• Experience leading project aspects and supervising team members in a research setting.
• Industrial experience in a scientific field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Find solutions through scientific, experimental, and statistical methods.
• Initiate and champion major projects and develop theories using advanced knowledge.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and conduct experiments to meet project goals.
• Provide technical support for commercialized products.
• Convey scientific and technological features to global partners.

Skills

Literature search

Project leadership

Scientific collaboration

Industrial experience

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Engineering/Materials Science/Physics

Job description

2027 Research & Development PhD Graduate Program

PPG Industries

Pittsburgh PA

At PPG, innovation is not just a process, but the core of everything we do. As a global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials, we are continually pushing the boundaries of technology to create breakthrough solutions that transform the market and improve everyday life.

Are you a recent Ph.D. graduate ready to work in an engaging, opportunity-rich environment? If so, we invite you to begin your fulfilling industrial career at PPG. Here, your contributions go beyond the lab, translating into tangible innovations that redefine the marketplace.

Our Core R&D facility located in Allison Park serves as the cradle of creativity where scientific theories turn into commercialized products. Embark on a journey where your passion meets our innovation. Begin your extraordinary career with PPG today!

PPG is a paints, coatings, and specialty materials leader serving a number of diverse customer markets such as construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets, and aftermarkets. PPG operates and innovates in more than 75 countries around the globe. Our emphasis is on the development of the latest products and processes, and investment in state‑of‑art manufacturing facilities. We are also focused on profitable global expansion into adjacent and new markets. At the same time, we continue to provide customers with the best services and products of the highest quality.

We conduct Research and Development activities in areas such as:

• Polymer synthesis and formulation of both organic and inorganic materials for coatings applications and beyond.
• Analytical testing of developmental materials and commercial products, including customer and regulatory-related work.
• Design and development for future trends in the application of liquid, powder and solid coatings. Including automation, robotics and sensing ‘smart’ systems.
• Corrosion science, surface chemistry, and electrochemistry.
• New products/technologies aligned with mega-trends for circular economy, electrification and sustainable energy trends
• Development of high-performance adhesives, sealants, and thermal management solutions.
• Interfacial and Materials Science including surface characterizations.
• Application of computational chemistry and advanced modeling techniques in complex systems
• Materials science, including the ability to synthesize, formulate, and engineer specialty coatings and materials for use in high-yield, customer‑centric manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Find solutions through knowledge of appropriate scientific, experimental, and statistical methods.
• Initiate and champion major projects, as well as conceive and develop theories through application of advanced specialized scientific knowledge.
• Planning, directing, coordinating, and conducting the experimental work vital to meet project goals and objectives in developing new products for the marketplace.
• Proactively provide technical support for commercialized products
• Convey science and technological features to diverse, global partners.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics
• Competency in searching and interpreting literature while cognizant of competitor technology and intellectual property
• Experience leading job specific aspects of multiple projects and project teams, including directly supervising work of other team members
• Preferred Skill: industrial experience in a scientific field

About Us

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.

The PPG Way 2030

We are customer champions

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

We act with purpose and speed

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We are excellent operators

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

We compete to win

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.

We are PPG proud

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [e-mail].

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well‑being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.