BTD POLYOLEFINS RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A.

Point Comfort (TX)

On-site

USD 110,000 - 170,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Paid time off

FlexTime

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. is seeking a Research Scientist to advance polymer characterization and analytical capabilities, supporting catalyst and product development, process optimization, and customer service within the polyolefin sector.

The role emphasizes collaboration with R&D, operations, and commercial teams to deliver innovative solutions while maintaining a safe, compliant work environment. Strong expertise in polymer chemistry and analytical methods is required.

Qualifications

MS in Polymer Science or closely related field required.
PhD preferred; MS with 5+ years polymer experience acceptable.
Minimum 5 years' polymer experience, preferably in polyolefin, with polymer material analysis and research in a lab.
In-depth knowledge of analytical chemistry and polymer characterizations.
Knowledge of polymer manufacturing and conversion processes.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data from commercial plant operations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Background in polymer chemistry/physics; knowledge of structure–property relationships.
PC skills and applicable software.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Good business writing ability.

Responsibilities

Develop state-of-the-art capabilities in polymer science and characterization to support innovation and product performance.
Collaborate with R&D, operations, and customers to execute product development initiatives and deliver technical solutions.
Lead development and commercialization of new products and applications to create customer value and cost efficiencies.
Provide technical expertise to manufacturing units to ensure safe, reliable operations and quality improvements.
Engage with customers to address performance and processing challenges and support trials and qualification activities.
Promote the Total House Keeping Maintenance and No Visual Pollution programs to maintain a clean plant.

Skills

Polymer science

Analytical chemistry

Data analysis

Polymer characterization

Polymer physics

Computer skills

Communication skills

Education

MS in Polymer Science

PhD preferred

Tools

Laboratory analytical instruments

Job description

Company Overview For Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A.

Founded in 1978, Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. (Formosa Plastics) is a growing, vertically-integrated supplier of plastic resins and petrochemicals. With annual revenues of more than $5 billion, we employ over 2,800 people who operate 20 production units in six business divisions - Olefins, Polyolefins, Vinyl, Specialty Polyvinyl Chloride, Chlor-Alkali, and Oil & Gas.

Formosa Plastics offers a full line of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene resins, caustic soda and other petrochemicals that deliver the consistency, performance and quality that customers demand. We market our polypropylene and polyethylene resins under the Formolene® tradename; we market our suspension PVC and specialty (dispersion) PVC resins under the Formolon® tradename. We also produce and sell caustic soda, ethylene dichloride, commercial bleach and hydrochloric acid.

We are committed to supplying the highest quality products and services to our customers, providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and contributing to the quality of life in the communities where we operate. This commitment is made possible through our dedicated people, consistent products, continued protection of the environment and ongoing investments in new product development, quality control systems and safe, modern and energy-efficient production facilities.

Formosa Plastics is a privately held company headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey. Our core business, producing plastic resins and petrochemicals, takes place at three wholly-owned chemical manufacturing subsidiaries located in Delaware City, Delaware, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Point Comfort, Texas.

I. POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Scientist is responsible for advancing polymer characterization and analytical capabilities by applying expertise in polymer science, chemistry, and analytical technologies. This role supports catalyst and product development, process optimization and control, customer applications, and technical customer service to strengthen the company’s leadership in the polyolefin industry. The position also drives innovation through the development of new analytical competencies and solutions that enhance product performance and business growth. In addition, the Research Scientist is expected to maintain a safe, healthy, and environmentally compliant work environment in accordance with all applicable environmental, health, safety, and company standards.

II. MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Polymer Science and Characterization:

Develop and advance state-of-the-art capabilities in polymer science and characterization technologies to support innovation, product performance, and business growth. Collaborate within cross-functional teams and partner closely with R&D, operations, commercial teams, and customers to execute product development initiatives and deliver technical solutions that address customer requirements. Provide technical leadership in the laboratory by enhancing analytical methods, improving testing capabilities, and driving continuous improvement in established characterization techniques and processes.

Product and Technology Development:

Lead the development and commercialization of new and improved products, technologies, and applications that create customer value, improve product performance, and deliver cost efficiencies. Support the expansion and competitiveness of the product portfolio by identifying innovation opportunities, optimizing product quality, and ensuring alignment with market demands and customer expectations. Deliver projects in a timely manner while maintaining high technical and quality standards.

Operations Support:

Provide technical expertise and analytical support to manufacturing and operating units to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations. Support troubleshooting efforts, process optimization, and quality improvement initiatives to minimize operational disruptions and maintain consistent production of high-quality products. Serve as a liaison between customer requirements and operational capabilities to proactively identify and resolve product or process discrepancies and improve overall customer satisfaction.

Technical Development and Customer Engagement:

Serve as a key technical resource for customers by providing expert guidance, troubleshooting support, and application development assistance to address product performance and processing challenges. Build strong customer relationships through effective communication, technical presentations, and collaborative problem- solving efforts that align product capabilities with customer needs. Partner with commercial, R&D, and operations teams to support customer trials, qualification activities, and successful implementation of new products and technologies while driving customer satisfaction and business growth.

THM:

Promote cleanliness and order through the implementation of the Total House Keeping Maintenance program. Emphasize Nothing Touch Ground program and No Visual Pollution program. Maintain the plant in like new condition.

Iii.qualifications

TECHNICAL JOB CRITERIA
Previous Related Experience Required Position requires a M.S. in Polymer Science, or closely related field plus a minimum 5 years' of polymer experience, preferably in polyolefin with experience conducting polymer material analysis and research in a laboratory setting.
Technical Skills Required to Perform This Job
In-depth knowledge of analytical chemistry and polymer characterizations.
Knowledge with polymer manufacturing and conversion processes.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data from commercial plant operations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong background in polymer chemistry/physics; familiar with structure-property relationships in polymer materials.
Personal computer skills and applicable software.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Good business writing ability.
Education PhD preferred, M.S. in Polymer Science or closely related field required plus a minimum 5 years' of polymer experience, preferably in polyolefin with experience conducting polymer material analysis and research in a laboratory setting. Other disciplines will be considered.
Other Certification/Training Required
Will require training in Company Policies and Procedures after hire.
Current employees must meet all technical and safety training requirements forcurrent position, as specified in the Master Training Plan.
Must participate in the following subject training and pass required certifications.

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