Chemist

Sika; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sika is seeking a scientist with expertise in synthetic organic and polymer chemistry to drive R&D on polymer (in)organic systems, including coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. The role offers opportunities to lead projects and collaborate with global teams, supporting polymer development and manufacturing.

The successful candidate will conduct independent projects, build IP strategies, and deliver technical reports and publications while ensuring safety and compliance in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Experience with polymer (in)organic systems such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers.
• Ability to lead independent projects and direct technicians and staff.
• Strong safety mindset and PPE usage familiarity.
• Excellent documentation and IP-related analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out research projects for new products and testing methods.
• Direct technicians and staff in chemical processing and testing of raw materials and conditions.
• Lead basic and applied research on polymeric materials and end-use applications.
• Design experiments to relate structure to properties and achieve targets.
• Identify key technical issues and push for breakthroughs.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to understand market trends.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Polymer chemistry

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or Doctorate in Chemistry

Job description

We are looking for a scientist with capabilities in synthetic organic and polymer organic chemistry to conduct research and development on polymer (in)organic systems, including coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers with special interest in polyurethane and silicone systems. The successful candidate will have opportunities to demonstrate leadership while providing support to polymer development and manufacturing and performing independent projects.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out research projects, such as development of new products and testing methods.
• Direct technicians and other staff in the chemical processing and testing including analyzing raw materials and processing conditions.
• Conduct and lead basic and applied research including polymeric materials with various application and end-use applications.
• Utilizing the scientific method, design experiments to determine the structure-property relationship to achieve pre-determined targets.
• Identify key technical issues and produce cutting edge breakthroughs.
• Build relationships with internal and external partners to better understand market trends for future project development.
• Work closely with process and production engineers to scale-up new products at global production sites.
• Conduct IP strategy development and prior art analysis, write disclosures and patent applications including the data generated from your experiments.
• Deliver effective presentations, reports, and publications to internal and external interested parties.
• Maintain a safe working environment including but not limited to utilizing the proper PPE for the designated task and safe chemical storage and handling.
• Ensure compliance with company procedural guidelines, laboratory procedures, and safety programs.
• Assist with the development and/or review of SOPs and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with domestic and global colleagues in an inclusive environment.