R&D Associate Chemist

The Sherwin-Williams Company; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sherwin-Williams Company is seeking an Associate Chemist, Polymer Development, to support research and development for packaging coating technologies through polymer synthesis, material characterization, product development, and laboratory operations.

You will apply foundational chemistry and polymer science to support innovation, product improvement, and commercialization while adhering to safety, quality, and operational standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.
• College-level coursework in general chemistry and organic chemistry, including lab work.
• At least 1 year of laboratory experience via academics, internships, co-ops, or employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform polymer synthesis, characterization, and evaluation for epoxy, polyester, acrylic systems.
• Contribute to development and scale-up of coating formulations and polymer technologies.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments and document procedures, observations, and results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Maintain lab safety, organization, and compliance with environmental requirements.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Coatings science

Materials development

Data analysis

DOE

Statistical analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Laboratory experimentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Chemistry coursework (general & organic)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company's staff, employees, and business relationships.

The Associate Chemist, Polymer Development, supports research and development activities for packaging coating technologies through polymer synthesis, material characterization, product development, and laboratory operations. This role applies foundational chemistry and polymer science knowledge to support innovation, product improvement, and commercialization efforts while ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.

The Associate Chemist works closely with scientists, chemists, and cross-functional teams to develop and evaluate new polymer technologies, conduct laboratory experiments, analyze results, and communicate findings. The position offers opportunities for technical growth in polymer synthesis, formulation development, statistical analysis, and scale-up activities.

• Perform polymer synthesis, characterization, and evaluation activities for epoxy, polyester, acrylic, and other polymer systems in support of platform and product-development initiatives.
• Contribute to the development, modification, optimization and scale-up of coating formulations and polymer technologies.
• Apply fundamental understanding of polymer chemistry principles to support product and process improvements.
• Assist in the evaluation, selection, and qualification of raw materials for product-development projects.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments and accurately document procedures, observations, and results.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to technical recommendations and project decisions.
• Develop and deliver technical reports, presentations, project updates, and recommendations to technical and business stakeholders.
• Operate, maintain, clean, and calibrate laboratory equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain laboratory organization, housekeeping, and compliance with safety and environmental requirements.
• Support statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and data-driven decision-making activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Manufacturing, Analytical Services, Quality, and Regulatory groups.
• Perform additional project and laboratory responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in STEM field (science, technology, engineering, math).
• Successful completion of college-level coursework in general chemistry and organic chemistry, including laboratory coursework.
• At least 1 year's laboratory experience gained through academic coursework, research, internships, co-op assignments, or employment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree with coursework or concentration in polymer chemistry, polymer science, coatings science, materials science, or chemical engineering.
• Additional coursework in one or more of the following areas:
  • Polymer chemistry or polymer synthesis
  • Analytical or physical chemistry
  • Materials characterization
  • Coatings science
  • Statistics or Design of Experiment

• Foundational knowledge of general and organic chemistry principles, including chemical reactions, material properties, solution preparation, and laboratory calculations.
• Ability to follow written experimental procedures and accurately document methods, observations, calculations, and results.
• Basic ability to organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, adjust priorities, and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work safely and collaboratively in a laboratory and cross-functional technical environment
• Academic, internship, co-op, or professional experience with polymer synthesis, polymer characterization, coatings formulation, or materials development.
• Exposure to epoxy, polyester, acrylic, or other thermoset or thermoplastic polymer systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory characterization techniques used to evaluate polymers, coatings, or related materials.
• Experience using statistical analysis, Design of Experiments, or data-visualization tools.
• Exposure to product development, process scale-up, manufacturing, or commercialization activities.
• Experience in the coatings, polymers, packaging, chemicals, or related materials industry.

Technical/Skill Requirements

• Ability to accurately prepare samples, solutions, and experimental materials using established formulations and procedures.
• Ability to perform laboratory calculations and accurately record, organize, and interpret experimental data.
• Working knowledge of laboratory documentation practices, including accurate recording of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures, chemical-handling requirements, and established test methods.
• Ability to identify experimental or equipment issues and apply basic problem-solving skills to support troubleshooting.

Travel Requirements: 10%