R&D Leadership Development Program: Associate Chemist

Austin Community College; Williams Township (Northampton County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sherwin-Williams is seeking candidates for its R&D Leadership Development Program in Greensboro, starting June 2026. This program is designed for individuals with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant science field and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Participants will gain extensive knowledge in paint and coatings chemistry, project management, and quality control. Successful candidates must possess lab experience and be open to relocation for promotional opportunities. The position requires the ability to lift up to 100 lbs and utilize Microsoft Office tools.

Qualifications

• Must have previous experience working on projects in a lab environment.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be authorized to work in the US without company sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of paint and coatings chemistry and formulation.
• Experience testing methods and quality control using statistics software.
• Build relationships with supply chain and gain knowledge of plant operations.

Skills

Knowledge of paint and coatings chemistry and formulation

Experience testing methods and quality control using statistics software

Expertise in project management

Ability to retrieve materials and lift/carry heavy items

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or technical related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Products

Job description

Program Overview

Sherwin-Williams is seeking motivated individuals who have a drive for research & development to join our R&D Leadership Development Program. This training program is designed to develop key skills and experience that will lead to a role in the Chemist track within our Performance Coatings Group, supporting one of our technical divisions which include Automotive, Coil, Industrial Wood, General Industrial, Packaging or Protective and Marine.

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is an 8–12‑month program that will expose participants to the various aspects of the Performance Coatings Group. Participants will spend the full program in one assignment that will provide a deep‑dive experience in Research & Development. LDP participants will be in one position for the entire program until post‑program placement. Participants should be open to initial relocation for program and possible long‑term relocation for post‑program positions.

This position will start in June 2026 at our Greensboro Stage Coach Trail Plant supporting the Industrial Wood Division within the Performance Coatings Group.

Following completion of the program, you will have the opportunity to apply for a post‑program promotion on the Chemist track.

Key Responsibilities

• Knowledge of paint and coatings chemistry and formulation
• Experience testing methods and quality control using statistics software
• Understanding of commercialization, product, industry and segment
• Expertise in project management and reporting results and findings
• Opportunity to build relationships with supply chain and gain knowledge of plant operations
• Opportunity to build cross‑functional partnerships with Sales, Marketing, Operations, & Technical Services to execute innovation strategy
• Opportunity to work alongside senior chemists

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have Bachelor’s degree in science or technical related field including but not limited to Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Corrosion Engineering by the start of this development program.
• Must have a minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Must have previous experience working on projects in a lab environment
• Must be open to relocation based on business need for this position, and again for post program position and promotional opportunities
• Must be authorized to work in the US without company sponsorship now or in the future
• Must have at least one (1) year of experience using Microsoft Office Products (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, and/or Outlook)
• Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to retrieve materials from shelves, floor stacks, and/or pallet racking and lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 100 lbs. occasionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Material Science
• Have at least one (1) year of work experience managing projects
• Have previous Sherwin-Williams lab experience
• Have previous experience working in a team‑oriented setting including work experience, extracurricular activities, military service, etc.
• Have paint and coatings industry knowledge or experience
• Have prior work experience maintaining and analyzing data