R&D Scientist

Avient Corporation; Avon Lake (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Avient Corporation in Avon Lake, Ohio is looking for an experienced R&D Scientist with strong polymer science fundamentals to join their Corporate Technology Group. The role involves researching and developing polymer compounds that add value for customers across emerging applications.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s and a PhD in a related field, with 4+ years of relevant experience. You will lead product development and collaborate with various teams to commercialize innovative technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field is required.
• PhD or equivalent required in materials science, chemistry, or polymer engineering.
• 4+ years of related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of products and technologies for electrical and electronic applications.
• Drive innovation that enriches Avient’s intellectual property portfolio.
• Design and optimize polymer formulations to meet electrical performance requirements.

Skills

Thermoplastic polymer processing

Electrical properties of polymers

High-performance polymers

Flame retardant chemistries

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

PhD in materials science, chemistry, polymer science or polymer engineering

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced R&D Scientist with strong polymer science fundamentals interested in advancing their career within Avient’s Corporate Technology Group. The R&D Scientist is responsible for the research and development of polymer compounds and composites that create value for our customers in new and existing markets, including emerging applications in high-performance computing, electrical connectors, and advanced wire & cable systems. Successful candidates will be creative and impactful within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct work in a safe, respectful and ethical manner
• Lead the development of products and technologies within new and existing markets, including electrical and electronic applications such as high-speed connectors, high performance computing infrastructure, and wire and cable systems
• Drive innovation that enriches Avient’s intellectual property portfolio
• Apply multiple theories in testing/approaches to the creation of materials
• Utilize statistical experimental design, product testing and data analysis
• Design and optimize polymer formulations to meet electrical performance requirements, including dielectric constant, dissipation factor, and comparative tracking index (CTI)
• Develop and implement flame-retardant solutions that meet UL, IEC, and other industry standards while maintaining mechanical and processing performance
• Identify raw material and other functional specifications to meet customer requirements
• Provide project management to product platform development
• Partner with manufacturing to establish quality and testing conditions for new materials
• Work closely with business partners to commercialize technologies
• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate application needs in data centers, AI infrastructure, and electrification into material design criteria
• Present technical work to customers and various levels of management
• Conduct and troubleshoot material testing
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field is required
• PhD or equivalent in related field is required (materials science, chemistry, polymer science, polymer engineering, etc.)
• 4+ years of related experience is preferred

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with thermoplastic polymer processing, including internal mixing, two and three roll mill mixing, single and twin screw extrusion, injection molding, film and sheet extrusion, unidirectional thermoplastic tapes, etc.
• Understanding of electrical properties of polymers, including dielectric constant, loss tangent, insulation resistance, and Comparative Tracking Index
• Experience with high-performance polymers (e.g., PPS, LCP, PEEK, polyamides) and filled systems used in connector and wire & cable applications
• Familiarity with flame retardant chemistries (phosphorus-based, halogenated, mineral systems, and synergists) and associated regulatory requirements

Avient is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran’s status, or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to complete an online application, please contact the Avient HR Team by emailing, [e-mail].