Research Scientist

Purchaseyourfreedom; Madison Heights (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with generous company match

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays

Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements

Education Assistance

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Referral Program & More!

Job summary

Sika Corporation is seeking an accomplished chemist to lead research projects focused on sealing and bonding materials in a dynamic industrial setting. You will apply DOE and analytical methods to develop innovative technologies and support patent activities.

The role requires an MS or PhD in Chemistry with a track record of new product development and the ability to work independently, possibly guiding a team of researchers in a global, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Chemistry or related field.
• Experience with epoxy/urethane formulations is a plus.
• Strong communication and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead research projects.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and lead research projects to solve technical challenges.
• Expand expertise in sealing/bonding materials and analytical methods.
• Perform DOE and other statistical analyses on data.
• Determine and protect intellectual property; support patent activity.
• Collaborate globally and act as internal consultant for sealing/bonding tech.
• Lead and mentor researchers as needed.

Skills

DOE methods

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Self-directed

Leadership

Education

MS/PhD in Chemistry

Job description

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika is a specialty chemical company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Roles & Opportunities

Collaborate closely with internal and external team members by sharing experiences and findings and developing next steps. Responsible for creating new technologies with track record of commercial implementations. Comfortable in managing unknown situations and independently planning and leading product development. Routinely recommend new products and technical solutions.

Job Description

Independently plan and lead research projects to systematically solve technical challenges to create new technologies and chemical building blocks for sealing/bonding materials

Expand expertise in area of sealing/bonding materials, including chemical interactions, formulation concepts, structure-property relationships, and analytical test methods. Prior experience with epoxy adhesives is considered a plus.

Systematical experimentation using DOE and other statistical methods in evaluating data

Determine and protect intellectual properties and support activities for patent monitoring and filing

Cultivate global collaboration via initiation of internal and external scientific community engagement

Internal consultant/champion for sealing/bonding technology

Independent worker that is competent with self-directed work and may provide leadership to researchers

Qualifications

MS, or PhD. degree in Chemistry desired

Experience in adhesive formulation is considered a plus, especially relevant epoxy and/or urethane experience and interpretation of mechanical and analytical test results

Manufacturing support of product trials, issues, customer questions

Communication with internal and external customers on products in market and under development

10+ years experience in self-driven work and solving technical challenges.

Excellent oral communication, technical writing skills and presentation skills

Skilled in maintaining and improving safety requirements

Some supervisory skills

Established track record of new product development and launch

Additional Information

• 401K with generous company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
• Education Assistance
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education, and or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.