RESEARCH SCIENTIST JOBGASTON, SC

Alpek Polyester USA; Gaston (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is seeking a Research Scientist to lead and execute advanced polymer research, product development, and process improvement initiatives. You will apply polymer science, experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive manufacturable, commercially relevant solutions.

The role focuses on translating laboratory findings into pilot-scale and manufacturing-scale strategies, with a strong emphasis on safety, data integrity, and regulatory

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, or related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
• Strong publication or project experience in polymer processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects for new products and process improvements up to pilot or manufacturing scale.
• Design and execute experimental programs to generate actionable data and reduce technical uncertainty.
• Develop and evaluate polymer formulations and processing conditions to improve quality and manufacturability.
• Translate laboratory findings into pilot-scale and commercial-scale implementation strategies.

Skills

Technical leadership

Cross-functional

Experimental design

Data analysis

Polymer science

Process development

Education

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Polymer Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Analytical methods

Job description

Why You'll Love This Job

The Research Scientist leads assigned research, product development, process improvement, and scale-up initiatives that convert technical opportunities into manufacturable and commercially relevant solutions. The role applies polymer science, experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve product performance, strengthen manufacturing capability, reduce technical risk, and support successful commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on new products, process improvements, and specialty polymer applications, delivering technical solutions that advance business growth, manufacturing capability, and customer value.
• Design and execute experimental programs using sound scientific and engineering principles to generate actionable data, reduce technical uncertainty, and support informed decision-making.
• Develop and evaluate polymer formulations, processing conditions, and product performance characteristics to improve product quality, manufacturability, sustainability, and commercial competitiveness.
• Translate laboratory findings into pilot-scale and commercial-scale implementation strategies, supporting successful technology transfer, scale-up, and product commercialization.
• Plan, coordinate, and support manufacturing trials while analyzing results and providing technical recommendations that improve process performance, product consistency, and operational reliability.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Marketing, Commercial, and Sustainability teams to resolve technical challenges and accelerate the development and deployment of customer-focused solutions.
• Analyze technical, operational, and analytical data to identify trends, diagnose root causes, and develop practical recommendations that improve product and process performance.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to laboratory personnel and project teams, fostering scientific rigor, knowledge sharing, and safe execution of development activities.
• Support the evaluation, selection, and implementation of laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing equipment, enhancing technical capabilities and supporting strategic business objectives.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, test methods, technical documentation, and best practices to strengthen data quality, knowledge management, safety performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, establishing priorities, timelines, and resource requirements to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business goals.
• Serve as an R&D technical representative on cross-functional initiatives, effectively communicating technical findings, influencing project direction, and contributing to business planning, innovation, and long-term technology strategy.

Education

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in polymer science, chemical processing, product development, process development, or related technical environments.
• Experience leading research, product development, process improvement, or commercialization projects from laboratory concept through pilot or manufacturing implementation.
• Experience applying experimental design, statistical methods, and technical data analysis to evaluate product performance, process capability, and technology development opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical data sets, identify trends, develop fact-based conclusions, and communicate recommendations that support business and manufacturing decisions.
• Experience with PET resins, rPET, polyester manufacturing processes, recycling technologies, or related polymer industries strongly preferred.
• Strong experience with laboratory testing, analytical methods, data visualization, and interpretation of scientific and operational data.
• Knowledge and experience with chemical process safety in laboratory and manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience operating laboratory-scale reactors, pilot-scale equipment, or similar polymer processing systems preferred.

Competencies

• Demonstrates strong technical expertise and scientific leadership to advance research, product development, and process improvement initiatives that support business growth and manufacturing excellence.
• Actively contributes to cross-functional teams, fostering technical knowledge, collaboration, innovation, and operational effectiveness.
• Applies critical thinking, scientific methodology, and data-driven decision making to analyze results, identify root causes, solve complex technical challenges, and develop innovative solutions.
• Effectively manages multiple priorities, projects, and resources, maintaining a high degree of scientific rigor, attention to detail, and executional discipline.
• Collaborates across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Technical Marketing, Commercial, and Sustainability functions to support business objectives, product performance, and successful commercialization.
• Maintains a strong commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and technical excellence, ensuring work is conducted in accordance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Travel

• Ability to travel approximately 10% to 30% of time (international and domestic travel)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods during site visits and travel.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds of materials, documents, or equipment.
• Ability to safely work in manufacturing and laboratory environments, including participation in site audits, technical reviews, and operational activities where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Must be capable of responding appropriately to operational disruptions, audits, and site emergency situations in accordance with established company procedures and safety requirements.

Work Environment

• Flexibility and the ability to travel to different office or plant locations.
• Some site visits may include exposure to loud machinery, temperature variations, and other typical manufacturing conditions that require the use of PPE.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a global leader in the production of PTA (Terephthalic Acid), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Resins, PET Recycling (rPET), and Specialty Polymers. This integrated business services customers all over the world using its global network of manufacturing entities within the Alpek Polyester umbrella. We are committed to improving people’s lives through our products, innovations, and a commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with manufacturing facilities in the Carolinas, Mississippi, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a division of Alpek, the petrochemicals and synthetic fibers business group of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., one of Mexico's largest corporations.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is subject to US Department of Commerce export regulations and thus must hire individuals who meet national security requirements. Interested applicants (or temporary employees) must meet eligibility requirements. Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Number: 177564