Senior Polymer Chemist

21h21 hours ago

Shell

Monaca, US · Full-time · $146,000 – $218,000

About this role

If you are driven by a curious mindset, coupled with a passion for innovation and performance chemicals, this could be your opportunity to make your contribution to Shell’s operations in the polyethylene industry. You will play an important role in improving the quality of life of millions and contribute directly to Shell’s bottom-line.

The Senior Researcher position in the Polymer Science team is part of the asset organization of Chemicals and Products located at the Innovation Center on the Monaca site. The team works jointly with the Technical Service Team, Application Hall operational team, and Analytical lab to support commercial and manufacturing organizations.

The Polymer Science team is responsible for testing all polyethylene grades produced at Monaca, provides customer support for performance issues, supports introduction of new grades from a product performance perspective, and develops test methods for various end uses of polyethylene.

The Senior Polymer Researcher will provide technical leadership regarding chemistry required for developing superior quality polyethylene resins in line with new market requirements. This position ensures Shell masters and improves polyethylene grades for markets like Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Blown Film, Pipe, and recycled materials.

Requirements

Must have legal authorization to work in the US
Minimum of 15 years relevant R&D, operations, manufacturing, and/or experience in chemicals/petrochemical processes and product application and development
Advanced degree in Chemistry (PhD), Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or similar field
Experience with chemical product applications and application development
Background/experience with setting up Design of Experimental studies in laboratories and/or pilot plants to develop commercial products

Responsibilities

Apply polyethylene polymer synthesis chemistry, additive chemistry, catalyst systems, and their compatibility to produce superior quality resin
Understand, use, and generate methods for polymer structure characterization including gel permeation chromatography for molecular weight, rheometers for rheology, DSC for thermal properties, and mechanical tests
Understand downstream polyethylene product processing methods like extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and multilayer blown film and their impact on polymer performance
Help Shell management assess polyethylene product grade landscape, state-of-the-art technologies, recycling options, competitor SWOT, and patent literature
Support Shell in understanding polyethylene product landscape and applications across geographies
Assist Shell in staying abreast of new catalyst commercial offerings to adapt grade offerings to future market changes