Senior Polymer Chemist

23h23 hours ago

Shell

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

About this role

The Senior Polymer Chemist role in the Polymer Science team supports Shell Polymers Monaca's commercial and manufacturing operations. You will test all polyethylene grades produced, provide customer support for performance issues, and introduce new grades from a product performance perspective. This position drives innovation in the polyethylene industry.

Provide technical leadership on chemistry for developing superior quality polyethylene resins aligned with evolving market needs. Focus on target markets like Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Blown Film, Pipe, and recycled materials. Ensure mastery and improvement of finished grades for these outlets.

Work jointly with the Technical Service Team, Application Hall operational team, and Analytical lab at the Monaca Innovation Center. The team develops and improves test methods for various polyethylene end uses. Collaborate to support asset organization in Chemicals and Products business unit.

Apply your expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization techniques, and downstream processing to advance Shell's offerings. Stay ahead of polyethylene grade landscapes, recycling options, competitor technologies, and new catalyst developments. Contribute directly to operations enhancing quality of life for millions.

Requirements

Must have legal authorization to work in the US
Minimum of 10 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 Experiments 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, rheometers for rheology, DSC for thermal properties, and mechanical tests
Understand downstream polyethylene product processing methods like extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and blown film and their impact on performance
Help management understand and assess polyethylene product grade landscape, state-of-the-art technologies, recycling options, competitor SWOT, and patent literature
Help Shell understand the polyethylene product landscape and applications
Help Shell develop its role in keeping abreast of new catalyst commercial offerings to adapt to future market changes