Staff Scientist

JOB TITLE: Staff Scientist_ Polymer Chemist/ Materials Scientist, Advanced Applications, Polymer & Materials Science, Corporate T&I

LOCATION: SABIC Technology Center, Thuwal-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

JOB SUMMARY

Within SABIC Technology and Innovation (T&I) organization, Polymer & Materials Science (P&MS) Department focus is to identify and drive the developments of innovative materials, products, and applications in order to derive the company’s growth by portfolio differentiation. Job summary includes:

• Polymer and surface chemistry: apply polymer and surface chemistry principles to modify and physically and/or chemically adjust the bulk and surface properties of polymers.
• Knowledge of polymerization techniques, also polyolefin catalysis, in order to synthesize new polymers.
• To participate and/or lead industrial research and development projects supporting development of polymer-based proprietary solutions resulting in improved or differentiated products relevant to SABIC core businesses, particularly related to Polyolefins.
• Create new innovative platforms and provide subject matter expertise in formulation development: design, develop, and optimize polymer formulations for current and emerging applications. This includes selecting suitable polymers, additives, and fillers to achieve the desired performance characteristics.
• Material Characterization: employ a wide range of analytical and characterization techniques to assess the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of developed materials.
• Initiate and leverage external collaborations to further scale up synthesized materials and for technology development/ piloting.

Job Purpose & Responsibilities

As a polymer chemistry expert, you will be part of the Global Advanced Applications team. You will be contributing to the technology development projects for the Corporate and Polymer Business R&D organizations. Connecting and engaging with other T&I functions, SABIC business units, Marketing teams, as well as understanding customer needs are added responsibilities of the Advanced Applications team and this role. You are expected to focus on formulating new polymer materials for new products and applications. Your tasks and responsibilities include:

• Initiate, lead, and execute innovative research projects that will result in developing proprietary solutions leading to new products and materials solutions development with thorough understanding of their structure-morphology-property relationships, which in turn translate into commercialization of new polymers and products in variety of application segments.
• Actively engage and collaborate with scientists from multiple T&I teams, product groups, applications segment and marketing teams across the globe to define, plan, design, and execute research programs.
• Use creativity, commitment and teamwork to transform new products and materials from laboratory-scale ideas to pilot scale and then into commercial reality.
• Translating business objectives and project goals into designs of polymerization experiments, securing flawless execution and reporting the results to the stakeholders.
• Generating  high quality scientific reports on the projects’ progress.
• Actively contribute to competence development and knowledge sharing in the field of polymer chemistry, and materials/products development, by keeping track of academic and industrial developments.
• Delivering on project milestones in a multi-disciplinary approach and in close collaboration with team members from Corporate/technology T&I, MDTS, and business.
• Drive day-to-day activities of the polymer and material laboratories to deliver prompt and high quality research work.
• Mentor, guide and develop project team by bringing your experience in polymer chemistry and structure-property to create innovative solutions for the programs and the organization at large.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced degree in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline with a focus on polymer formulation, surface chemistry; PhD preferred.
• Extended industrial experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of polymer/materials synthesis, surface chemistry and modification of polymer formulations to enhance properties including PO product development (e.g. PP, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, POE) is required, with 10 years minimum experience.
• Relevant knowledge and expertise on suspension polymerization.
• Experience in structure-morphology-property relationship is must have.
• Proficiency in analytical and characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, thermal and rheology testing.
• Strong project-management skills with ability to multitasking and prioritizing multiple projects.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Good working knowledge and experience in applying statistical tools in data analysis and a variety of research projects.
• Business acumen and familiarity with Petrochemical products, chemistry, catalysis, and processes.
• Self-starter, strong drive and ambition for continuous improvement, open and curious.
• Robust record of accomplishment of materials/product development, and projects management.
• Strong IP record, with demonstrated examples of successful translation of technical inventions to commercial implementation.
• Demonstrates good practice of the Scientific Methodology and documents their work via Technical Reports, Intellectual property, Conference presentations and as deemed fit, peer reviewed Journal papers.
• Experience in linking scientific principles, chemistry and polymer structure and formulation to real world applications.