Job Description:
Axalta Coating Systems is seeking an experienced polymer scientist with in-depth expertise in the synthesis and characterization of polymers for use in coatings applications. The successful candidate will have prior industrial experience, and will join Axalta’s Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Philadelphia, PA. The GIC group develops high performance coatings for the Mobility, Refinish, and General Industrial markets. In addition to a background in polymer synthesis, the candidate should have a deep understanding of structure-property relationships of polymers, and polymer physics. They will have demonstrated the ability to apply fundamental knowledge and understanding of polymer design for a range of different coating layers and a range of applications. Additional requirements include familiarity with modern polymer characterization techniques, including both microscopic and macroscopic characterization methodologies. Furthermore, they will have demonstrated the ability to define and optimize new test methods to evaluate impact of polymer design on critical coating properties.
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Generate innovative approaches to designing new polymers that provide superior performance over existing systems and deliver competitive advantage.
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Define synthesis strategies for new polymers for use in advanced coatings.
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Ensure on time delivery of new polymer designs through effective project management discipline, including project planning, collaboration, technical reviews and communication.
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Rational design of polymer architectures to achieve targeted properties.
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Characterization of polymer microstructure.
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Characterization of macroscopic properties, including thermal, rheological, and mechanical.
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Define testing protocols to correlate polymer structure with desired properties.
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Collaborate with a multi-faceted, global team in the development of improved polymers for coating systems in multiple market segments.
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Work with multiple functions within the organization to drive product development activities to commercialization.
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Develop intellectual property protection for key innovations.
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Organize work flow, including setting and meeting key deadlines.
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Collaborate with peers and senior fellows to investigate and agree on polymer design strategies.
Minimum Requirements
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Ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in Chemistry; PhD in Organic/Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science or Materials Science strongly preferred
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Relevant industrial experience, including experience with the synthesis of emulsions, acrylics or polyurethanes for use in surface coatings
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Demonstrated ability to work and contribute in a team environment
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Demonstrated record of innovation through patents or publications
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Ability to lead major projects and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; experience with Stage-Gate process
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Excellent written & oral communication skills
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Candidate must have a working proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
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Willingness and ability to travel (<10% of working time) when feasible
Key Behavioral Competencies:
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Action and results oriented. Attention to details.
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Business acumen
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Ability to take complex, disparate information and translate into executive summaries
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Excellent organizational & relationship management skills
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Ability to multitask and prioritize work in a self-directed capacity
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Ability to balance the potentially competing needs of multiple customers in a matrix environment
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Outstanding communication skills and ability to operate across countries, communicate and coordinate effectively across organizational boundaries
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Ability to positively influence others, create a passion for excellence, and execute multiple projects while meeting customer expectations
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Project Management knowledge and capability
Our Company:
Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.
Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.