R&D Chemist (Polymer Synthesis)

<strong>At Behr Paint, we strive to have all employees bring their best selves and their unique perspectives every day. We are a tight-knit family of fun, friendly, integrity focused individuals who work together in exciting and challenging ways to build and maintain our award-winning, industry-leading products and services, and to positively impact our customers and the communities in which we live and work.</strong>

Santa Ana, California

Behr Paint Company

<p><strong><em>Founded in 1947, Behr Paint Company is one of the largest manufacturers of paints, primers, decorative finishes, stains, surface preparation and application products for do-it-yourselfers and professionals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Santa Ana, Calif.-based company and maker of the BEHR&reg;, KILZ&reg;, WHIZZ&reg; and E&amp;J&reg; brands is dedicated to meeting the project needs of DIYers, professionals, architects and designers with an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and value.&nbsp;Behr Paint Company is a subsidiary of Masco Corporation.</em></strong></p> https://www.behr.com/consumer/

keywords: position summary,teamwork,quality assurance,leadership,design,create,analysis,education,experience,skills,knowledge

Full time

Overview: Behr is looking for an experienced polymer chemist to join our Polymer Synthesis Lab. As a member of Behr&rsquo;s Polymer Synthesis Team, you will help synthesize and implement latex polymers into Behr&rsquo;s industry-leading paint products. You will play a key part in developing new polymer materials to enable the product design team towards the vision of Behr&rsquo;s current paints and new product development. The position requires a hands-on can-do attitude and a passion for exploring all aspects of polymer material science. Come work at the cutting edge of architectural coatings.
Responsibilities: <ul> <li>Serve as Behr&rsquo;s internal latex polymer material expert by employing a thorough understanding of the chemistry and properties of polymer materials and additives.</li> <li>Lead the development of new latex polymer materials to meet the performance requirements of a wide range of product designs.</li> <li>Acquire technical contacts and network with industry experts to discover new technologies, which could be applied to Behr paint products for performance improvement and differentiation.</li> <li>Proficient with DOE or similar techniques for polymer design, raw materials selection, and performance optimization.</li> <li>Collaborate with Behr paint formulation chemists and manufacturing teams on material selection and performance optimization and troubleshooting.</li> <li>Work with internal/external laboratories to create polymer material characterization data to support resin design and application.</li> <li>Leverage expertise in analytical test methods to understand the root cause and develop corrective actions.</li> <li>Visit suppliers and contractors to fully understand their capabilities, quality requirements and resolve difficult material-related issues.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <p dir="LTR"><strong>Key Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ph. D. in polymer science or related field.</li> <li>MS in chemistry, chemical engineering, or material science with 3+ years experience in the emulsion polymerization industry.</li> <li>Extensive experience in polymer design and synthetic processes.</li> <li>Experience with structural and analytical characterization techniques for polymeric materials.</li> <li>A master of translating polymer structure to material properties.</li> <li>A master of problem-solving, including root cause analysis and Design of Experiment (DOE) application. Ability to break down complex problems into actionable next steps.</li> <li>General knowledge of coatings and applications, especially architectural.</li> <li>Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary.</li> </ul> <br /> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Education &amp; Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="LTR">Ph. D in polymer chemistry or MS in chemistry with 3+ years&rsquo; experience in emulsion polymerization industry.</li> </ul>