Job Description

Do you want to take responsibility and make a difference with your work? With your expertise, we can achieve great goals together. We are WACKER - Reliable. Determined. Ambitious. As one of the world's most research-intensive chemical companies, we've been making countless products that are an integral part of your everyday life possible for over 100 years. From vegan food to resource-efficient buildings to solar cells, we develop sustainable solutions that change the future.

To strengthen our team in Allentown ,

we are looking for you as a(n) Sr. Chemist/Scientist - R&D .

This is Us:

You know us. You just didn’t know it. WACKER is a global chemical manufacturer that prides itself on “Creating Tomorrow’s Solutions”. WACKER materials are so versatile and adaptable, they have virtually unlimited applications just about anywhere imaginable, making WACKER an integral part of daily life. Whether it’s protecting buildings from the elements, a tube of toothpaste, a cell phone, airbags, or cosmetics, people from all over the world come into contact each day with our products and achievements. We are looking for capable, innovative, and enthusiastic achievers to join our team and grow with us. We are currently seeking a Sr. Chemist/Scientist - R&D at the site in Allentown, PA.

What you will do:

The Sr. Chemist/Scientist - R&D will develop new products and technologies that enable both growth as well as strengthen and defend the existing business position. In addition, this role will leverage core technology to develop offerings that provide long term performance and/or economic advantage in the marketplace, as well as serve as the dispersion chemistry expert for the purposes of safety, plant operation, raw material strategy, quality, and regulatory. The Sr. Chemist/Scientist – R&D will also provide training for junior scientists/engineers, sales, purchasing, and manufacturing personnel, share knowledge of analytical chemistry related to dispersions to ensure that adequate analytical capabilities and methods exist to support research and manufacturing, especially related to product quality, and develop and maintain intellectual property to strengthen the overall business position. Lastly, this role will monitor industry technology trends to understand competitive positions, identify future opportunities where core technologies can be leveraged to create sustainable market advantage, supervise the staff and operation of the research laboratories, and ensure the safe operation of the laboratories as well as maximize the impact of technology has on meeting the overall objectives of the business.

• Develop new products and technologies via planning and execution of projects and analysis and interpretation of data.; 70%.
• Provide manufacturing support to improve plant safety, quality, efficiency, etc.; 10%.
• Supervise and train technical staff and coordinate efforts to achieve objectives in an optimal fashion.; 10%.
• Maintain the excellent safety performance of the research labs, as well as provide chemistry related safety input to manufacturing.; 5%.
• Establish intellectual asset protection for the products and technologies developed and keep current on IP developments both internally and with competitors. 5%.

What we need from you:

• Master's degree in chemistry, polymer science, material science or engineering.  PhD preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Detailed knowledge of polymer chemistry (including both polymerization and structure property aspects of the science) is necessary.
• Knowledge of the raw materials used to manufacture dispersions (from both a chemistry and economic perspective) is needed.
• Understanding of the various end use markets served, as well as knowledge of the industry.
• Familiarity with all manufacturing capabilities and limitations is required.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry in general and as it specifically relates to polymer chemistry is needed
• Understanding of regulatory matters that impact R&D, manufacturing and the end use markets served is also required.
• Knowledge of the practice of intellectual property protection is necessary.
• The ability to translate an idea into a viable commercial product is essential.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, both on the technical side as well as the commercial side, is necessary.
• The ability to effectively supervise and train exempt and non-exempt staff is preferred.
• Ability to travel (possibly some international) less than 10% of the time.

What do we offer?

WACKER is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. We are innovators, researchers, and pioneers and we believe that our individual differences are our collective strength. We foster an inclusive environment that promotes individuality, celebrates diversity, and builds cohesive teams. Together, we create exceptional value for our employees, our customers, and our communities by creating a culture of inclusion and equity that enables, empowers, and values our diverse contributions. 

WACKER strives to reward its employees in a fair and equitable manner. Our Total Rewards Package considers employee wellbeing and is comprised of compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance & recognition, and career development.

• Compensation and Incentive plans

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1

• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Wellbeing fund

• Flexible hybrid work arrangements

• 401(k) with company match

• Education Assistance Program

• Career development and advancement opportunities

• Support for Community Involvement

We are looking forward to your online application at
Reference Code: 27910 

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.

A minimum requirement for this US-based position is the ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent unrestricted basis.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, including for any type of US permanent residency (e.g., for a green card).

WACKER is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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