Junior Polymer Chemist

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP

Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious, solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?

Are you always solving?

Then we'd like to meet you and bet you'd like to meet us.

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Junior Polymer Chemist to join our Specialty Additives business at our Wilmington, DE location.

This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the R&D function.

This position will report to Senior / Staff Scientist for Specialty Additives Wilmington lab.

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:


* Plan & execute EP reactions (batch/semi batch/starve fed) in lab reactors; set up pre emulsions, feeds, and initiator dosing; manage temperature profiles and exotherms


* Screen process additives (surfactants/emulsifier packages, protective colloids, defoamers, buffers, chain transfer agents, redox initiators) to determine effective dosage windows and process robustness


* Operate equipment: glass/stainless reactors, feed pumps, temperature controllers, nitrogen purging, filtration; follow SOPs for start up/shut down and cleaning


* Characterize latexes: solids, particle size/PSD (e.g., DLS), viscosity, pH, coagulum/filterable solids, zeta potential/stability; as needed, residual monomer (e.g., GC), Tg (DSC), gel fraction


* Analyze & document: maintain lab notebook/spreadsheets; ensure traceable raw data, calculations, and observations; write concise summaries and slides


* Collaborate & communicate with senior scientists on experimental design, DOE screens, and scale up handoffs; deliver results on time


* Lead with EHS & quality: chemical hygiene, PPE, waste handling, 5S, and risk controls for hazardous monomers and peroxides


* Actively contribute to the organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on goals and focusing on performance and safety


* Improve the organization capacity and capabilities through building collaborative relationships, optimizing diverse talent and utilizing positive communications and influence with others

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:



* A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials/Polymer Science or equivalent years of experience


* 2-5 years experience in polymerization, organic chemistry, or specialty chemicals


* Familiarity with reaction operations (mixing, feeds, temperature control), emulsions/colloids, and basic data analysis; strong organization and attention to detail


* Effective teamwork and communication with a constructive, learning mindset


* Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times


* The ability to help the company drive greater ...