Senior Polymer Specialist

Now hiring! Senior Polymer Specialist

Southfield, MI

Come create chemistry with us!

The automotive coatings division is one of BASF’s most dynamic and fast-growing businesses in the region. We have great people filled with a passion to deliver innovative, high quality coatings solutions to our customers – carmakers and aftermarket alike. Our team is dynamic, customer focused and growth oriented.

We are seeking a professional like you to join our team to support the introduction of new resins and polymers for automotive coatings into production, as well as provide technical expertise to solve production issues with established polymers and champion the localization of global technologies by close collaboration with global resins groups. In this role, you will also proactively identify business opportunities, as well as plan and execute laboratory research for the development of polymers for Basecoat and Ecoat in the area of automotive coatings.

You Create Chemistry by:

• Leveraging your PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science and Coatings, or Material Science and your strong industry experience in scaling up polymers from the lab to manufacturing coupled with an excellent understanding of polymer science concepts, you will synthesize and develop resins to support development projects, as well as perform advanced analysis of polymers and run proof of concept experiments.
• Executing and supporting global projects in the field of polymers for Basecoat and Ecoat, as well as preparing and monitoring Intellectual Property, you will collaborate closely with Global and Local Product Development and Color functions, exBU’s and functions, and translate creative technical approaches into generation of commercial resins.
• Demonstrating your exceptional verbal and written communication skills, you will represent the North America Resin group on a Global Platform and actively participate in internal and external meetings, as well as dissipate updates and findings through Presentations.
• Contribute as a raw material expert and qualify alternate sources based on comprehensive analysis and resin synthesis.
• Utilize your hands on skills in the preparation of polymers using a variety of techniques such as Free radical polymerization and or Controlled Free Radical Polymerization, Condensation Polymerization, Emulsion Polymerization, along with your experience of collaborating with global Technology and Operations groups to lead the localization of global resin technologies.
• Developing robust knowledge of Trouble shooting and work procedures will serve you well, as you Trouble-shoot manufacturing issues, and replicate manufacturing scenarios by performing lab synthesis.
• Your high-level knowledge of chemistry competency relating to the elucidation of structure-property relationships and analytical instrumentation will be a valued asset, as you participate in the introduction of new resins into production.

If you have...

• PhD in chemistry, polymer science and Coatings or material science.
• 2+ years of experience industrial automotive OEM coatings (preferred).
• Strong understanding of polymer science concepts.
• Hands on skills in the preparation of polymers for primer, basecoat and/or Ecoat using a variety of techniques including but not limited to free radical polymerization and or controlled free radical polymerization, condensation polymerization, emulsion polymerization.
• Application of polymers in the coatings area.
• High level of chemistry competency relating to the elucidation of structure-property relationships.
• Preparation & monitoring of intellectual property.
• Experience of working across cultures and being part of a global team.
• Exceptional communication skills – verbal and written.
• Understanding of resin regulatory registrations.
• Analytical instrumentation.
• Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Project development process (converting intellectual property into projects) and subsequent project management skills.
• Trouble shooting.
• Following work procedures.
• SAP
• Training of other associates and serving as a mentor.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

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Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.