R&D Scientist

The Opportunity :

Avantor is looking for an R&D Scientist for the NuSil Advanced Concepts group located onsite in Carpinteria, CA.

The R&D Scientist will direct the development of new silicone materials and silicone-related technologies targeted to address unmet needs in the areas of biomaterials, aerospace, electronics, and engineering.

The R&D Scientist, together, with a team of chemists and technicians, will conduct research, experimentation, synthesis, characterization, and the analysis of polymeric materials & formulations. The R&D Scientist will be responsible for the planning and executing project activities, driving technology development from innovative concept, through proof-of-concept demonstration and confirmation of lab-scale reproducibility. Focusing primarily on lab- and pilot-scale stages of development (and related process improvements), acting as a technology subject matter expert, and working collaboratively with New Product Development, Process Technology / Engineering, Manufacturing, Applications, and Commercial counterparts to ensure developed technologies are effectively translated into products that address identified market & customer needs.

The ideal candidate would possess advanced knowledge and experience in silicone-materials technology development gained from industrial experience, including synthesis, formulation, characterization, and project management. If this position is of interest, let's talk!

What we're looking for

Education : PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or related field with 2 to 5 years of relevant hands-on experience.

Minimum 3 years of experience in research-oriented activities in materials chemistry & development with demonstrated ability to conduct and manage projects to achieve desired results

MS with 7 years of demonstrated skills and hands-on experience in polymer-related product development (e.g., coatings / paints / dispersions, UV-curable materials, adhesives, composites) may be considered

Experience : Ability to conceptualize technical solutions to scientific problems

Ability to learn and adapt, curiosity, high energy, and drive to get things done.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Able to work independently and as a member of a cross-functional team.

Good interpersonal and presentation skills

Flexibility to respond to changing priorities and shifting deadlines in a fast-paced working environment

Preferred Qualifications : Experience and understanding of silicone materials synthesis, characterization, and production is a plus

How you will thrive and create an impact

Design, develop, and evaluate new chemistries, materials, and methodologies for use in silicone-related applications such as Medical Implants, Healthcare, Drug Delivery, Electronics, and Aerospace & Defense

Perform background literature and patent searches to deepen knowledge in relevant fields and build a clear understanding of the competitive landscape

Develop project plans and experimental activities; execute various tasks to complete projects within the desired timeframe by finding and using innovative approaches to get things done

Conduct and oversee hands-on experiments, data gathering and analysis / interpretation, troubleshooting of processes, optimizations, and providing technical strategy

Explore and apply new analytical techniques to solve problems

Facilitate and participate in regular project check-in meetings and adjust plans and activities based on feedback to complete the project on time

Provide technical support to R&D associates and assist in hands-on training.

Write and review specific technical proposals, procedures, and reports

Submit invention disclosures that result in patentable subject matter

Present technical content at stakeholders meeting and papers / posters at technical conferences

Bring routine and non-routine problems to the attention of management

Take initiative to identify and implement innovative ideas or concepts by searching literature and / or participating in discussions

Support R&D Leadership in the training, supervising, and reviewing technicians and chemists

Perform other duties as assigned with or without accommodation

Comply with all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under Typical Positions)

Typically works are in a laboratory environment with adequate lighting and ventilation and a normal range of temperature and noise level.

Work assignments are diversified. Examples of past precedents are used to resolve work problems. New alternatives may be developed to resolve problems

The work environment is a laboratory / office setting, and the appropriate PPE will be required in designated areas. The Technologies / Scientist may occasionally travel to other Avantor locations, vendor sites, or conferences / symposiums. This is a full-time position.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job.

Disclaimer :

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000 associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency :

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

109,000.00 - $181,000.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement :

We are an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state / province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW Poster , EEO is the Law Poster Supplement , and Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision .

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy :

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Salary : $109,000 - $181,000