This position will provide development and deployment of novel titanium dioxide products for coatings, plastics and paper applications. As part of a Research and Development team the incumbent will provide guidance for producing titanium dioxide products with improved properties consistent with marketplace requirements.  Specifically, this role requires a person with a strong background in dispersant chemistry, surface/interface phenomena, an understanding of the theory and application of dispersion, flocculation, wetting, adhesion and rheological properties as related to coatings and substrates. Proven experience in the surface modification of particles with inorganics as well as with polymers is seen as exceptionally important to be successful in this role. A working knowledge of paints and similar coatings systems is highly desirable and familiarity with titanium dioxide pigments or other micro/nano particle chemistries is preferred.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for demonstrating site safety leadership
• Responsible for researching IP space during concept development stage - Monitoring patents, literature and the industry to assess opportunities or threats.
• Responsible for documenting all potential IP; for submitting invention disclosures; and for working with attorneys on patent applications.
• Responsible for mentoring junior scientists
• Planning and conducting assigned research work to derive successful outcomes.
• Solving process and product problems including root cause analysis.
• Responsible for producing lab-made and pilot-made prototypes
• Responsible for maintenance of test and pilot equipment
• Responsible for managing and supporting plant trials for new product project implementation
• Responsible for managing tech specialists to:
  • Develop lab and pilot plant made prototypes
  • Perform in process testing on prototypes
• Providing customer technical service as needed to back up Technical Service
• Contributing to meeting the goals of the Product Development group.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Inorganic /Physical Chemistry and experience with surface modification of particles with polymer chemistry and preferably in application to coatings formulations.  A PhD is preferred
• Experience of working with material synthesis with expertise in particle formation methodologies
• Excellent understanding of inorganic synthesis procedures and material characterization techniques
• Knowledge of industrial manufacturing and product awareness and a commercial awareness of the chemical industry including a mindset toward sustainability
• A good knowledge of health and safety procedures generally in relation to internal Safety Health and Environment, SHE, and CHP protocol
• The ability to work equally well as part of a team or independently
• The ability to lead a team to the completion of a task
• Should have experience working with titanium dioxide synthesis and manufacturing methods.
• Innovative with regard to introducing new concepts and methods to work processes