Description

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to contribute to a global sustainability initiative aimed to develop alternative solutions using natural polymers to replace existing packaging comprised of non-sustainably sourced materials.

In this role they will be responsible for developing material processing capabilities with some focus on extrusion as well as scale-up laws, and research of new technologies within the natural and/or bio-based polymer field. The candidate will participate in cross functional team/s facilitating bench-scale design, prototype generation and scale-up of various products while interfacing with corporate R&D, customers and key material/instrumentation suppliers.

The candiate will have a chance to work across various MonoSol and Kuraray facitilies focused on scale-up and extrusion processes, and leverage various assets in order to facilitate growth and develop key learnings in natural/bio packaging materials. This position will also support and provide technical consultation to the R&D, operations, marketing and sales teams.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to be able to perform laboratory and pilot line activities, interface with scale-up and production teams while executing processing projects within the R&D group of a fast growing company. This position will report to the Technology and Upstream Research R&D Manager, and will require some travel between Chicago (link shown below) and various locations in Northwest Indiana.

Company Behind Tide Pods Technology Plans Innovation Center in Chicago’s Fulton Market (costar.com)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and establish new polymer and bio-material processing techniques & capabilities utilizing MonoSol’s innovation process and tools.
• Conduct bench and pilot trials and lead/assist on scale-up of various products.
• Develop process (PFS) and transformation flow sheets (TFS) critical to material processing.
• Recommend and evaluate new processing equipment /instrumentation.
• Utilize advanced data interpretation methods to evaluate new and existing products and processes to meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Create concept models and prototypes utilizing lab-scale tools and equipment as well as external partners.
• Analyze, evaluate and develop intellectual property.
• Prepare for and facilitate risk assessments throughout the product development lifecycle through close collaboration to support larger scale material development and qualification runs at the pilot plant and manufacturing.

• Collaborate locally and globally with fellow scientists, engineers, operations, sales, and marketing team members on development projects, interpreting test results.

• Leverage external sources of innovation, including Kuraray’s R&D capabilities, to develop technologies for new products and processes.
• In a non-supervisory capacity, provide coaching, and guidance regarding project tasks to other engineers, designers, technicians and associates.

• Requires a flexible work style and travel as necessary to perform assignments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S or or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Natural Products Chemistry or Polymer Science is required.
• 5 Years of polymer processing experience with knowledge of compounding, film and/or sheet manufacturing, nonwovens and extrusion.
• 3-5 years of natural and/or bio-based polymer development and/or laboratory experience required. Familiarity with processing and extrusion of polysaccharides, proteins, and/or other materials derived for natural sources.
• Strong expertise in polymer film processing, formation, stability and associated phenomena.
• Understanding of polymer fundamentals and material structure-property relationships and knowledge of polymer spectroscopic, thermo-mechanical and alternative analytical/characterization techniques.
• Strong team oriented professional with good interpersonal skills who is hands-on with a high energy approach to work leveraging analytical and problem solving skills.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification a plus but not required; demonstrated understanding of basic statistics for Six Sigma process.
• Familiarity with Python, Minitab, JMP or similar statistical tools is a plus.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and be capable of working independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to communicate ideas and information clearly, effectively, and frequently (oral and written) both to senior management, customers and associates.
• Has working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Office, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint.

CLOSING

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this position. This is not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. MonoSol, LLC reserves the right to make changes to the job description whenever necessary.

DISCLAIMER

As part of MonoSol, LLC’s employment process, finalist candidates will be required to complete a physical, drug and alcohol test and background check prior to employment commencing. MonoSol, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.

Qualifications