R&d Chemist

We are seeking an innovative and knowledgeable R&D Chemist to join our team and contribute to advanced tire chemistry research and development. This role involves conducting comprehensive mechanistic investigations to enhance material properties, focusing on the interactions of rubber chemicals and their impact on performance. The successful candidate will utilize a range of analytical instruments and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation and sustainability in tire formulations.

Responsibilities

• Characterize small molecule, polymerization, and vulcanization kinetics.
• Elucidate chemical cross-linking, activator, and accelerator mechanisms.
• Engineer reactivity pathways to achieve superior material properties.
• Develop a fundamental understanding of rubber chemicals' interactions and their impact on performance.
• Utilize analytical instruments such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and computational methods to analyze reaction dynamics, material characteristics, and predict performance outcomes.
• Create mechanistic models and propose reaction pathways based on experimental and theoretical evidence.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including application scientists, synthetic chemists, process experts, and tire manufacturers, to integrate mechanistic insights into molecular design and next-generation tire formulations.
• Interpret test results from raw materials and compounds, prepare technical reports, secure patents for inventions, and maintain awareness of regulatory standards.
• Drive sustainability and emerging trends by scouting and evaluating new technologies, such as renewable materials or alternatives to toxic accelerators, to reduce environmental footprints.

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field with a focus on reaction mechanisms or kinetics.
• Prior experience in the tire industry and in-depth knowledge of rubber vulcanization chemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanistic chemistry, including hands-on synthesis, characterization, and data interpretation in polymer or rubber systems.
• Proficiency in analytical instrumentation and techniques for organic molecule analysis, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply chemical principles to practical innovations in materials science.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, team collaboration, and presenting findings.
• Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting, with knowledge of hazardous materials handling and PPE requirements.

• Experience with statistical analysis and computational modeling is a plus.

The R&D Chemist will work in a laboratory setting, collaborating with various departments including manufacturing, engineering, and production. The environment is dynamic and requires adherence to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Akron, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

PTO, Holiday, 401K, medical, dental, vision, relocation packages available (Equivalent to 2 months of pay that the will receive upfront a few days after they start the job)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Akron,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 10, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $90,000 - $130,000