Research Scientist (Polymers)

Role details

Overview

Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company – at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.

A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers – ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.

As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day.

Overview (Scope Of Role)

The

Research Scientist

will lead a portfolio of R&D initiatives to strengthen the PMMA Resins and Surfaces product portfolios and deliver new technologies aligned to customer and market needs. Partner with customers and internal stakeholders (Marketing, Business Development, TS&D, Process Technology, Manufacturing, and Quality) to define scope, success criteria, and resourcing, and drive execution from concept through commercialization. Manage multiple concurrent projects with clear governance (scope, schedule, budget, risk, and deliverables) and disciplined application of stage gate methodologies, including gate readiness and decision reviews.

Provide proactive stakeholder management and crisp progress reporting through recurring reviews and executive updates; maintain external technical networks and global exchanges.

This is a hybrid position in Exton, PA with at least 3 days per week in office. There will be up to 10% travel required.

Responsibilities

Portfolio & Program Leadership

lead multiple concurrent R&D projects/programs from ideation through commercialization using stage gate methodologies. Own integrated plans (scope, milestones, resources, budget, risks, IP) and drive execution, decision-making, and delivery through cross-functional global teams – 35%

Technology Strategy & Stakeholder Management

: translate strategy, market trends, and customer needs into a prioritized technology roadmap and business cases. Align stakeholders on problem statements, success metrics, timelines, and trade-offs; manage expectations and communications across functions and regions – 25%

Technical Excellence & Problem Solving

ensure technical rigor across the portfolio (DOE, statistical thinking, structured problem solving). Set standards for documentation and knowledge capture; coach team members on clear technical communication – 20%

Governance, Communication & Influence

run portfolio governance and stage gate reviews; surface risks/issues early and drive timely decisions. Provide concise updates on portfolio health, milestones, and decisions needed; influence outcomes with data-based recommendations – 10%

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s Degree in Polymer Science, Material Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience, depending on role level)
• Ph.D. with minimum of 3-5+ years of industrial R&D experience (or M.S. with 8+ years), including leadership of multiple concurrent cross-functional projects/programs through commercialization.
• Strong experience and working knowledge in polymer/materials chemistry, characterization, structure-property relationships, polymer physics, and melt processing.
• Proven technical leadership and delivery (e.g., commercialization, publications, patents, or equivalent impact).
• Strong project/program management: stage-gate execution, critical-path planning, risk/issue management, and on-time delivery across multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong stakeholder management: align internal/external stakeholders, influence without authority, facilitate decisions, and manage expectations with clear communication.
• Experience leading global, cross-functional teams; proficient with common PM tools and comfortable using DOE/statistics to drive decisions.

Equity and Inclusion

With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity. We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.