R&D Chemist (Polymer Coatings & Composites)

Role details

Belzona Global, an established leader in industrial protective coatings and repair composites, has gained incomparable success by acknowledging the need to provide not only technologically advanced products, but also to present uncompromising service to our customers - offering one solution to their maintenance challenges.

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated R&D Chemist (Polymer Coatings and Composites) to join our Miami-based team.Primarily a lab-based role, this position will be responsible for developing new polymeric solutions for harsh industrial environments. This will involve the design and lab-scale manufacture of coatings and repair composites, and subsequent testing to validate product performance.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Chemistry/Polymer Chemistry and possess a good knowledge of formulating industrial coatings, composites, or adhesives. Candidates from the ink industry are also welcome.

Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Polymer Chemistry is also acceptable if the candidate can demonstrate expert formulating knowledge.

The ideal candidate must have a proven track record of innovation; excellent hands-on laboratory skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills; a keen eye for detail; and a good understanding of the polymer technologies used in the industrial coatings and repair industry. The candidate should also be available for occasional overseas travel to support Belzona’s global partners.

Successful candidates will need to have the following qualifications and experience:

• Master's in chemistry preferred (Polymer Chemistry or Materials Science qualifications will also be considered)
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry is a requirement
• 5+ years' work or relevant research experience
• Knowledge of formulating industrial coatings, adhesives, ink, or fiber-reinforced composites
• Knowledge and/or experience of cold-curing thermoset polymers (e.g., epoxies, polyurethanes, etc.)
• Knowledge and/or experience of the test methods used to assess performance of coating, adhesive and/or composite systems
• Track record of innovative thinking and generation of new ideas
• Knowledge and experience of laboratory safety protocols
• Knowledge of the key formulation elements of cold-curing thermoset polymer systems
• Knowledge of the test methods commonly used to categorize the performance of coatings, adhesives, or composites
• Excellent practical hands-on laboratory skills, whether formulating, manufacturing, applying, or testing polymer materials

It would be preferred, but not required:

• Knowledge of international chemical supply regulations (e.g., REACH, chemical inventories, hazchem transport rules, etc)
• Knowledge of substrate surface preparation standards and coating/composite application techniques used in the industrial sector

Candidates will also need to display the following skills & abilities:

• Excellent practical laboratory skills
• Excellent organizational abilities including prioritization and management of multiple projects for the timely delivery of objectives
• Confident communicator with the ability to foster strong working relationships between the R&D, Technical Service and Production departments
• High level of IT literacy and competence with MS Windows/Office packages
• Excellent basic mathematics
• High proficiency in written and verbal English (at a scientific level)

Finally, the successful candidates will display the following personal attributes:

• Proactive and independent worker
• Flexible attitude to work
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving
• Safety conscious

Benefits

Belzona offers the following benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Voluntary health benefit options
• Complimentary basic life insurance
• Target Bonus
• 401(k) Plan with generous company match
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Personal Time Off

Belzona is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We also maintain a Drug-Free Workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• If the job is offered, would you undergo a background check?
• Do you have a bachelor's degree in chemistry?
• Do you have a master's degree in polymer chemistry or material science?
• If you have relevant work or research experience, please describe your background.

Education

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience

• chemistry work or research: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English proficiently? (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Miami Lakes, FL 33015 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person