Senior Research Scientist

At GAF Commercial we cover more than buildings. We cover each other. No matter what role, tenure, or department, under this roof you are helping to build the market leader in commercial roofing. Under this roof, we are assembling a winning team that puts the customer at the center of every decision and doesn't back down from hard work. Under this roof, we support one another in delivering operational excellence daily, while working to make a positive impact for our planet and our communities. Becoming the market leader only happens when everyone feels they have the opportunity, and the support, to thrive. We are GAF. And under this roof, we protect what matters most.

Job Summary
We are looking for a Research Scientist who will work in materials and product development for exterior waterproofing applications on commercial and residential roofs. Their primary role will be to improve existing core products and develop new products to meet customers evolving needs. The successful candidate will be a well-rounded Materials Scientist/Polymer Scientist with skills and knowledge in both bulk and surface science of polymeric materials. This includes experience in evaluating, characterizing, and developing coatings/adhesives.
This position also requires detailed knowledge of rheology and polymer technologies especially as applied to the development of thick film or membrane composites. The product development approach is expected to advance a fundamental understanding of materials and composite behavior. The Research Scientist will also work closely with other external technical groups as well as Marketing, Operations, and Sales to identify new opportunities for innovation in GAF products.

Essential Duties

• Initiating, and collaboratively planning and conducting, waterproofing system development projects from inception through commercialization.
• Identifying new product, process, and raw materials development opportunities for waterproofing systems, components, and accessories
• Improving/developing advanced characterization and analytical techniques to understand product performance, with a focus on product failure mode analysis and fundamental understanding of material behavior.
• Leveraging design of experiment techniques to plan and perform testing and conduct trials in the laboratory and production phase of product development
• Using statistical methods, scientific and engineering principles, and computer modeling to analyze and interpret experimental data and help make data-based technical decisions.
• Leading and executing plant trials that validate the performance of new product constructions.
• Fabricating product prototypes and conducting field evaluations
• Employing creativity to solve open-ended problems while assuring precision in experiments, as well as sound decision-making.
• Distilling high-level theoretical concepts into practical, useful product platforms, features and innovations.
• Work with internal and external test organizations and suppliers to ensure certification analysis and testing are effectively accomplished.

Qualifications Required

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) with 25+ years of relevant work experience or
• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Applied or Physical Science with 8+ years relevant work experience or
• Masters degree in Engineering, Applied or Physical Science with 5+ years of relevant work experience or
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Engineering, Applied or Physical Science with 3+ years relevant work experience
• Experience with the design of polymer-modified compounds for durable, exterior applications. Required
• Experience championing technical projects--demonstrated strengths in leading, teaching, coaching, and mentoring others. Required
• Hands-on experience in a working lab setting, preferably with full-scale process experience. Required
• Experience with asphalt chemistry/rheology is a plus. Required
• Strong knowledge of material property testing and characterization. Experience with DMA, TMA, mechanical testing, DSC, TGA, XRD, FTIR, SEM, GPC, and Rheometric equipment.
• Experience with the design of polymer-modified compounds for durable, exterior applications.
• Knowledge of colloid and surface chemistry, emulsions, dispersions, and surfactants.
• Working knowledge in engineering mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and composites failure mode analysis
• Demonstrated ability to take a product concept from the laboratory to the plant and ultimately to commercialization.
• Familiarity with film, coating, and web converting operations preferred.

Base salary and/or rate of pay ranges listed are exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. Individual compensation offers will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, relevant candidate experience and skill, education, and/or qualifications.Base Salary Range: $92,000-$126,500 How We Protect What Matters Most: 1. We offer a wide range of health insurance options that include medical, dental, and vision for you and your family. 2. Our Family-Building benefits support the many different journeys to fertility and parenthood. 3. Our robust 401K plan includes an employer match contribution with your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions. 4. Other exciting programs and perks are available to help employees achieve work-life balance, including (but not limited to) a wellness program, free financial coaching, a referral program, and product rebates when purchased for an employees primary residence. 5. Professional growth and development are very important to us! We offer internal training programs and courses, as well as a generous tuition reimbursement program. 6. We're committed to fostering a culture that reflects our values to connect, empower, evolve, and inspire. We offer many opportunities for employees to connect with one another, including through our Employee Resource Groups who focus on education and allyship for all of our employees.

GAF complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR Services at 833-HR-XPERT.

We believe our employees are our greatest resource. We offer competitive salary, benefits, 401k, and vacation packages for all full time permanent positions. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and GAF, Standard Logistics, SGI, and Siplast are proud to be affirmative action employers. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. If applying for positions in the U.S., must be eligible to work in the U.S. without need for employer sponsored visa (work permit).