Senior Polymer Synthetic Chemist

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a Bridgestone West strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

This position is within the Advanced Polymer Synthesis group at the Bridgestone Americas Center for Research and Technology, located at the Americas Technology Center in Akron, OH. The Senior Polymer Synthetic Chemist will work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, developing new polymers and optimizing polymerization techniques used to enhance the performance of our tire products and other diversified product offerings. The ideal candidate will have education and work experience in the discipline of polymer science and will exhibit strong problem-solving and communication skills. The role will require working in and/or leading multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to meet the needs of customers and stakeholders.

• Recommends plans for developing and implementing new polymer products
• Participates and eventually coordinates and oversees the execution of projects across multiple business units, as well as coordinates initial scale-up studies with pilot plant for new products
• Proposes and researches potential new technologies, products, innovative concepts, and testing methods by developing and investigating theories on the physical and chemical properties of polymers and materials under various conditions
• Conducts hands-on chemical and polymerization synthesis experiments, as well as characterization studies
• Prepares research proposals, technical specifications, reports and presentations, and specifies laboratory test equipment and processes
• Supports the company's IP portfolio by drafting and reviewing invention disclosures, supporting the development of patent applications, and providing technical expertise to the legal department
• Makes recommendations concerning acquisition and use of new technological equipment and materials, as well as on continuous improvement/automation activities
• Supports relationships through strong communication and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Mentors junior scientists and co-ops in their projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the synthesis of elastomers
• Strong understanding of polymer physical chemistry/physics
• Experience using anionic and Ziegler-Natta polymerization chemistries
• Knowledge of material science and formulation of rubber compounds
• Experience with natural and synthetic resins, low-molecular weight polymers, and/or bio-based materials

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelors degree; or 3 years and a masters degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience

• PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or Inorganic Chemistry is required
• Strong understanding of chemistry fundamentals (organic, organo-metallic, and/or polymer)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to solve problems and multitask effectively
• Must be able to work safely with a strong knowledge of workplace hazards and safety procedures
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment