Senior Polymer Scientist- Harlow

With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Purpose Of Role

The Senior Polymer Scientist leads and/or coordinates complex technical work programs associated with complex innovation projects in core technology areas with responsibility for delivery of technical objectives. Has a detailed understanding in a several technical platforms or applications and is expected to bring new thinking in these areas. Works effectively across internal functions and is expected to develop working relationships with external parties to deliver new products to the market. Is expected to mentor, coach teach others.

Main Accountabilities

• Exhibit SHE leadership through own behaviours and proactive initiation of safety improvement initiatives
• Responsible for leading and delivering technical programs within defined projects, including delegation of work to others where required
• Develop new products, recipes, applications or capability based on knowledge of chemistry and product application know-how in a range of core technology areas
• Leading the competitor and patent watch process for a defined area and engages with IP/FTO landscaping for projects
• Ensure a high level of scientific rigor to the analysis and assessment of data in own and others work
• Builds an external network within the industry, e.g., customers, co-suppliers, industry panels, etc.
• Representing the company on conferences by own contribution, e.g. scientific presentation
• Incorporates understanding of business strategy to support decision making
• Responsible for the performance management and personal development of direct reports (where applicable)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• With PhD from 3-5 years or Master’s degree 5 – 7 years of post-graduation with experience in developing new products, concepts, techniques or standards across multiple technical disciplines within their field
• Proven ability to ensure a high level of scientific rigor is applied to all analysis and assessment of data in own and others’ work in their fields of expertise
• Understands confidentiality, NDA, CDA, anatomy of a patent including how to interpret Claims and dependency with respect to infringement and Freedom To Operate, and can carry out basic IP searching
• Understands the regulatory landscape for specific product application areas and can recognise regulatory risks. Can recognise regulatory risk and develop/execute mitigation plans for these
• Able to work with minimum supervision

Why Synthomer?

We are ambitious!

We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.

We believe in high challenge, high support!

We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.

We personalize our approach to development!

At Synthomer, you won’t find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We’ll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.