R&D Scientist (Adhesives)

Make a +Difference at Kraton!

At Kraton, we strive to continuously make a Positive Difference by innovating in products that can benefit our customers, our employees, and the world. Are you the Scientist that is excited to work in Pine Chemistry and its applications, then we are looking for you to join our team!  

We are looking to hire a key member of our Pine Chemicals Applications R&D team based in our state-of-the-art Innovation Center in Savannah, Georgia. 

The focus of the position will be on applications and technical service work for the various key pine chemical markets in which we participate, with special focus on adhesive technology. This position will help contribute to the use of our raw materials and end-use products to support new product development research and customer requests to help us reach our business goals. 

We are particularly interested in individuals who have experience in formulating products utilizing Crude Tall Oil refined raw materials and/or vegetable oil based raw materials and the products made from them for various adhesive end-use markets such as Hot Melt, Solvent, or Water-Based Adhesives.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to value creation in the work environment through broad understanding of pine technology applications. 
• Contribute to formulation of research work and improvement of existing processes/products under guidance of more senior staff. 
• Interpret research results with a broad view on technology context. 
• Design and carry out experimental programs. 
• Establish contacts and networks with internal/external customers under the guidance of supervisor/senior staff. 
• Discuss customer needs, propose and execute proper approaches to problem solving in consultation with more experienced staff. 
• Help guide (mentor) junior team members with project direction and execution.
• Report experimental results to internal/external customers or team members. 
• Participate in the definition of own development needs in technical expertise, business, personal skills and application. 
• In addition, other duties as assigned to enhance the safe operation of the lab.

Required Skills

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• The ideal candidate will possess creative problem-solving skills, a courageous spirit, and the desire to develop, organize and grow our technical knowledge and team.
• Knowledge of pine chemistries, refinery chemistry, and/or adhesive formulating is preferred.
• Excellent research and analytical skills and enjoys spending time in a lab executing application tests.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work with limited supervision.
• Project management skills to manage timelines and delegate to team members appropriately with clarity.
• Must be able to communicate and interact effectively with multi-functional, multi-national and diverse backgrounds, both internally and externally with appreciation of thought and cultural diversity. 
• Strong team player.

Education, Certifications & Licenses

• High School degree or GED required. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or equivalent required with related work experience. 
• Master's or PhD preferred with up to 0-2 years related experience.

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The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification.  Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Kraton’s internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies. We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.