Senior Scientist - Pine Chemicals - Savannah, GA - (onsite)

Make a +Difference at Kraton!

At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world.  We are looking to hire a key member of our Pine Chemicals R&D team at our Kraton Innovation Center in Savannah, GA.

The Senior Scientist (Pine Chemicals) will be primarily performing routine scientific work, independently evaluating, selecting and applying standardized scientific procedures and techniques to projects with clear objectives or investigations with limited variables/complex features.   

In addition the senior scientist will manage the performance chemicals applications team. This position will supervise a group of up to 4 scientists/technicians with Technical Manager guidance in scheduling and planning projects, resource planning, safety in the lab and performance/discipline of direct reports. 

Key Responsibilities

• Create guidance for the team, set priorities to work on based on input from key stakeholders (R&D and commercial organization)  

• Drive projects as set out by the R&D and commercial teams following the Kraton stage gate process 

• Contribute to value creation by developing new applications of technology and/or products using in-depth understanding of technology in professional discipline. 

• Make major contributions to formulation of research work and improvement of existing processes/projects under guidance of more senior staff. 

• Interpret and evaluate 3rd party technology in relevant field. 

• Guide design of and modifications to experiments and carry out as required by the project.  

• Places required orders and requisitions to complete experimental set ups. 

• Establish contacts and networks with internal/external customers with limited guidance. 

• Independently assess and discuss customer needs, propose and execute proper approaches to problem solving. 

• Independently report experimental results to internal/external customers or team members. 

• Action routine technical issues within professional discipline and seek supervisory guidance on sensitive issues. 

• Participate in the definition of own development needs in technical expertise, business, personal skills and application. 

• In addition, other duties as assigned to safely perform. 

Required Skills

• Proven track record in Pine Chemistry Industry

• Has experience in at least one the following fields of expertise: coatings, oilfield, lubrication or biofuel.

• In-depth understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures relevant to professional discipline, sufficient enough to follow and influence

• Ability to direct/refine a research study by advancing new ideas and views

• Understand basics of how to apply for a patent

• Ability to file a Record of Invention

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, senior management, clients, customers and general public

• Ability to document, report and present work in written summary forms

• Ability to provide training on topics within the field of expertise

• Ability to work closely with internal/external customers and establish strong relationships to drive innovation projects

• Ability to coach, mentor lower level scientists.

• Ability to identify necessary work flow steps from project kick-off to achieve key milestones

• Ability to use limited experience in making decisions on minor adaptations to assignments

Education, Certifications & Licenses

• PhD or MSc + 5 yrs. relevant experience or BSc + 7 yrs. relevant experience in Chemistry/Physics/Material Science

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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.