Key Skills

Job Description

Overview Principal Scientist – Polymer Solutions R&D The Principal Scientist will contribute to the development of new polymer materials, technologies and processes within Trinseo’s Polymer Solutions R&D organization. The role combines scientific expertise, experimental research and technical project leadership to translate ideas into practical solutions, from proof of concept through pilot validation and commercialization. The scope includes engineering thermoplastics, polymer production and modification, compounds and blends, recycling, dissolution and purification, and polymer degradation and stabilization. The successful candidate will build on existing capabilities, challenge assumptions constructively and develop approaches that support business growth and sustainability objectives. The team You will join a team with decades of accumulated knowledge in polymer chemistry, materials, processing and industrial manufacturing technologies. There is a great deal to learn from, but you are not joining simply to preserve it. We want you to question it, build on it and help take our science somewhere new. Our work is between fundamental polymer science and industrial reality. It spans engineering thermoplastics, compounds and blends, polymerization, structure-property relationships, polymer recycling, dissolution and separation, purification, additives, degradation and stabilization, molecular modification, thermoplastic composites, extrusion and compounding. We work from ideas to proof-of-concept, prototype, scale-up and commercialization. Responsibilities Identify and develop research ideas, translating scientific concepts into practical experiments and feasibility assessments Provide scientific expertise and technical leadership for R&D projects, defining objectives, experimental approaches and development plans Design and conduct experiments, develop methods, analyze data and translate findings into actionable recommendations Develop technologies for polymer production, modification, processing and recycling, connecting material structure and chemistry with performance Support technology development from laboratory research through pilot trials, scale-up and commercial implementation Generate and protect intellectual property through invention disclosures and collaboration with patent specialists Coach and guide scientists, technologists and technicians, strengthening technical capabilities and sharing knowledge Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, safety, business teams and external partners to deliver project objectives Maintain safe research practices and clear technical documentation, and communicate findings to technical and business stakeholders Qualifications PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, Macromolecular Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline Relevant industrial experience, minimum 10 years Strong scientific foundation and demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas of polymer science or technology Knowledge of free-radical polymerization and polymerization kinetics Kinetic simulation/modeling expertise is desirable Demonstrated ability to acquire new expertise to solve complex technical problems Proactive, curious and pragmatic approach, with the initiative to propose ideas and test their feasibility Ability to connect fundamental science with industrial requirements and sustain development through experimentation, troubleshooting and scale-up Experience in experimental design, analytical interpretation and method development Ability to collaborate across disciplines, guide others and contribute to shared objectives Motivation to develop more sustainable materials, technologies and production processes Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage project priorities, timelines and resources Excellent written and spoken English; Dutch or other European languages are an advantage

Core Responsibilities

Develop polymer materials, technologies, and processes through experimental research, data analysis, and technical leadership, advancing projects from proof of concept through pilot validation, scale-up, and commercialization. Generate and protect intellectual property, guide colleagues, collaborate with internal and external partners, and maintain safe research practices and clear technical communication.

Requirements

Requires a PhD in polymer chemistry, polymer science, macromolecular chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, plus at least 10 years of relevant industrial experience. Candidates should have expertise in polymer science or technology, knowledge of free-radical polymerization and kinetics, strong experimental and analytical capabilities, and the ability to lead collaborative development through troubleshooting and scale-up; kinetic modeling is desirable.