R&D Senior Product Development Researcher

Company: LyondellBasell
Location: Cincinnati
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

LyondellBasell


Basic Function

The Senior MPD Researcher leads and/or supports product development, industrialization, and commercialization of LyondellBasell's polyolefin-based products in rigid / molding (e.g., blow molding, injection molding, pipe, etc.) and flexible / extrusion (e.g., packaging film, etc.) applications and (2) leads and/or supports research and technology development efforts in the area of plastic waste feedstock processing, treatment and mechanical recycling. The focus area includes managing and/or developing the technical aspects of business-driven projects with a circular design mindset. The aim of the role is to enhance LyondellBasell's competitive advantage in targeted markets, aligned with Business Stakeholders (Polymers and Technology) and in close dialogue / collaboration with the R&D EU organization.


Roles & Responsibilities

• Support PP product development projects for both LYB and NA third-party technology assets
• Focus on business innovation themes and on target end-use segments, to enhance LYB's PP business competitiveness and maintain and further grow differentiation and competitive advantage in the PP market
• Provide fundamental technical subject matter expertise in polymer structure / property / process relationships
• Supply technical expertise and project management to drive forward GIGP, TS, and cost saving initiatives sponsored by the O&P Americas and Technology Businesses.
• Assess feedstock quality requirements for recyclates and plastic waste flows; support development of new formulation and recipes; drive optimum incorporation level of recyclates in final products while at the same time maximizing properties in the end-use applications
• Generate know-how about composition and quality of the different plastic waste feedstocks (properties, contamination, quality, consistency, sortability etc.); Develop technologies and processes for plastic waste feedstock treatment that allow maximum feedstock flexibility and value creation
• Lead and/or support outreach at Universities, start-ups and other technology hubs for innovations in the area of plastic waste feedstock treatment, characterization and mechanical recycling
• Apply a fully circular design approach nurturing mechanical recycling, closed-loop, eco-design and design for recycling initiatives
• Focus on business innovation themes and on target end-use segments to enhance LyondellBasell's business competitiveness; maintain and further grow differentiation and competitive advantage in the market.
• Drive GoalZERO HSE performance and behaviors through active engagement and employee involvement to provide a safe work environment
• Interface effectively with R&D researchers and technicians with definition of requirements and identification of solutions for projects and external technology providers (Universities, start-ups and other technology hubs) for innovations in the area of plastic waste feedstock processing, treatment, characterization and mechanical recycling
• Working cross-functionally within LYB to manage / support product and process development projects from initiation, through qualification, to subsequent industrialization / commercialization in support of business objectives
• Coordinating the activities of multi-functional teams to achieve objectives using collaboration, personal influence, and excellent organization and project management skills
• Initiating and developing innovative ideas related product and / or application development opportunities; conducting scouting research and designing experiments to develop proof-of-concept with the intent of establishing technical and commercial feasibility
• Working with the Polymer Businesses, Technical Service, and Manufacturing to develop and implement strategies to enhance LYB's polyolefin products
• Interfacing with Procurement, Global Engineering (GE&T), Global R&D, APS, and third parties (such as universities and/or recycling companies) as needed in support of mechanical recycling
• Interfacing with Technical Service, Marketing, Sales, Product Management, Manufacturing, Product Safety, and Intellectual Property group members in support of business needs
• Approximately 10 to 25% travel within North America, with occasional trips to Europe and other regions possible
  
  
  Min. Qualifications
  
  
  Education:
  
  • PhD in areas including Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer or Material Science or Engineering with relevant process engineering experience; Polymers experience preferred
    
    Work Experience:
    
    • Minimum 7 years of experience post-PhD in a technical role (R&D, Application Development & Technical Service, Polymers Compounding/Manufacturing)
      
      Critical Competencies/Behaviors:
      
      
      
      • 
        Technical Skills: strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, including understanding of polymer science, polymer processing, extrusion / compounding equipment and techniques, resin characterization methods, product performance testing, and understanding of applications requirements; shares expertise with others
      • 
        Innovation: generates new ideas; challenges the status-quo
      • 
        Drive for Results: steadfastly pushes self and others for results; works with passion and a sense of urgency; hands-on attitude
      • 
        Project Management: strong capability to manage projects in an organized, timely, collaborative and effective way
      • 
        Interpersonal Capability: builds appropriate rapport with others both within LYB and externally with relevant stakeholders; builds constructive and effective relationships; encourages cooperation and collaboration
      • 
        Courage: does not hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete input and feedback
      • Focus on Sustainability/Circularity: understanding and knowledge of sustainability/circularity principles and LYB's core objectives in this space
      • Developing Self and Others: takes on challenging tasks and assignments; constructs compelling development plans and executes them; provides guidance and mentoring to those who need help and further development
      • Strong Initiative, Problem Solving & Decision Making, and Teamwork skills are essential for this position
      • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with technicians, fellow researchers, plant engineers, upper management and other internal and external stakeholders
      • Highly self-motivated individual, committed to delivering results and excellent communication skills, attention to detail, with strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills
      • Good organizational and time management skills in order to effectively manage multiple and/or changing priorities
        
        
        Preferred Qualifications
        
        
        
        Competencies
        
        Builds effective teams
        Collaborates
        Cultivates innovation
        Customer focus
        Demonstrates courage
        Drives results
        Ensures accountability
        Instills trust and exemplifies integrity
        We are LyondellBasell - a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.
        Must be at least 18 years of age and must be legally authorized to work in the United States (US) on a permanent basis without visa sponsorship.
        LyondellBasell does not accept or retain unsolicited r--sum--s or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
        LyondellBasell is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. The US EEO is the Law poster is available here.
        
        Nearest Major Market: Cincinnati

Keywords: LyondellBasell, Cincinnati , R&D Senior Product Development Researcher, Other , Cincinnati, Ohio