Product Technology Scientist

Huntsman’s Polyurethanes division is now looking for a Product Technology Scientist for TPU Elastomers.

This role is responsible for application technology development to capture new business opportunities and/or to upgrade product portfolio locally and globally, with particular emphasis on APAC. The job holder will convert broad development programs into detailed work plans and if necessary, lead the introduction of the resulting TPU systems at customer facilities.

The job holder will also be responsible for assisting the operation team in troubleshooting involving processing and formulation modification to ensure robust and consistent manufacturing.

Location: Jinshan site and Minhang Campus

As the Scientist, your responsibilities are:
61 To ensure that all existing safety standards and procedures are fully met in accordance with existing policies and company objectives and to ensure that all experimental activities are carried out according to these standards. To maintain a safe working environment around him/her, both for his/her own safety and for his/her neighbours. The job holder is requested to assess all potential hazards and to communicate them to his/her supervisor and other team members to ensure that appropriate and adequate training on all safety aspects is received.
61 To define and manage multiple development programs to deliver innovative technologies for emerging and existing applications, within an agreed time scale, and to propose potential new applications and value propositions for new materials. The job holder shall, in conjunction with the project teams, define the actual application requirements as a basis for the design of experimental programs.
61 To demonstrate the capability to innovate; to design novel solutions on TPU backbones, additives, and also manufacturing process.
61 To act as a cross-functional project leader using the guidelines of project management while providing most of the technical input and ensuring New Product Introduction procedures are followed.
61 To have an in-depth knowledge of TPU technology and the effect of the raw materials on the properties and the processing. To optimize properties and cost of product by innovative formulation.
61 To keep abreast of all TPU developments within the global TPU business and to communicate the novel technical ideas he/she generates to all his/her colleagues e.g. via presentations at team meetings and monthly reporting
61 To ensure that all raw materials employed in the TPU product line are listed on the approved raw material list and those products are listed with the required regulatory agencies as needed.
61 To communicate technical knowledge for business decision making with peers, supervisors and upper management. Collaborate with the global TPU and PU application and technology teams in OSN/Derry/Tienen/ATC to share knowledge and increase the speed and effectiveness of development
61 To acquire market intelligence wherever possible and communicate the acquired information to the Technology Manager and to relevant Huntsman Personnel.
61 To participate in technology transfer to other sites and regions, and provide technical support and training as required. To provide coaching and technical guidance to Huntsman Personnel and to provide training to newcomers and customers as required.

Knowledge / Experience / Skills Needed

- MSc or PhD in chemistry, material or polymer science (or equivalent). Minimum 2-year experience in polymer synthesis/formulation, either in academy or industry. Good command of written and spoken English.
- Advanced knowledge in polymer chemistry, experience with PU/TPU is a plus
- Good knowledge on polymer additives, AO, UV, FR, lubricant, plasticizer knowledge would be an advantage …
- Excellent communication, presentation and organization skills
- Experience of project management is a plus
- Good communication, team work and relationship building skills are essential both internally and externally. The job holder will need to communicate well at all levels. The primary contacts are with regional operation/QAQC team and supply chain, marketing/commercial team. The job holder also needs to interact with the global technology teams
- Flexibility and adaptability to reorganize the workload in accordance with changing priorities and to maximize the output of the team.
- Occasional travel across Asia to visit customers and assist production start-up and trials.