R&D Scientist – PIR Foam Formulation & Applications

THIS POSITION REQUIRE RELOCATION TO CHICAGO. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED

We are seeking a PIR Foam Expert to lead our application development lab focused on polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid foam formulations.

In this high-impact R&D role, you will be the internal subject matter expert on high-index rigid foam chemistry. You will build realistic PIR foam recipes (boardstock, panels, and spray foam), screen and optimize performance additives—specifically silicone surfactants, trimerization catalysts, and polyols—and generate application data packages that prove our additive performance to major insulation manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

• PIR Foam Formulation: Develop, optimize, and benchmark high-index polyisocyanurate (PIR) and rigid polyurethane (PUR) foam formulations utilizing pentane, HFO, and water blowing agent systems.
• Additive Evaluation: Evaluate novel silicone surfactants (cell stabilizers), catalysts, and polyester polyols in PIR foam matrices to establish structure-property-performance relationships.
• Physical & Analytical Testing: Perform comprehensive physical, mechanical, and thermal testing of rigid foam samples, including:
• Reactivity profiles (cream, gel, tack-free, and rise times).
• Cell structure analysis (cell size, open/closed cell content).
• Thermal performance ($k$-factor / R-value) and dimensional stability.
• Mechanical strength (compressive strength, friability) and flame/flammability testing (ASTM E84, cone calorimetry).
• Cross-Functional R&D Collaboration: Partner directly with internal Synthetic Silicone Chemist Leaders to translate foam performance data back into molecular design—guiding the synthesis of next-generation silicone surfactants.
• Customer Technical Service: Serve as the technical authority during customer evaluations, helping commercial boardstock and insulation producers troubleshoot formulation issues and adopt our additive technologies.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Organic Chemistry.
• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on industrial R&D or technical service experience specifically focused on rigid polyurethane / polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam formulation.
• Core Technical Expertise:
• Deep understanding of high-index chemistry (NCO index > 200), isocyanurate trimerization kinetics, and aromatic polyester polyols.
• Direct experience working with pentane blowing agents (n-pentane, cyclopentane, isopentane) or HFOs.
• Proven expertise evaluating silicone cell stabilizers and their impact on foam cell nucleation and density.
• Testing Proficiency: Hands-on experience with lab-scale foam pour/mix equipment, ASTM physical testing standards, and thermal conductivity measurement ($k$-factor).