This is a onsite role in Chicago. Relocation assistance is available.

We are a premier specialty chemical manufacturer designing, custom-synthesizing, and producing high-performance intermediates, block copolymers, and specialty surfactants. Serving global leaders across the Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers (C.A.S.E.) markets, our technical R&D team translates complex synthetic chemistry into scalable, commercial solutions.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Synthesis Chemist with strong expertise in alkoxylation chemistry and block polymers. Joining an established R&D team, you will focus heavily on the development and scale-up of alkoxylated surfactants, EO/PO block copolymers, and specialty intermediates, while working alongside synthetic chemists specializing in complementary ester and amide chemistries.

Key Responsibilities

Design, execute, and scale up chemical syntheses centered on alkoxylation (ethoxylation and propoxylation) and block polymer / copolymer architecture.
Develop non-ionic surfactants, polyether block structures, and functional intermediates for C.A.S.E., polyurethane, and specialty surfactant applications.
Apply working knowledge of esters and amides to support cross-functional chemistry projects and hybrid molecule design.
Transition benchtop chemical reactions to pilot plant and commercial production, optimizing process kinetics, yield, and safety parameters.
Analyze raw materials, reaction intermediates, and finished polymers using standard analytical tools (NMR, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC, Viscometry).

Qualifications

Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Core Chemistry Expertise: Demonstrated, hands-on experience in alkoxylation (EO/PO) reaction chemistry and block polymer/copolymer synthesis.
Secondary Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of esterification and amidation chemistries.
Experience: 3+ years of industrial synthetic R&D experience in specialty chemical manufacturing, polymer chemistry, or surfactant development.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with high-pressure/ethoxylation reactor operations, reaction kinetics, process scale-up, and polymer characterization.

This is a onsite role in Chicago. Relocation assistance is available.