SOPREMA is a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative roofing, waterproofing, insulation, and building envelope solutions. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, we have been delivering high-performance products for over 100 years. At SOPREMA, our people are at the heart of our success. We foster a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where employees are empowered to make an impact, develop their careers, and contribute to building a better future. Join SOPREMA and become part of a global organization with a century of success and a commitment to continued growth and innovation. The Research & Development Research Chemist leads projects including development of new products, improvements of existing products, and scientific support through laboratory studies and analyses of results. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: • Plan project-related activities by taking into account requested tasks and deadlines. • Work independently to manage projects and product testing. • Accomplish assigned tasks, analyze results and communicate findings in written progress reports. • Plan appropriate next steps on projects with little guidance. Seek guidance from Manager as needed. • Signify requirements in material resources (addition, replacement) to Manager. • Support Quality and Production teams with challenges and product scale ups, as needed. • Plan and prioritize assigned laboratory activities and tasks according to team objectives. • Design and carry out required lab experiments to study initial feasibility through final process optimization, application testing and shelf life studies. • Maintain a neat and accurate notebook of all experimental data. • Review and analyze results, perform tasks and make decisions independently, or with team members as needed. • Write thorough reports on progress of projects.Provide peer review support to colleauges for project reports. • Propose solutions to problems encountered during project evolution. • Calibrate laboratory equipment as scheduled. • Maintain desk and work environment in a neat condition. • Conduct all work in full compliance with company HS&E regulations. • Assist in preparation of technical literature. • Conduct literature searches as required to review technical and patent issues. • Work independently, as well as in team settings, with Product Management, Sales, Technical, Marketing and Production to identify, justify and commercialize R&D projects for new products, cost reductions, improving product quality, and ensuring HS&E compliance. • Work with Product Management, Sales and Technical to help resolve customer application issues using our products. • Prepare process or laboratory operating procedures. • Establish and maintain relationships with other SOPREMA manufacturing sites worldwide to provide and receive technical support as needed. • Contribute to the raw material qualification approval process. • Determine tasks sequencing with respect to time and equipment constraints. • Use a creative approach in problem solving; favor solutions that have a long-lasting impact. • Meet with current and potentially new raw material suppliers to continue projects’ forward progression through investigation of alternate products. • Potential to provide daily supervision and task management for R&D Technician. • Special projects as outlined by Manager Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, plastics, rubber, textile or related field, preferably chemistry. • Experience in formulating in a chemical Research & Development laboratory or related product development, with preferred emphasis in asphalt modification, acrylics, PMMA, polyurethanes, polyethers, silicones or other liquid resins/coatings. • Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred, but not required. • Excellent spoken and written communication abilities. • Must be able to plan, manage and prioritize multiple work assignments while achieving high throughput and meeting communicated deadlines. • Desire for continuing education (e.g., Master’s Degree, Stage Gate process, Design of Experiments, Project Management, Time Management, etc.) • Good computer skills, be action/results oriented, pay close attention to detail and demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills • Must have the ability to work effectively with all other levels of the organization and have a demonstrated orientation to teamwork principles. • Willlingness to travel up to 7 days per year. • Willingness to accept limited evening and weekend work to accomplish project tasks. Working Conditions and/or Physical Demands: • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. • Ability to work in laboratory environment, including related chemicals and equipment. • Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). • Ability to handle and lift heavy construction materials. • Must be able to visit job sites that include the need to climb a ladder to access a roof, trench, or other locations with restricted physical access, as needed.