R&D Chemist | Tires

The Ph.D.-level Mechanistic Chemist is to work on pioneering advancements in tire additives, propelling performance gains and sustainable material breakthroughs within the tire sector.

Client Details

The client is a supplier of rubber chemicals and solutions, including insoluble sulfur, anti-degradants, and stabilizers. We focus on delivering better solutions for manufacturers of tires and rubber products that enhance product performance, optimize production efficiency, and ensure supply chain resilience.

Description

• Lead comprehensive mechanistic investigations into advanced tire chemistries by
• Characterizing small molecule, polymerization and vulcanization kinetics
• Elucidating chemical cross-linking, activator, accelerator mechanisms
• Engineering reactivity pathways to achieve superior material properties
• Developing a fundamental understanding of the interactions of rubber chemicals and their impact on rubber performance.
• Utilize analytical instruments such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and computational methods to analyze reaction dynamics, material characteristics, and predict performance outcomes, transforming data into innovations for enhanced traction and durability.
• Create mechanistic models and propose reaction pathways based on experimental and theoretical evidence.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary innovation, partnering with application scientists, synthetic chemists, process experts and tire manufacturers to integrate mechanistic insights into molecular design, next-generation tire formulations, evaluating environmental impacts, and support of pilot trials for real-world performance gains.
• Interpret test results from raw materials and compounds, prepare technical reports, secure patents for inventions, and maintain awareness of regulatory standards.
• Drive Sustainability and Emerging Trends through scouting and evaluating new technologies, such as renewable materials or alternatives to toxic accelerators, to reduce environmental footprints while advancing tire performance for applications like electric vehicles.

Profile

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field, with a focus on reaction mechanisms or kinetics.
• Prior experience in the tire industry, and in-depth knowledge of the chemistry of rubber vulcanization is highly desired
• Demonstrated experience in mechanistic chemistry, including hands-on synthesis, characterization, and data interpretation in polymer or rubber systems.
• Proficiency in analytical instrumentation and techniques for organic molecule analysis, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply chemical principles to practical innovations in materials science.
• Experience with statistical analysis and computational modeling is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, team collaboration, and presenting findings.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from $90000 to $120000 USD annually.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment in the industrial/manufacturing sector.
• Comprehensive support for career advancement.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.