Research Scientist

**Job Title: Senior Scientist - Polymer Chemist (R&D) Job ID: PA100013**

**PolyAnalytik Inc. (PAI) was founded in 2007 with our headquarters at Western University Research Park in London, Ontario, Canada. **Our multidisciplinary team of material science & engineering experts in polymer chemistry, biomedical engineering, and biotechnology have developed extensive experience in providing accurate, reproducible, and validated analytical services to various sectors. We provide expert analytical and regulatory approval support through contract analysis, method development, and validation services to petrochemicals, polymer/plastics, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions.

**Job Summary**: A **Senior Scientist - Polymer Chemist (R&D)** is responsible for supporting research projects, performing various tasks such as collecting and analyzing data, preparing research reports, maintaining accurate records, and working under the direction of the Director of Product Development

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Develop and implement efficient purification processes for lab-scale reactions, ensuring the removal of impurities and maintaining product integrity.
- Conduct thorough characterization of synthesized polymers using various analytical techniques, including but not limited GPC, NMR, FTIR, SEM, UV/Vis, HPLC, GC, Viscometry and Rheology
- Strong understanding of polymer chemistry principles, polymerization mechanisms, and structure-property relationships
- Troubleshoot and optimize production processes to improve product quality, yield, and efficiency while adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards.
- Manage and maintain accurate documentation of experimental procedures, results, and observations for quality control and regulatory compliance.
- Participate in developing and implementing new technologies and methodologies to enhance polymer formulation and scale-up processes.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Act as liaison with other academic, public, and private institutions and organizations to meet internal and external project requirements.
- Lead efforts with instrument manufacturers and service facilities to ensure instrument operations meet the quality standards required.

**Other responsibilities**:

- _Method Development:_ developing and optimizing analytical methods for quantitation, identification, and characterization of macromolecules - synthetic polymers and biopolymers.
- _Equipment Maintenance:_ Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment to keep it in good working condition.
- _Data Analysis:_ Analyzing analytical and scientific data generated from various experiments involving multiple software tools for interpretation.
- _Quality Control:_ Ensuring analytical equipment and methods meet the required quality standards by performing validation experiments, utilizing written SOPs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- _Collaboration:_ Collaborating with internal and external researchers to develop and optimize analytical methods
- _Leadership:_ Leading a team of research assistants and interns/Co-ops, providing guidance, training, and supervision as needed.
- _Innovation:_ Identifying and implementing new technologies or approaches to improve analytical methods and instrumentation.

**Qualifications & Requirements**:

- Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience designing, synthesizing, and characterizing initiators and catalysts, preferably in an industrial or research setting.
- In-depth knowledge of various catalytic mechanisms with a strong understanding of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics.
- Experience utilizing computational tools and software for catalyst design, screening, and optimization.
- Proficiency in characterization techniques such as GPC, NMR, FT-IR, and thermal analysis methods.
- Strong understanding of polymer chemistry principles, polymerization mechanisms, and structure-property relationships.
- Experience with process optimization, troubleshooting, and implementing quality control measures in large-scale production environments may be an asset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical abilities.
- Familiarity with relevant safety protocols and regulatory requirements in a laboratory and manufacturing setting.
- Ability to travel internationally to customer and supplier sites.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent