Kraton Polymers LLC Looking for Staff Scientist (New Business Development) – Savannah, GA (onsite) at Savannah, GA  Full Time

At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world. We are looking to hire a key member of our Pine Chemical Research & Developmentteam at our lab in Savannah, GA. Ideal candidates for this position will have a passion for green or sustainable chemistry and must be able to collaborate closely within the organization as well as with external partners on new technical solutions and testing. This is an onsite position.

The Staff Scientist (New Business Development) will primarily work independently, planning and conducting work, using own judgment in the evaluation, selection, application and modification of standard techniques and processes concentrating on new business opportunities and applications for our Pine Chemicals products. This Staff Scientist will be a key part of our organization in bringing molecules to market.

• Contribute to value creation by creatively finding new applications of technology/products using expert knowledge of technology in professional discipline.
• Independently formulate research work and improvement of new and existing processes/ projects.
• Conduct thorough analyses of complex scientific/technical problems and creatively formulate innovations/new concepts
• Guide design of and modifications to experiments and carry out as required by the project.
• Places required orders and requisitions to complete experimental set ups.
• Independently establishes contacts and networks with internal/external customers.
• Independently assess and discuss customer needs, propose and execute proper approaches to problem solving.
• Independently report experimental results to internal/external customers or team members.
• Takes independent actions on more complex and sensitive issues within area of expertise.
• Participation in the definition of own development needs in technical expertise, business, personal skills and application.
• And other duties as assigned to safely perform.

• Expert knowledge of professional discipline that is relevant to a substantial part of the business, obtained by experience and training.
• Has knowledge of other disciplines as required for the execution of a program/project.
• Ability to effectively contribute to patent drafting.
• Ability to provide technical input to the evaluation of third party patents.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, senior management, clients, customers and general public.
• Ability to edit reports written by junior staff.
• Ability to present papers at international scientific conferences or seminars that meet with scientific recognition.
• Ability to work closely with internal/external customers and establish strong relationships to drive innovation projects.
• Ability to coach, mentor, or supervise lower level scientists.
• Role model in technical approaches.
• Ability to effectively facilitate, lead, and organize large projects.
• Must be able to devise new approaches to problems encountered and use a wide application of complex principles, theories and concepts gained from knowledge /experience.
• Must be adaptable, curious, collaborative and a self-starter.
• Experience in anti-microbial, preservatives or cosmetic formulation a plus.

• Bachelor degree in Chemistry or Material Science required.
• Master’s or PhD preferred.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Kraton’s internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies.We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.