Senior Polymer Chemist
If you are driven by a curious mindset, coupled with a passion for innovation and performance chemicals, this could be your opportunity to make your contribution to Shell’s operations in the polyethylene industry. You will play an important role in improving the quality of life of millions and contribute directly to Shell’s bottom-line.
What’s the role?
The Senior Researcher position in the Polymer Science team is part of the asset organization of Chemicals and Products located at Innovation Center on the Monaca site. The Polymer Science team works jointly with the Technical Service Team, Application Hall operational team, and Analytical lab to support the commercial and manufacturing organization of Shell Polymers Monaca. The Polymer Science team is responsible for the testing of all polyethylene grades produced at Monaca, provides customer support in case of performance issues, supports the introduction of new grade to the grade slate from a product performance perspective, and develops/improves test methods for the various end uses of polyethylene.
The Senior Polymer Researcher will provide technical leadership to the polyethylene business regarding chemistry required for the development of superior quality polyethylene resins in line with the continuously developing new market requirements. This position is key to ensuring that Shell will be able to master and improve polyethylene finished grades for target market outlets like Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Blown Film, and Pipe including use of recycled materials.
What you’ll be doing
Applying polyethylene polymer synthesis chemistry, additive chemistry, catalyst systems, and their compatibility to produce superior quality resin
Understanding, using, and generating relevant methods for polymer structure characterization for polymer physical properties characterization such as gel permeation chromatography and other techniques for molecular weight determination, use of Capillary/DMA rheometers for rheology/melt properties, DSC for thermal, Tensile, Flexural and Impact tests for mechanical, as well as other surface, and aging property characterization
Understanding downstream polyethylene product (LLDPE, HDPE) processing methods (extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and multiplayer blown film) and resulting impact on final part on the polymer performance
Helping Shell management understand and assess the polyethylene product grade landscape in different geographies, state-of-the-art technologies, recycling options and product grades, competitor SWOT, and patent literature
Helping Shell understand the polyethylene product landscape and applications
Helping Shell to understand and develop its role in keeping abreast of new catalyst commercial offerings to keep its grade offering current to future market condition changes
What we need from you
Must have legal authorization to work in the US
Minimum of 15 years relevant R&D, operations, manufacturing, and/or experience in chemicals/petrochemical processes and product application and development
Advanced degree in Chemistry (PhD), Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or similar field is required
Experience with chemical product applications and application development
Background/experience with setting up Design of Experimental studies in laboratories and/or pilot plants to develop commercially viable grades
Knowledge of use and application of a variety of analytical techniques
Demonstrated leadership in applying HSSE standards and principles, including visible safety leadership
Demonstrated ability to interface with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including operations staff, research staff, commercial staff, and customers
Proven knowledge of resin / polymer chemistry, polymer characterization, formulation, polymer physics, product processing methods, product stewardship and application qualification requirements
Technical experience with Z/N, Cr and metallocene polymer catalysis chemistry for polyethylene
Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse, fast pace and multi-cultural environment, including global teams
Willingness to travel locally for potential customer, or project support that might arise
Demonstrated strong analytical and troubleshooting skills and understanding of quality & six sigma
Demonstrated IT skills to use instrument related software programming including fluent use of sample manager
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
What we offer
The base salary range for this position is $146, 000 - $218, 000 per year. Individual pay will be based on various factors such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skill level, seniority, and internal equity.
For regular full-time or regular part-time employees of the Company (participating companies as listed in the Summary Plan Description), insurance coverage options include medical, dental, vision coverage, life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs. Employees also participate in a company pension plan and a 401(k) plan. Paid leave includes up to 6 weeks of paid vacation time, up to 11 paid holidays, and parental leave offering 16 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents, and 8 weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents.
Additionally, employees are eligible for short-term disability leave for up to 26 weeks at 100% or 50% of base pay as well as Long-Term Disability insurance. Shell also offers other compensation such financial reimbursement for adoption, wellness, education, and personal learning expenses, and some roles are eligible for discretionary long-term incentives. For interns, eligible benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs; participation in a 401(k) plan; and paid leave for up to 11 paid holidays. Additional information on Shell’s US benefit programs can be found at https://www.shell.us/careers/about-careers-at-shell/rewards-and-benefits.html.
You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.
Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together
Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead
Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices
Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise
Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself
Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working
Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world.
Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents
Join an organization working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply
Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams
Gain access to a wide range of training and development programs
We'd like you to know that Shell has a bold goal: to become one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive companies. You can get to know more about how we're working towards that goal, click here.
Shell in The United States
Shell has been in the US for more than 100 years, leading the sector in energy, petrochemicals and refined products. Today, we provide millions of Americans with the energy needed to heat and cool their homes and power the economy.
We operate in all 50 states, from our Deep-Water platforms in the Gulf of America to the Pennsylvania Chemicals complex and our miles of pipelines throughout the US.
We reach our customers through our 13,000 branded retail stations, and we are number 1 in gasoline sales. We also own the #1 brand of motor oil in the U.S. – Pennzoil® – made from natural gas.
We are excited to play a key role in the move to net carbon emissions while providing the oil and gas needed by society for many decades to come.