Principal Scientist - Polymer Solutions R&D

Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company – at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.

A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers – ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.

As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day. 

Principal Scientist – Polymer Solutions R&D

The Principal Scientist will contribute to the development of new polymer materials, technologies and processes within Trinseo’s Polymer Solutions R&D organization. The role combines scientific expertise, experimental research and technical project leadership to translate ideas into practical solutions, from proof of concept through pilot validation and commercialization.

The scope includes engineering thermoplastics, polymer production and modification, compounds and blends, recycling, dissolution and purification, and polymer degradation and stabilization. The successful candidate will build on existing capabilities, challenge assumptions constructively and develop approaches that support business growth and sustainability objectives.

The team

You will join a team with decades of accumulated knowledge in polymer chemistry, materials, processing and industrial manufacturing technologies. There is a great deal to learn from, but you are not joining simply to preserve it. We want you to question it, build on it and help take our science somewhere new.

Our work is between fundamental polymer science and industrial reality. It spans engineering thermoplastics, compounds and blends, polymerization, structure-property relationships, polymer recycling, dissolution and separation, purification, additives, degradation and stabilization, molecular modification, thermoplastic composites, extrusion and compounding. We work from ideas to proof-of-concept, prototype, scale-up and commercialization.

• Identify and develop research ideas, translating scientific concepts into practical experiments and feasibility assessments
• Provide scientific expertise and technical leadership for R&D projects, defining objectives, experimental approaches and development plans
• Design and conduct experiments, develop methods, analyze data and translate findings into actionable recommendations
• Develop technologies for polymer production, modification, processing and recycling, connecting material structure and chemistry with performance
• Support technology development from laboratory research through pilot trials, scale-up and commercial implementation
• Generate and protect intellectual property through invention disclosures and collaboration with patent specialists
• Coach and guide scientists, technologists and technicians, strengthening technical capabilities and sharing knowledge
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, safety, business teams and external partners to deliver project objectives
• Maintain safe research practices and clear technical documentation, and communicate findings to technical and business stakeholders

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, Macromolecular Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Relevant industrial experience, minimum 10 years
• Strong scientific foundation and demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas of polymer science or technology
• Knowledge of free-radical polymerization and polymerization kinetics
• Kinetic simulation/modeling expertise is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to acquire new expertise to solve complex technical problems
• Proactive, curious and pragmatic approach, with the initiative to propose ideas and test their feasibility
• Ability to connect fundamental science with industrial requirements and sustain development through experimentation, troubleshooting and scale-up
• Experience in experimental design, analytical interpretation and method development
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines, guide others and contribute to shared objectives
• Motivation to develop more sustainable materials, technologies and production processes
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage project priorities, timelines and resources
• Excellent written and spoken English; Dutch or other European languages are an advantage

Equity and Inclusion

With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences, and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity. We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.