Polymer Formulation Scientist

The R&D Staff Scientist is responsible for developing innovative platform technologies or material solutions for medical and high-performance engineering applications. This individual leads the full product develop life cycle activities – from material design and formulation through process optimization, scale up and manufacturing transfer – while defining critical material attributes and critical process parameters to ensure quality and consistency. Effective cross-functional collaborator partnering with Application Development Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Manufacturing, and external customers to translate technical requirements into scalable, commercially viable material solutions.

• Ph.D. or a M.S in Materials/Polymer Science/ plastics engineering with minimum of 5 year of experience
• Extensive knowledge of the formulation and application of all Thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers and composites made thereby
• Demonstrated product development expertise with hands‑on experience in polymer compounding using twin screw extrusion, as well as further process such as single screw extrusion and molding and secondary post processing/forming capabilities
• Demonstrated success in new product development and launches
• Six Sigma (DMAIC and DFSS) training/knowledge are preferred
• Skilled in material characterization techniques such as rheology, thermal analysis, spectroscopy and mechanical testing
• Publication of technical papers in industry conferences a plus
• Knowledge of quality systems, regulatory standard (FDA, ISO
  109993) and incompatibility testing is a plus

• Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to effectively work with individuals at all levels of the organization and across functional disciplines (e.g. business leaders, customers, technicians, engineers, and manufacturing teams)
• Demonstrated teambuilding and leadership skills, ability to inspire and influence others, providing purpose and direction.
• Excellent technical, written and verbal communication skills; able to deliver technical messages effectively to non‑technical stakeholders and team members
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deliver on their objectives
• Ability to develop and expand an understanding and knowledge of Foster’s products and raw materials.
• Use of design of experiment techniques and other statistical tests.
• Individuals in this position must have the ability to actively listen to customers, both internal and external, efficiently identify problem statements and implement solutions in a timely and customer focused manner.
• Strong analytical skills, problem‑solving and technical documentation skills
• Must have the ability to ask probing questions to truly understand product and market opportunities and to apply these customer technical requirements in the development effort.
• Ability to handle large quantities of projects and to multi‑task.
• Strong project management skills.
• Must be able to function effectively in a team and matrix environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Leads development of new platform technologies and advacnce material formulations, including polymer‑based and compounded systems, , meeting customer specifications and Foster internal standards.
• Desing and optimize formulations based on structure‑property‑processing relationships to meet performance, regulatory and customer requirements
• Define and control critical material attributes and critical process parameters to ensure product quality and manufacturing consistency.
• Partner with Manufacturing to support process development, scale‑up, process validation, and technology transfer.
• Provide technical leadership in cross‑functional teams involving Technical Service, Application Development Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Product Management.
• Applies appropriate theories and scientific principles to new product creation for best solutions.
• Specifies and as required develops tests to ensure Foster’s solutions meet or exceed customer specifications.
• As required recommends specifications…