Catalyst Researcher

With a strategy centered on people and sustainability, Braskem is engaged in contributing to the value chain to strengthen the Circular Economy. Braskem’s 9,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improving people's lives through sustainable solutions in chemicals and plastics. With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse industries, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, health and hygiene, and more. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in over 70 countries.

Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and a New Renewable Innovation Center in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa.

Department: Innovation & Technology 

Location: Lexington, MA 

Travel Involved: 10-15%

Job Type: Onsite

Description: 

Braskem, a global leader in producing sustainable materials, has recently opened a new 35,000 SFT renewable research and development facility in Lexington, MA. This facility will bring together scientists and engineers from various disciplines to brainstorm and develop novel technologies for producing renewable chemicals and materials.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated catalysis researcher to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for being the scientific lead on research projects to discover, develop, and deploy new inorganic catalysts as part of novel catalytic processes to produce chemicals from renewable and circular feedstocks. Developing and executing experimental plans and managing technical programs are critical aspects of the role.

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Safe operation: Stay current on all safety training, participate in necessary safety audits, and effectively manage and maintain excellent laboratory housekeeping and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities to improve internal laboratory workflows, including safe practices, testing techniques, or equipment capability.
• Providing technical leadership and direction for new research
• Direct involvement in experimental execution
• Effectively work within a project team of experts from various disciplines to successfully meet project milestones and timelines; elements of research on lab scale and links to catalyst scale-up and business.
• Communicate experimental observations in varied formats, including technical seminars, customer presentations, management team meetings, etc.
• To gain insights on key enablers to improve catalyst performance, continue to advance fundamental understanding.
• Mentor and supervise research associates and junior researchers to carry out research activities.
• Lead technology transfer to manufacturing & aid in scale-up support 

Requirements: 

• Strong technical and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with other departments across the global organization.
• Creativity, entrepreneurship, initiative, and good critical judgment are essential for this role. 
• Track record of identifying and developing creative and innovative technologies. 
• Demonstrated excellent verbal & written communication skills.

Preferred Skills, Education, and Experience: 

• Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with a research specialization in catalysis.
• Minimum seven years of experience with heterogeneous catalyst discovery and development
• Demonstrated technical leadership
• Experience with catalytic process development or automated/high throughput catalyst synthesis and testing tools is desired.
• Goal Zero mindset. Basic s fety skills include SDS awareness, chemical storage, waste disposal, proper handling of toxic or hazardous materials, and familiarity with safe laboratory operating principles.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines within an integrated team
• Strong writing and presentation skills

 

What we offer

At Braskem, we offer more than just a competitive pay package. Our total rewards package includes a wide range of benefits you need for every stage of your life. Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Retirement Benefits
• Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Teladoc
• A wide range of voluntary benefits like Pet Insurance, Legal and ID Theft Insurance
• Flexible work schedules like 9/80 schedules for eligible team members

Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level and/or ladder.

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States without the need for any type of sponsorship now or in the future. Braskem is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees according to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.