Research Group Leader

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: Pittsburgh, PA

Travel Involved: 10-25%

Job Type: On-Site 

 

Description:

 

The Research Group Leader will lead our Circularity Catalysis team that is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of heterogeneous catalytic processes for base and specialty chemicals with a focus on circularity and carbon neutrality.  The Circularity Catalysis team is part of our Global Bioprocess Catalysis and Circularity organization which is focused on discovery and development of novel catalytic solutions to enable Braskem strategic goals in the areas of bio-based chemicals, recycling, decarbonization, and specialty products. 

The Research Group Leader will manage the Circularity Catalysis team (10-15 research scientists and lab engineers) at the Pittsburgh Innovation Technology Center in Pittsburgh, PA.  The Research Group Leader will define and execute the vision for the capability, initiate and coordinate research activities, and manage the capability including team member mentorship and laboratory management.

Key Responsibilities and Activities Include:

• Safe operation: Set high standard for safe operation of laboratories in the team including personal and process safety.  Ensure team designs and operates equipment safely, maintains excellent housekeeping and participates in all safety training and necessary safety audits.
• Create, define, and implement the Circularity Catalysis strategy in conjunction with the Braskem businesses and the I&T leadership. This includes the development of research plans and gap analysis of the organization for its ability to conduct those plans.
• Understand Braskem’s processes and supervise research into new catalysts and processes.  Candidate defines and executes research activities including establishing and supporting team deliverables, coordinating with partner groups to access needed capabilities, and mentoring researchers to ensure high technical quality for team’s work products.
• Manage personnel development for team members including defining and stewarding individuals action plans, meeting with team members regularly, and framing development plans and next assignments.
• Maintain health and culture of the team.  Organize team meetings, reinforce Braskem culture with focus on DEI initiatives.
• Participate on the Pittsburgh site leadership team with a focus on safety and well-being of Pittsburgh site.
• Support Global Bioprocess Catalysis and Circularity organization as part of leadership team.  Activities include planning and stewarding budgets, managing CAPEX projects, and aligning on priorities and initiatives for global team.

Requirements:

• Strong technical and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead a research team. 
• Be able to demonstrate a track record of developing technologies and leading teams. 
• Close coordination and cooperation with other technical departments across the global organization.
• High level of creativity, disciplined approach to complex projects, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate across functions.  Safety focus is paramount.

Preferred Skills, Education, and Experience:

• Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum seven (7) years’ experience with catalyst discovery and/or development
• Leadership experience (either technical team or direct reports)
• Strong safety mindset
• Track record of working in a team environment
• Strong technical/problem solving aptitude
• Initiative, a drive for results, and ability to solve complex problems by identifying and enrolling appropriate resources
• Must be team and results-oriented with the ability to lead and implement new technology improvements.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 

We pride ourselves on a culture that promotes diversity and inclusivity (D&I) encouraging its team members to be who they are, following the motto: “You are free to be you.” This mindset adds value to the organization by unlocking untapped potential. Braskem promotes collaborative behaviors that encourage new ideas and different perspectives. As a global organization, Braskem offers competitive employee benefits such as parental leave and educational reimbursement. We strongly encourage people with all different backgrounds and experiences, of all races and ethnicities, abilities, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community, to apply.

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.