R&D Senior Product Development Researcher

Basic Function

The Senior MPD Researcher leads and/or supports product development, industrialization, and commercialization of LyondellBasell’s polyolefin-based products in rigid / molding (e.g., blow molding, injection molding, pipe, etc.) and flexible / extrusion (e.g., packaging film, etc.) applications and (2) leads and/or supports research and technology development efforts in the area of plastic waste feedstock processing, treatment and mechanical recycling. The focus area includes managing and/or developing the technical aspects of business-driven projects with a circular design mindset.

The aim of the role is to enhance LyondellBasell’s competitive advantage in targeted markets, aligned with Business Stakeholders (Polymers and Technology) and in close dialogue / collaboration with the R&D EU organization.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Support PP product development projects for both LYB and NA third-party technology assets
• Focus on business innovation themes and on target end-use segments, to enhance LYB’s PP business competitiveness and maintain and further grow differentiation and competitive advantage in the PP market
• Provide fundamental technical subject matter expertise in polymer structure / property / process relationships
• Supply technical expertise and project management to drive forward GIGP, TS, and cost saving initiatives sponsored by the O&P Americas and Technology Businesses.
• Assess feedstock quality requirements for recyclates and plastic waste flows; support development of new formulation and recipes; drive optimum incorporation level of recyclates in final products while at the same time maximizing properties in the end-use applications
• Generate know-how about composition and quality of the different plastic waste feedstocks (properties, contamination, quality, consistency, sortability etc.); Develop technologies and processes for plastic waste feedstock treatment that allow maximum feedstock flexibility and value creation
• Lead and/or support outreach at Universities, start-ups and other technology hubs for innovations in the area of plastic waste feedstock treatment, characterization and mechanical recycling
• Apply a fully circular design approach nurturing mechanical recycling, closed-loop, eco-design and design for recycling initiatives
• Focus on business innovation themes and on target end-use segments to enhance LyondellBasell’s business competitiveness; maintain and further grow differentiation and competitive advantage in the market.
• Drive GoalZERO HSE performance and behaviors through active engagement and employee involvement to provide a safe work environment 
• Interface effectively with R&D researchers and technicians with definition of requirements and identification of solutions for projects and external technology providers (Universities, start-ups and other technology hubs) for innovations in the area of plastic waste feedstock processing, treatment, characterization and mechanical recycling
• Working cross-functionally within LYB to manage / support product and process development projects from initiation, through qualification, to subsequent industrialization / commercialization in support of business objectives
• Coordinating the activities of multi-functional teams to achieve objectives using collaboration, personal influence, and excellent organization and project management skills
• Initiating and developing innovative ideas related product and / or application development opportunities; conducting scouting research and designing experiments to develop proof-of-concept with the intent of establishing technical and commercial feasibility
• Working with the Polymer Businesses, Technical Service, and Manufacturing to develop and implement strategies to enhance LYB’s polyolefin products
• Interfacing with Procurement, Global Engineering (GE&T), Global R&D, APS, and third parties (such as universities and/or recycling companies) as needed in support of mechanical recycling
• Interfacing with Technical Service, Marketing, Sales, Product Management, Manufacturing, Product Safety, and Intellectual Property group members in support of business needs
• Approximately 10 to 25% travel within North America, with occasional trips to Europe and other regions possible

Min. Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in areas including Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer or Material Science or Engineering with relevant process engineering experience; Polymers experience preferred

Work Experience: 

• Minimum 7 years of experience post-PhD in a technical role (R&D, Application Development & Technical Service, Polymers Compounding/Manufacturing)

Critical Competencies/Behaviors:

• Technical Skills: strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, including understanding of polymer science, polymer processing, extrusion / compounding equipment and techniques, resin characterization methods, product performance testing, and understanding of applications requirements; shares expertise with others
• Innovation: generates new ideas; challenges the status-quo
• Drive for Results: steadfastly pushes self and others for results; works with passion and a sense of urgency; hands-on attitude 
• Project Management: strong capability to manage projects in an organized, timely, collaborative and effective way
• Interpersonal Capability: builds appropriate rapport with others both within LYB and externally with relevant stakeholders; builds constructive and effective relationships; encourages cooperation and collaboration
• Courage: does not hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete input and feedback
• Focus on Sustainability/Circularity: understanding and knowledge of sustainability/circularity principles and LYB’s core objectives in this space
• Developing Self and Others: takes on challenging tasks and assignments; constructs compelling development plans and executes them; provides guidance and mentoring to those who need help and further development 
• Strong Initiative, Problem Solving & Decision Making, and Teamwork skills are essential for this position
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with technicians, fellow researchers, plant engineers, upper management and other internal and external stakeholders
• Highly self-motivated individual, committed to delivering results and excellent communication skills, attention to detail, with strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Good organizational and time management skills in order to effectively manage multiple and/or changing priorities 

Preferred Qualifications

Competencies