Synthesis Chemist

Position Summary

Bridgestone America’s Advanced Material Science division based in Akron, Ohio has an opening for a Synthesis Chemist. This position is responsible for developing new polymers and optimizing polymerization techniques used to enhance the performance of our tire products and other diversified product offerings. The role will require working in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with a team of scientists and engineers to meet the needs of technical customers.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, plan, schedule, and conduct independent research on projects
• Design and implement innovative concepts
• Contribute to the fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships in rubber materials
• Keep up to date on new scientific knowledge and discoveries to identify opportunities for Bridgestone
• Assemble and present concise and insightful reports and recommendations to Bridgestone management and technology customers
• Build and maintain strong interaction with collaborators and technology customers
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio of Bridgestone

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Organic Chemistry, or Material Science
• Excellent bench synthesis skills with an interest and demonstrated ability to perform hands-on synthesis, purification, and characterization experiments
• Creativity, initiative, and strong problem-solving abilities
• Solid verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with local researchers, as well as associates in other parts of the Corporation in the US and abroad 

Preferred

• Strong understanding of polymer physical chemistry/physics
• Knowledge of material science or rubber chemistry