Senior Polymer Scientist - Strategic Innovation and Growth

Company: MonoSol AF, Ltd.
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Job DetailsJob Location: Chicago, ILSalary Range: UndisclosedDescriptionWe are currently hiring a Senior Polymer Scientist in the MonoSol Strategic Innovation group (SIG). SIG is responsible for building the technology of the future at MonoSol - leveraging fundamental research, front-end innovation, and white-space exploration. Therefore, this position will require a creative, independent, and adaptable researcher who can learn new subjects quickly.This position will work closely with Marketing to build and validate new solutions for unmet needs in certain focus areas. The position requires high energy, enthusiasm, entrepreneurial thinking, strong analytical capability and an ability to showcase critical skills like agile innovation methodology, continuous learning and a curiosity driven mindset.The role consists of roughly equal parts ideation/project leadership/management and lab work, both as an individual achiever and as a part of the Growth team. Successful applicants will be able to competently lead routine laboratory activities and develop new specialized techniques as necessary to deliver project objectives.This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced scientist to lead projects for future innovations and white space exploration for the growth of this fast-paced company. This position includes substantial on-the-job training in a variety of laboratory techniques, processing techniques, lean innovation methodologies and data analysis techniques related to practical polymer science and engineering problems. A self-motivated individual who learns these skills quickly will be eligible for fast-track promotion along MonoSol R&D technical track, which includes the expansion of responsibilities to management of direct reports.This position reports to the Head of Innovation, is a functional member of the R&D platform team and will actively lead initiatives in MonoSol's growth operating system. The position carries with it a high degree of visibility requiring the ability to communicate through all levels within the organization, including the CEO of the Company.RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, develop, and establish new technical solutions for unmet needs in focus areas utilizing MonoSol's Front-End innovation process.
• Create concept models and prototypes utilizing small tools and equipment (e.g., 3D printing).
• Utilize common and advanced laboratory test equipment to perform hands-on mechanical and performance testing on solutions being created.
• Utilize advanced data interpretation methods (e.g., Python scripts) to evaluate new materials/processes to meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Independently generate testable hypotheses and experimental plans which contribute towards achieving development project goals.
• Confer with fellow team members on development projects, test results, and the development of nonstandard tests.
• Effectively present results to the growth teams and governing members to validate the solution being developed.
• Leverage collaborators, internal and external, to develop novel technologies and/or new products.
• In a non-supervisory capacity, provide coaching and guidance regarding project tasks to other technicians and associates in R&D division.
• Requires a flexible work style and travel as necessary to perform assignments. Maximum of 20% travel required - domestic and abroad.QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ph.D. in Material Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering is required.
  • 5-10 years of hands-on laboratory and knowledge of various polymer chemistries. Project leadership/management is necessary.
  • Strong understanding of polymer fundamentals with solid chemistry/engineering fundamentals.
  • Preferred experience in leading innovation projects in various applications/industries.
  • Experience with data science tools such as Python, JMP, MATLAB, or Mathematica is strongly preferred.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail around laboratory procedures, sample management, and data storage.
  • Capable of working independently with limited supervision.
  • Strong team-oriented professional with good interpersonal skills and a positive outlook.
  • Ability to communicate ideas and information clearly and effectively (oral and written) to R&D leadership, associates, and other non-technical departments.
  • Curious Thinker: continuously question assumptions, explore all angles, challenge the status quo.
  • Passionate: driven by solving for consumer/customer problems, accepts and takes risks, bold and visionary.
  • Ability to operate in the technical, management and commercial arenas and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, open-thinking, corporate environment.
  • Values the risk-reward relationship and the responsibility of creating value for a growing company.
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive work relationships in a team environment.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Office, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.Additional informationApplicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with a pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
    • The compensation range that is described below is the possible base pay compensation that the company believes in good faith that it will pay for this role at the time of posting based on job grade for the position. Individual compensation within this range is based on many factors such as years of experience etc. so the company might pay more or less than the posted range and it is understood that this range may be modified in the future.
      • In addition to base compensation, MonoSol provides a yearly incentive compensation bonus, a profit sharing bonus when eligible, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurances, short term disability, long term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, term life insurance, voluntary term life insurance, transit flexible spending account (if applicable), employee assistance program, identity theft protection, 401k and paid time off (vacation and sick days).Compensation range - $83,766.62 - $140,860.02Incentive Compensation Bonus Target - 10%Paid time off amount - 15 daysClosingThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this position. This is not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. MonoSol, LLC reserves the right to make changes to the job description whenever necessary.DisclaimerAs part of MonoSol, LLC's employment process, finalist candidates will be required to complete a physical, drug and alcohol test and background check prior to employment commencing. MonoSol, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.
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Keywords: MonoSol AF, Ltd., Downers Grove , Senior Polymer Scientist - Strategic Innovation and Growth, Other , Chicago, Illinois