R&D Chemist

Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Milliken & Company is a global, innovative, industrial diversified manufacturing company that has been exploring, discovering, and creating ways to enhance people’s lives since 1865. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines including specialty chemical, floor covering, and performance materials, the company works around the world every day to add true value to people’s lives, improve health and safety, and help make our world more sustainable. Milliken has long led the way for "knowledge-based" investment, employing over 100 PhDs, and has accumulated over 2,200 U.S. patents – and more than 5,000 patents worldwide. Milliken is widely acknowledged as an international leader in research technology, innovation, and customer service. With over 35 manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., U.K., Belgium, France, China, India, Mexico, and Australia, and other sales and service operations throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, Milliken's more than 7,000 associates work to deliver innovations that do good for the world, create new experiences, and build for the future.

POSITION TITLE  

R&D Chemist

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is responsible for inventing, leading, developing/validating, and commercializing new growth products within our innovation process.  This position requires a strong aptitude and desire for experimental work, use of scientific method, and clear communication of results.  The applicant will also be involved across the entire spectrum of new product development: customer contact, ideation, proof of concept, development, validation, regulatory, intellectual property, pilot plant, process development, product support, and technical associate administration.  The position is located at Milliken & Company’s corporate headquarters in Spartanburg, SC and reports through the Textile Division Research organization.  Occasional to frequent visits to external customers, production facilities, and conferences are expected. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage laboratory, laboratory safety, equipment, and technical associate administration
• Manage projects with cross-functional teams (from invention to commercialization)
• Invent, protect, contribute, and/or implement key growth products
• Become technology leader in key areas
• Defend current business, and win new business via customer problem solving, new ideas, product development, competitive assessment, and application value measurement
• Support our product quality, cost, and manufacturing processes
• Learn and apply new applications, technologies and method development
• Independently lead projects and laboratory experiments
• Secure sustainable solutions via IP

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• B.S. and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Textile Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry required
• 2 – 3 years of similar or relevant experience
• Independent experimental design and analysis
• Record of independent invention
• Record of the clear communication of scientific achievements (publications, presentations, or patents)
• Strong communication/presentation skills and communication of value/implications
• History of collaborative spirit, leadership, critical thinking, and organizational skills

Milliken & Company is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.