Associate Research Specialist in Global R&D Characterization

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Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

About you and this role
We have an exciting opening for an Associate Research Specialist in the R&D Characterization Group in Terneuzen, The Netherlands.

The R&D Characterization Group is a characterization and analytical process group under the Global R&D Characterization organization in the Plastics & Specialty Plastics Hydrocarbons (P&SPH) business which characterizes polyethylene films to support manufacturing plants and clients, R&D projects, technical service studies, and process improvements.

The Global R&D Characterization laboratory in Terneuzen provides characterization and testing support to internal and external clients in the areas of rheology, analytical, separations, sensory and process analytical. In this role you will work closely with technicians, research scientists, engineers and group leader to continuously give support for the business and focus on improving the technical capabilities of the laboratory. It is expected from you to take ownership of the laboratory’s data and data quality and find ways to improve the efficiency of our work processes. Problem solving and team-work skills are crucial for executing routing test procedures, implementation of new capabilities and bringing in the development of new technologies.

As Associate Research Specialist, you develop and implement technical solutions through hands-on experimentation and problem-solving for research problems that are well defined in multiple technology areas in R&D characterization. You receive instruction, guidance and direction from more senior level roles. The role requires conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures within job discipline. Furthermore, you perform routine assignments and solve standard problems using existing procedures. You apply general knowledge of business developed through education or past experience. You analyze information and standard practices to make judgments.

Responsibilities
• Conduct research on assigned projects using working knowledge of scientific principles, theory and experimental design within different scientific disciplines.
• Implement technical solutions through hands-on experimentation/problem-solving for research problems that are well defined within project areas.
• Generate sound research data, interpretation of results, and data handling.
• Consistently apply the Scientific Method in the planning and execution of experimental plans and problem solving. Formulate hypotheses and develop experimental plans to test hypotheses.
• Collaborate effectively across the department; present research project updates and demonstrate capability to influence audience with effective presentation skills.
• Communicate and appropriately documents work in the form of internal reports/presentations. Draft and submit patent disclosures as appropriate.
• Brings ideas for new changes to implement in the current work processes and/or facilitates the ideation of new projects or topics.
• Using established procedures (typically ASTM or ISO), be knowledgeable on separations science, rheology, analytical or process analytical testing of polymers.
• Create or maintain plans and document related to innovation in characterization techniques, products and sustainability.
• Conduct non-routine testing on complex requests from clients, testing during developing new methods or techniques and supports routine tests in different labs in R&D Characterization labs.
• Having good laboratory skills, ability to learn new testing methods, flexibility to adapt tasks to meet client and lab needs and capabilities, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Lead initiatives to improve the overall lab performance and delivery of results to clients.
• Conduct Research & Development projects either independently or under the direction of a Research Scientist, fellow or department leader.
• Train new employees to start experiments to understand, communicate and continuously improve the capability of our methods and laboratory.
• Routinely contribute to documentation as appropriate (research reports, patent applications, programming, etc.). Coach and mentor others to write clear, concise and timely technical reports to document significant results and completion of projects within set timeline goals.

Qualifications
• Minimum a Bsc. or MSc. Degree in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or in equivalent field with relevant work experience, or Ph.D Degree.
• Proficiency in laboratory equipment set-up and operation and chemical handling.
• Strong preference in candidates who has experience in research & development, in operation of lab equipment or mini-/pilot-plants.
• Being open for collaboration with other experts and technicians in different technology areas and be open for learning new techniques and capabilities.
• Fluent in English is crucial.

Preferred Skills
• Experience and ability to collect, analyze, interpret data and good IT / digital skills is strongly preferred.
• Experience in technology areas such as separations science, analytical, chromatography, process characterization or sensory science is strongly preferred.
• Experience in techniques such as GPC, iCCD, GC, 2D-GC, DMTA techniques are strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and have a sense of prioritization based on value and efficiency is a plus.
• Experience with characterization techniques and on-line analyzers, calibration and operation of laboratory equipment is a plus.
• Being fluent in Dutch is a plus.

Benefits – What Dow offers you

We invest in you.
Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career.  You bring your background, talent and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee:
• Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives.
• Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental and emotional well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it.
• Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals.
• Become a Dow shareholder through various employee stock programs.
• Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building.
• Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs.
• Global Paid Time Off (PTO) policies:
+ Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).
+ ?Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.
+ Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation.

Join our team, we can make a difference together.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. ????Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.