Lead Scientist, Technology AMR

Lead Scientist

WHO WE ARE

POLYVANTIS is a global, multi-material player with some of the most coveted and iconic brands in the industry – such as PLEXIGLAS®, ACRYLITE® and LEXAN™ Film and Sheet. With 1,500 employees and 15 production sites worldwide, we offer unmatched global capabilities, providing customers with innovative solutions in sheet and film for air and rail, automotive, building and construction, electrical, healthcare and security, and lighting and signage markets.

A career at POLYVANTIS means you will make an impact on the Company’s success each day. We offer excellent pay and benefits, along with comprehensive learning programs to help grow your career. Apply now to join our team and we will become Stronger Together.

Position Overview

The Technology & Innovation (T&I) organization in Mt. Vernon, Indiana is seeking a Lead Scientist, Product and Application Development. This role serves as a key scientific and technical leader, responsible for driving high-impact innovation programs, enabling successful commercialization of new products, and expanding proven solutions across new customer bases. The Lead Scientist operates with significant autonomy, influencing strategy, guiding cross-functional execution, and serving as a visible internal and external technology representative for POLYVANTIS.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in polymer chemistry and materials science related to Polycarbonate systems.
• Translate market needs and customer requirements into actionable technical programs in partnership with Product Management, Marketing, and Commercial teams
• Initiate, plan, and execute complex, ambiguous multi-disciplinary research projects within predefined deadlines and aligned with business needs and impact
• Manage and prioritize large, complex projects by coordinating immediate resources and cross-functional teams including global T&I, Manufacturing/Quality, Product Management, Commercial, Procurement, Legal, and external customers
• Play an active role in stage-gate governance and project management practices to ensure rigor, discipline, and data-driven decision-making (milestones, cost, timelines, risk management, stakeholder alignment)
• Lead root-cause investigations and complex technical problem-solving to support business continuity efforts

• Build and maintain an external network with suppliers, customers, universities, and research institutes
• Represent POLYVANTIS externally at technical conferences, industry forums, and customer engagements to enhance scientific reputation and market positioning

• Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and operational excellence within the T&I organization
• Ability to travel up to 20% to primarily domestic limited international locations

 What Matters to POLYVANTIS

• An inquisitive and intellectually rigorous person with excellent problem-solving skills combing with project leadership and organizational discipline
• PhD or MS in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in R&D within the chemical or polymer industry
• Proven ability to translate business and customer needs into differentiated technical solutions with demonstrated success in commercialization and technology scale-up
• Deep knowledge of polymer processing and structure–property relationships with experience in compounding, formulation, extrusion and/or coating processes

• Proficiency in statistical experimentation and data analysis. Familiarity with Enterprise systems and processes (e.g., SAP, IP management, NDAs, RMI) is advantageous
• Strong experience interfacing directly with customers, suppliers & manufacturing teams
• Self-driven and proactive; capable of executing lab work plans including hands-on tasks
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, execution-oriented mindset
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

WHAT WE OFFER

We listen: Your ideas along our corporate values of creativity, openness, responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit are important to us. 

• Coverage: Full benefits and 401k employer contributions
• Work-life-balance: Paid holidays, vacation and generous sick time off 
• Culture: A collaborative environment where employee feedback is valued and actively shapes how we work
• Well-being: Programs and resources that support your physical, mental and financial well-being

...and much more. You can find an overview of our benefits on our careers page.

YOUR APPLICATION

Sounds interesting? Learn more about us and apply here: https://www.polyvantis.com/en/career. Realize your dreams at POLYVANTIS!

You don't meet all the requirements? No problem - for us, it's not just about certificates, professional qualifications and previous experience, but also about personal development potential.

POLYVANTIS seeks the best candidates, and as a result is an equal opportunity employer that is proud to provide equal access to jobs regardless of protected status.