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The opportunity:Reporting to the R&D Manager, the Senior R&D Scientist/Engineer will lead and work on a variety of research and development or innovation projects supporting WestRock’s strategic plan of the business. In this role, you will lead and conduct work on projects related to aqueous or extrusion barrier coatings and materials, focusing on sustainable or natural resourced materials, including evaluation of commercial barrier materials or coatings, formulations development and/or modification, lab drawdown coating evaluation, pilot coating trials, sample and package testing and evaluation.I this role, you will work with a cross-functional team and develop a variety of materials or processes used to produce paperboard-based substrates that are used in sustainable barrier packaging applications by WestRock’s customers. You will lead the production and testing of prototype barrier products and barrier packages, and you will be leading statistical analysis, data interpretation, and technical presentation to the team. Your decision-making skills based on technical data will be important to accelerate innovation. Additionally, you will also guide the work of junior R&D scientists on the team and work closely with the team to strengthen and broaden the team’s capabilities.The work is innovation-intense and requires a high level of creativity. You will be expected to tackle a variety of challenging tasks and opportunities to advance sustainable packaging efforts.Safety is paramount to WestRock and a focus on safe work practices will be required. You will be expected to work safely, be responsible for your own safety and the safety of those around you, and to report safety concerns to management for continuous improvement. Being 100% safe is our number one priority.How you will impact WestRock:· Play a key role in the technical development of sustainable barrier paper packaging· Lead the development, analysis, and evaluation of sustainable coatings and materials for barrier paper or paperboard packaging applications· Organize and perform testing and evaluation of competitive barrier coatings, materials and packaging· Apply statistical analysis to make decisions based on scientific data· Utilize project management skills to manage projects and apply statistical methods to design experiments for faster execution· Actively lead and participate in project planning, execution, reporting, and communicating with key stakeholders of projects· Write technical reports and present complex information so that it is understandable to a non-technical audience; utilize WestRock’s technical report formats· Deliver clear presentations at R&D department, project team, and group meetings to communicate results and gather feedback for continuous improvement· Collaborate with internal and external customers to develop and assess new products, materials, technologies, and processes· Build credibility and relationships with innovation management and business teams· Utilize advanced knowledge of the relevant products, markets and competition and the coating, barrier and packaging development process, pulp and paper making process, and converting operation, to advance innovation efforts· Understands corporate sustainability goals and align research that takes sustainability in consideration· Assist as needed in conducting pilot and commercial trials· Provide on the road trial and mill activity support as neededWhat you need for this role:· BA/BS or MS or PhD in polymer, chemistry, material science/engineering, paper science/engineering, chemical engineering, or packaging science/engineering; equivalent proven qualifications and requisite experience considered· 0-2+ years’ experience with PhD; 3-5+ years with MS; 7-10+ with BA/BS in laboratory or manufacturing setting· Ability to innovate boldly and develop sustainable packaging solutions· Manufacturing experience preferred· Advanced laboratory experience in polymer, chemistry, formulation, barrier, coating, natural polymer, fiber/pulping, paper, package converting, and testing· Advanced experience of coating chemistry, barrier materials, barrier technologies and packaging development preferred for plastics reduction or replacement.· Solid problem-solving skills and capability in IP generation· Strong ability to identify new and emerging technologies· Strong technical leadership and project (technical) management skills· Technical coaching and mentoring experience· Fundamental understanding of business, market needs, and technology trends· Solid external interaction skills on communication, partnership, and collaboration· Technical curiosity, problem solving skills· Strong teamwork skills, including working in a cross-functional team· Demonstrated ability to plan lab work, manage time, and complete tasks without close supervision· Strong communication skills, verbal and written, and data analysis skills
Ability to lead and participate in lab work, pilot trials, and production trials at plants
Ability to follow all safety guidelines and Safety Data Sheet recommendations
· Advanced computer skills, advanced software knowledge or skills may be required for certain RD areas· Ability to lift and carry samples routinely weighing 50 pounds· Occasional travel up to 15%What we offer:· Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence· Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities· An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential· A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily workWestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.WestRock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. WestRock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.
Full-time