Chemist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI

We are looking for a Chemist to join our successful team in Ann Arbor. The responsible Chemist will provide technical support to the Personal Care market segment on our Consumer Silicones business team. Our primary goal is to develop of products and formulation prototypes which highlight the full range of WACKER products in the Personal Care market segment. Communication with customers and alignment with internal stakeholders is essential to the success of these projects. As the Chemist gains experience, there is the opportunity for personal development and growth of responsibilities. The position is located at our brand-new Innovation Center in Ann Arbor, MI.

Essential functions include:

• Assist in the development of new products and formulations which fit customer needs through lab testing and experimentation. Contribute to the scale-up process, by providing guidance with responsible production chemists.
• Provide technical support to customers and sales managers for the products in the Personal Care market segment. The contact points are made through e-mails, video calls and customer visits (travel up to 20%). Actively participate in internal innovation meetings, external conferences, and trade shows by presenting testing results and developments. Become the primary contact for our distribution partner providing technical guidance and formulation support.
• Collaborate with local and global functional teams (technical, marketing, sales, managers, supply chain and production) on current and/or future products with technical guidance, customer's path forward, market assessments and/or support.
• Organize data, presentations to support technical information, and activities using best practice which includes but not limited to Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), SAP, Microsoft programs (Excel, PPT, and Word). Document activities using Product Modification Activity (PMA), Project System Innovation (PSI) Charter Forms (PCF; ICF) and Opportunity Management with customer relationship tool (like Salesforce). Develop intellectual property related to new products and / or applications, drive for related patent filings

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design, Polymer/Materials Science etc.) M.S. Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design preferred
• 5 years of formulation, synthesis, application or industry-related experience in chemical industry (preference for experience in Personal Care market)
• Ability to relate to customers and discover needs to drive future developments
• Ability to use knowledge of chemistry to describe the theory and reasoning of our products and formulations in applications - defining structure property relationships
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%
• Good lab practice and safety skills - experience conducting independent, hands-on lab activities safely
• Root Cause Analysis, strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Working knowledge of analytical test methods and ability to devise new approaches
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written; able to write reports summarizing data and findings with well thought out conclusion
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Efficient and accurate computer skills (Microsoft programs, SAP, SalesForce, etc.)

• Compensation and Incentive plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing fund
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 401(k) with company match
• Education Assistance Program
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Support for Community Involvement