R&D Synthesis Technologist
Dow Chemical, Clifton Heights, PA, United States
About This Role
Join the Dow Plastics Additives (DPA) R&D Synthesis team in Collegeville as an R&D Technologist and help deliver laboratory experimentation that supports DPA work across new product innovation, plant support, and process development. You will be a primary technical focal point for lab experimentation tied to strategic business priorities, including exciting growth platforms, regulatory-driven work, and plant process optimization. This is a hands‑on, lab‑based role where you will independently execute complex work, support troubleshooting efforts in acrylic emulsion polymerization and process areas, and bring a continuous improvement mindset to techniques, standards, and procedures. You’ll partner closely with scientists, the DPA Tech Center, and manufacturing stakeholders to translate data into practical recommendations and to share technical learnings across teams.
Responsibilities
Run complex laboratory synthesis and related procedures (including modifications to established methods) to support innovation, plant support, and process development
Practice EH&S stewardship in the lab by following standards, identifying improvement opportunities, and helping implement safer/more effective work practices
Plan and execute experiments using the scientific method and relevant tools/software to deliver data on committed timelines to enable launch of new products
Lead complex troubleshooting for formulation, raw‑material, and process‑related issues; evaluate options and communicate clear recommendations to project and plant partners
Partner with stakeholders to align lab work to business priorities, including innovation growth areas and regulatory commitments
Train and coach team members on lab processes, equipment, and safe work practices; share technical learnings across teams as needed
Strengthen laboratory capability by identifying gaps and helping develop/verify improved techniques, standards, procedures, and equipment set‑ups (including vendor partnering when needed)
Maintain high‑quality documentation in line with Dow expectations (data stewardship via ELN, SOPs, and IP practices) and share results/observations to enable sound decisions
Translate experimental concepts into practical lab execution, adapting plans when constraints arise (equipment, materials, safety, or timeline)
Coordinate with vendors and internal partners to gather quotes/lead times, support cost, and scope estimates for equipment, set‑ups, and method capability needs
Provide technical input to ensure experimental set‑ups and changes are safe, practical, and aligned to project objectives (innovation, process optimization, and regulatory compliance)
Required Qualifications
A minimum of an Associate’s degree in a science‑related discipline (or other relevant discipline) and 5 years of relevant work experience; or a high school diploma/GED and 7 years of relevant work experience (or other alternate, relevant experience)
Ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process
Skills
Laboratory Operations:
Hands‑on lab emulsion polymerization or chemical synthesis experience, including safe use of laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Teamwork:
strong laboratory foundation who can work independently, partner effectively, and help the team deliver results.
Scientific Methods:
Experimental design and execution using scientific methods (planning, adapting protocols, and delivering quality data)
Troubleshooting:
Complex troubleshooting and problem solving (lead investigations, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions)
Continuous Improvement:
EH&S and stewardship mindset with a track record of improving how work is done in the lab
Problem Solving:
Method/SOP development and lab capability building (identifying gaps, improving methods, and optimizing set‑ups)
Data Stewardship:
Clear technical documentation and data stewardship (including lab notebook usage and confidentiality and IP awareness)
Communication:
Strong communication and collaboration skills to partner with scientists, manufacturing technical centers, and manufacturing stakeholders; able to coach others
Additional Notes
No relocation assistance is available for this position.
Benefits – What Dow offers you
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, financial, and social 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.
Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only) – Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
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.
Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
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.
Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one‑stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
On‑site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
Meal subsides/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
Carbon‑neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)
Join our team, we can make a difference together.
Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833‑693‑6947) and select option 8.
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Join the Dow Plastics Additives (DPA) R&D Synthesis team in Collegeville as an R&D Technologist and help deliver laboratory experimentation that supports DPA work across new product innovation, plant support, and process development. You will be a primary technical focal point for lab experimentation tied to strategic business priorities, including exciting growth platforms, regulatory-driven work, and plant process optimization. This is a hands‑on, lab‑based role where you will independently execute complex work, support troubleshooting efforts in acrylic emulsion polymerization and process areas, and bring a continuous improvement mindset to techniques, standards, and procedures. You’ll partner closely with scientists, the DPA Tech Center, and manufacturing stakeholders to translate data into practical recommendations and to share technical learnings across teams.
Responsibilities
Run complex laboratory synthesis and related procedures (including modifications to established methods) to support innovation, plant support, and process development
Practice EH&S stewardship in the lab by following standards, identifying improvement opportunities, and helping implement safer/more effective work practices
Plan and execute experiments using the scientific method and relevant tools/software to deliver data on committed timelines to enable launch of new products
Lead complex troubleshooting for formulation, raw‑material, and process‑related issues; evaluate options and communicate clear recommendations to project and plant partners
Partner with stakeholders to align lab work to business priorities, including innovation growth areas and regulatory commitments
Train and coach team members on lab processes, equipment, and safe work practices; share technical learnings across teams as needed
Strengthen laboratory capability by identifying gaps and helping develop/verify improved techniques, standards, procedures, and equipment set‑ups (including vendor partnering when needed)
Maintain high‑quality documentation in line with Dow expectations (data stewardship via ELN, SOPs, and IP practices) and share results/observations to enable sound decisions
Translate experimental concepts into practical lab execution, adapting plans when constraints arise (equipment, materials, safety, or timeline)
Coordinate with vendors and internal partners to gather quotes/lead times, support cost, and scope estimates for equipment, set‑ups, and method capability needs
Provide technical input to ensure experimental set‑ups and changes are safe, practical, and aligned to project objectives (innovation, process optimization, and regulatory compliance)
Required Qualifications
A minimum of an Associate’s degree in a science‑related discipline (or other relevant discipline) and 5 years of relevant work experience; or a high school diploma/GED and 7 years of relevant work experience (or other alternate, relevant experience)
Ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process
Skills
Laboratory Operations:
Hands‑on lab emulsion polymerization or chemical synthesis experience, including safe use of laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Teamwork:
strong laboratory foundation who can work independently, partner effectively, and help the team deliver results.
Scientific Methods:
Experimental design and execution using scientific methods (planning, adapting protocols, and delivering quality data)
Troubleshooting:
Complex troubleshooting and problem solving (lead investigations, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions)
Continuous Improvement:
EH&S and stewardship mindset with a track record of improving how work is done in the lab
Problem Solving:
Method/SOP development and lab capability building (identifying gaps, improving methods, and optimizing set‑ups)
Data Stewardship:
Clear technical documentation and data stewardship (including lab notebook usage and confidentiality and IP awareness)
Communication:
Strong communication and collaboration skills to partner with scientists, manufacturing technical centers, and manufacturing stakeholders; able to coach others
Additional Notes
No relocation assistance is available for this position.
Benefits – What Dow offers you
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, financial, and social 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.
Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only) – Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
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.
Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
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.
Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one‑stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
On‑site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
Meal subsides/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
Carbon‑neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)
Join our team, we can make a difference together.
Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833‑693‑6947) and select option 8.
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