Company Overview:

POSITION PURPOSE:

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop computational, deterministic or stochastic, models for the optimization of mechanical properties under certain dynamic and steady conditions (for example, processing and use).
• Use advanced computational methods to aid in the design and development of polymeric materials and their processing.
• Apply scientific theories and advanced mathematical principles, as well as the full range of computational methods, procedures, and techniques to conduct work assignments.
• Conduct mathematical and computational research activities and monitor trends.
• Adapt existing methods and procedures to account for changes in input conditions or output requirements.
• Present modeling findings at the Department and Leadership level.
• Forecast future mathematical modeling and computational needs and capabilities.
• Design, code, test, and maintain mathematical models using multiple software tools (for example, MATLAB and Mathematica).

• Collaborate with colleagues within the functional team to achieve group goals, including support for technology projects, the manufacturing function, and customer inquiries.
• Familiar with the scope of other technical disciplines and how they interact within a given project.
• Frequent use of general knowledge of industry practices, techniques, and standards.
• Lead Technology Projects that have short-to-mid term impact on the Technology Organization and support the goals and vision of the organization.
• Document work plans, results, analysis, and conclusions of tasks and projects.
• Familiar with breadth of operations and primary customers; has contact with customers and is aware of their key business focus.

• Contribute to the completion of organizational projects or goals; exercises judgment within defined scope, cost, and timeline.
• Initiate and attend meetings with project leader or supervisor to ensure understanding of expectations or to seek additional information on relevant topics.
• Define effort and duration of deliverables in collaboration with project leaders.
• Provide concise notes and reports for project leaders and customers for projects.
• Identify critical steps and uncertainties within a defined task, suggest opportunities for extensions to existing projects, and make modifications/extensions to tasks with direct supervision.
• Identify opportunities for team to improve project outcomes (e.g., reduced cost / time or improved results).
• Exercise judgment: identify and address hurdles and milestones required to achieve assigned tasks.
• Extend and improve ideas to create better solutions in area of specialization or within context of a project.
• Effectively capture and communicate data / own work within context of a functional team or project.
• Provide peer review of experimental data, statistical analysis of data, validations, and report conclusions.

• Operates safely within NatureWorks’ policies, procedures and governmental regulations and fully participates in and champions NatureWorks’ Environmental, Health, & Safety (EH&S) Programs
• Ensures the EH&S Programs are being followed and provides a safe working environment to our employees and customers
• Accountable for building a strong safety culture and actively pursues it on a daily basis; identifies unsafe behaviors and conditions and intervenes to mitigate incidents
• Accountable for contributing to NatureWorks mission, vision, and values.
• Leverage the core values, culture concepts and guiding behaviors to drive accountability and engagement throughout the organization.
• High level of ethical, intellectual, professional and personal values that complement the team. 
• Ability to fit and excel within a dynamic company culture.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a challenging and developing environment; willingness to take on new responsibilities as our business evolves.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Applied & Computational Mathematics, Engineering, and/or an equivalent discipline with emphasis on advanced mathematical modeling and computational methods to address complex technical (scientific) challenges.
• Proficiency in at least one data-analysis or scripting language (e.g., MATLAB, Mathematica, python, R)
• Experience applying statistical and stochastic approaches in the design and analysis of experiments

• 4+ years of relevant experience in advanced mathematical model development (including tensor calculus) and computational methods (for example, numerical analysis) in research and/or applied industry environment).
• Polymer characterization and rheology background experience.
• Thermal characterization of materials using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), etc.

• Ability to convey rigorous mathematical and computational concepts and considerations to non-technical audience.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and concepts (regression, distributions, statistical tests and proper usage, etc.) and experience with their application.
• Proven ability to develop solutions to complex, open-ended problems with creativity and innovation
• Ability to understand complex problems and apply analytical methodologies to address them.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Standard work hours; this position requires participation in laboratory, pilot plant, and production activities.
• Primary environment is combination of office and modern R&D Lab with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; will follow Company safety and ergonomic guides to avoid injury.

Qualifications

Education

Experience