Company Overview

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a “Bridgestone West” strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Position Summary

This position is within the Advanced Polymer Synthesis group at the Bridgestone Americas Center for Research and Technology, located at the Americas Technology Center in Akron, OH. The Senior Polymer Synthetic Chemist will work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, developing new polymers and optimizing polymerization techniques used to enhance the performance of our tire products and other diversified product offerings. The ideal candidate will have education and work experience in the discipline of polymer science and will exhibit strong problem-solving and communication skills. The role will require working in and/or leading multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to meet the needs of customers and stakeholders.

ResponsibilitiesRecommends plans for developing and implementing new polymer productsParticipates and eventually coordinates and oversees the execution of projects across multiple business units, as well as coordinates initial scale-up studies with pilot plant for new productsProposes and researches potential new technologies, products, innovative concepts, and testing methods by developing and investigating theories on the physical and chemical properties of polymers and materials under various conditionsConducts hands-on chemical and polymerization synthesis experiments, as well as characterization studiesPrepares research proposals, technical specifications, reports and presentations, and specifies laboratory test equipment and processesSupports the company's IP portfolio by drafting and reviewing invention disclosures, supporting the development of patent applications, and providing technical expertise to the legal departmentMakes recommendations concerning acquisition and use of new technological equipment and materials, as well as on continuous improvement/automation activitiesSupports relationships through strong communication and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholdersMentors junior scientists and co-ops in their projects

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in the synthesis of elastomersStrong understanding of polymer physical chemistry/physicsExperience using anionic and Ziegler-Natta polymerization chemistriesKnowledge of material science and formulation of rubber compoundsExperience with natural and synthetic resins, low-molecular weight polymers, and/or bio-based materialsMinimum Qualifications

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience

PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or Inorganic Chemistry is requiredStrong understanding of chemistry fundamentals (organic, organo-metallic, and/or polymer)Excellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to solve problems and multitask effectivelyMust be able to work safely with a strong knowledge of workplace hazards and safety proceduresAbility to wear required personal protective equipment

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.