Overview In this Advanced Scientist role within Michelman's Global R&D, you will develop waterborne formulations and application-focused solutions for Agriculture and Materials Innovation. You'll translate structure-property relationships into high-performance coatings, collaborating across R&D, Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, and Manufacturing to turn concepts into viable product platforms. You will be a go-to technical resource for optimizing coating and material performance in agricultural and emerging materials applications, driving meaningful impact and growth.
Compensation / Benefits- salary
- incentive
- benefits package
Responsibilities- Collaborate with sales and marketing to define problem statements from market trends and customer needs
- Lead development of application-focused solutions across Agriculture Coatings and Materials Innovation
- Design and execute lab-scale experiments (and supervise others) for new product development
- Build knowledge of coatings application methods and performance tests to enable new concepts
- Lead design, development, and optimization of seed coating technologies and innovative materials using synthetic, bio-based, and biodegradable polymers
- Perform hands-on lab work: formulation, batch prep, application trials, pilot-scale simulations, and performance characterization (adhesion, abrasion, drying, particle size, rheology, film properties)
- Evaluate coating performance on target substrates (seed-related properties like plantability, dust-off, active ingredient loading, compatibility, adhesion, durability)
- Document experiments, analyses, and results thoroughly and accurately
- Ensure timely delivery of project information to partners and stakeholders
- Plan, initiate, and execute projects using the Michelman project management process
- Prepare reports (written and verbal) on technical results for leadership
- Foster collaboration with global technical teams for knowledge exchange
- Partner with commercial teams to tailor solutions to market needs and methods
- Draft clear application guidelines for products and additives
- Lead internal discussions to keep colleagues up-to-date on product/application issues
- Scout and evaluate emerging technologies and external capabilities to strengthen Michelman's portfolio
- Assess feasibility, differentiation, and risks of new materials and formulations
- Support transfer and scale-up of successful formulations from laboratory to pilot and production
- Engage with academic institutions, industry partners, and stakeholders
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment
- Perform related duties as assigned
Key requirements- Strong analytical and observational skills
- Practical experience with waterborne emulsions, additives, and/or formulations for agricultural and innovative materials
- Demonstrated track record of innovation, technology scouting, and/or prototyping (desirable)
- Solid understanding of polymer chemistry, structure-property relationships, formulation principles, and coating application methods
- Experience with seed coating equipment (e.g., rotary coaters) preferred
- Awareness of regulatory and sustainability considerations for agricultural coatings and advanced materials (microplastics, biodegradability, chemical compliance, seed-treatment testing)
- Ability to lead technical projects and work independently while collaborating across disciplines
- Experience with stage-gate project management and required documentation
- Agile mindset to adapt to changing priorities and technical challenges
- Ability to develop new lab methods and train others
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- M.S. or Ph.D. in related fields (see education)
- Collaborative mindset
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Waterborne formulations
- Coatings and adhesion testing
- Seed coating formulation and testing
