Advanced R&D (Engnr/Chemist/Specialist)

We are looking for an Advanced R&D to join our Technology Team at Avient's facility in Istanbul, Turkey. The candidate should have a strong understanding of polymer science and hands-on experience in compounding and polymer processing methods such as extrusion and injection molding. A good understanding of testing methods and the ability to interpret data from internal testing and customer trials are essential to make necessary formulation improvements and resolve processing issues. This role will work closely with application engineering, sales, marketing, and manufacturing teams and is expected to be an effective team player. This role requires scientific expertise to deliver innovative material solutions that support customer requirements, business growth, sustainability objectives, and manufacturing excellence.

Research, Development and Innovation

• Design, plan, and execute laboratory experiments, pilot trials, and production-scale validations.
• Develop or improve formulations for polyolefins and engineering thermoplastics.
• Translate customer and application requirements into material performance specifications.
• Evaluate new raw materials, additives, compatibilizers, stabilizers, fillers, and sustainable content solutions.
• Support intellectual property generation through invention disclosures and patent-related activities. 
• Brings new ideas to the teams and participates as team member on innovation teams. 

• Create and maintain SAP material masters, formulations, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and related product documentation to support product development, commercialization, and change management activities.

• Identify technical bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to maintain project objectives. 

Scale-Up and Manufacturing Support

• Support semi-industrial and industrial-scale production trials.
• Collaborate with operations teams to optimize processing conditions and improve productivity.

Customer and Market Support

• Provide technical expertise to support customer development activities.
• Work with ADTS and Commercial teams to develop customer-specific solutions.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, and problem-solving sessions.
• Support sustainability initiatives and development of environmentally responsible solutions. 

Technical Excellence

• Maintain expertise in polymer science, formulation chemistry, material characterization, and processing technologies.
• Stay current with scientific literature, industry trends, regulations, and technological advancements.
• Supports knowledge sharing across global R&D teams. 

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and quality management systems.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and project records. 

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline required.
• Master's degree preferred. 

Experience

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of industrial R&D experience in plastics, polymers, compounding or specialty materials.
• Experience collaborating with manufacturing and commercial organizations.
• Experience working in international and cross-functional environments preferred. 

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of: 
  • Polymer formulation science
  • Polymer rheology
  • Process technology
  • Material characterization
  • Statistical analysis and experimental design
  • Extrusion and compounding technologies.

Soft Skills

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork orientation.
• Customer-focused mindset.

Additional Tasks

• Support technology roadmaps and long-term innovation initiatives.
• Contribute to laboratory KPI tracking and continuous improvement programs.
• Support audits, certifications, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Represent the company at technical conferences, industry forums, and customer events.
• Collaborate with global Technology Teams to leverage technical expertise and accelerate innovation.
• Participate in raw material qualification and alternative supplier evaluations.