Research and Development Scientist

Orbia Advance Corporation is a Purpose-led company with big aspirations. We are out to advance life around the world while maximizing value to our shareholders, customers and employees. The Company is passionate about the topics that define how people will live and thrive tomorrow: the future of cities, buildings, agriculture, and materials. Orbia Advance Corporation has five business groups which offer innovative solutions across multiple industries including building and infrastructure, data communications, chemicals and more. In 2018, Orbia Advance Corporation bought a majority stake in Israeli-based Netafim, the world’s leader in drip irrigation, and is helping the world ‘grow more with less’ as it helps to solve food and water scarcity. Orbia Advance Corporation has operations in 41 countries with more than 22,000 employees.

We started as a producer of commodities and have evolved to become a provider of innovative solutions that address the global issues of rapid urbanization, water and food scarcity, and a growing and aging population. We’re already a global leader in Polymers, Fluor, Building & Infrastructure, Datacom, and Precision Irrigation. We have embarked on a CEO-led transformation, as part of our journey to become a truly purpose-led, future fit company.

Dura-Line LLC. is growing fast, and we are currently hiring a talented and knowledge-driven Polymer R&D Scientist at our Clinton, TN lab onsite. We are seeking a team member who is passionate in their craft with a strong willingness to learn. They must have the capability of handling technical ambiguity and be resilient to change in direction. They should possess excellent analytical & problem-solving skills and develop their perspective on making measurements and interpreting experimental data. 

In this exciting NEW and ONSITE role, knowledge is power! Learning is key! We are looking for someone who is a self-starter, dependable, and open-minded to new technology. Someone preferably with a PhD degree in polymer chemistry/science/engineering, and who has strong product/technology development experience including raw materials research, polymer formulations, compounding, polymer processing, product transfers to manufacturing, etc. To hit the ground running, you will need 2-3 years of polymer research & development hands-on experience in a laboratory and a manufacturing/production environment. You will need experience incorporating current technologies to improve existing products and exploring new technologies for potential applications. Our ideal candidate must be highly skilled in analytical equipment, polymer chemistry, extrusion, compounding, rheology, etc. Having the highest criteria for technical rigor, housekeeping, and EH&S is essential. You will also need to be a great communicator and a team player, detail-oriented, and resourceful. A strong expertise in statistics and the Design of Experiments is a plus, alongside Six Sigma certifications. 

In addition, your responsibility in this role includes identifying innovative product solutions and maintaining the security of laboratories, laboratory equipment, supplies, materials, expenditure records, and budget updates. Computer skills are valuable, and experience using programs similar to 3D Design, analytical software, Python, MATLAB, and Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint would be highly beneficial, along with learning and implementing the agile methodology in the development of new products. 

Why live in the Knoxville Metropolitan Area, TN?

It is within close proximity to lakes, mountains, and outdoor activities. There are many local attractions and parks and recreation. The roads are good and neighborhoods are very safe. The first thing that anybody from the Knoxville Metropolitan Area in Tennessee will tell you is how we have an amazing sense of community and friendship.

We offer benefits such as:

• 401k with a 6% company match (the company will automatically contribute an extra 3% of your plan-eligible pay to your 401k). 

• Multi-tier benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) that you can tailor for yourself and dependents which include Employer-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, & Life Insurance 

• We also offer an inclusive relocation assistance package 

• Wellness Employee Assistance Program (EAP), paid parental leave, Fitness & Weight-loss Reimbursement 

• Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, 11 paid company holidays, paid time off/vacation time, career development opportunities, and many other benefits in a collaborative culture that focuses on work & work-life balance, innovation, & teamwork. Benefits start on day one! 

 JOIN THE TEAM: Discover how Dura-Line LLC. Creates what connects us. Every day, in the little ways and the big ones, our lives depend on clear, consistent, reliable communication. Check out our products, history, and testimonials, and apply today at www.Dura-Line.com. 

“The compensation for this position will typically range from $66,000-$107,000. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. 

 The compensation package may also include short and long-term incentive compensation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, a 401(k)-retirement savings plan, paid company holidays, paid vacation time, paid sick time, parental leave, short- and long-term disability leave, and an employee assistance program. At Orbia, we are committed to taking care of our employees and believe in providing comprehensive support so you can thrive at work and home.” 

Our Global brands: Dura-Line, Koura Global, Vestolit, Netafim, Alphagary, Wavin.

They offer a broad range of value added solutions and finished products that contribute to customers’ success and ultimate improve the quality of life for people around the world. Along its commitment to good citizenship, Orbia Advance Corporation delivers Total Value to customers, employees and investors worldwide, every day.