Polymer Scientist

Company Overview

Hexion is entering a bold new chapter, and we’re looking for talented scientists, engineers, and innovators to be part of it. 

With our newly announced expansion of the research and development headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, we’re creating high-impact roles that will shape the future of sustainable materials, advanced chemistry, and AI-driven manufacturing. (Learn more about our expansion here: Hexion Selects Columbus Region for Global R&D Center) 

At Hexion, you won’t just work on products—you’ll build real-world solutions that power industries and make a global impact. Hexion is a place where curiosity is rewarded, innovation is constant, and the possibilities are endless. 

If you’re looking for a career that challenges you, inspires you, and puts you at the forefront of what’s next, we encourage you to apply today and join us in building the future.

Anything is possible when you imagine everything.  

Position Overview

Location: Flexible (Initially work to be carried out in Springfield, OR until Dublin, OH lab opens in 2027) 

Hexion is seeking a Polymer Scientist to join our Research & Development team with a first project supporting the advancement of high-performance superplasticizers for concrete applications. This role will focus on the design and development of innovative polymer technologies that enable enhanced workability, durability, and sustainability in cementitious systems. 

As part of Hexion’s innovation-driven culture, this position will contribute to the development of differentiated solutions aligned with evolving customer needs and low-carbon construction trends. The successful candidate will collaborate across R&D, technical service, and manufacturing to translate laboratory discoveries into commercial products. 

Job Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize water-soluble polymers to meet targeted performance criteria  
• Establish structure–property relationships to improve dispersion efficiency, slump retention, and cement compatibility across diverse formulations  
• Plan and execute experimental programs to support new product development, line extensions, and cost/performance optimization  
• Evaluate polymer performance in cementitious systems in collaboration with application development teams  
• Utilize analytical techniques (GPC/SEC, NMR, FTIR, rheology, etc.) to characterize polymers and guide development decisions  
• Partner with process development and manufacturing teams to support scale-up, process robustness, and commercialization efforts  
• Engage with technical service and commercial teams to understand customer requirements and translate them into R&D solutions  
• Maintain detailed documentation, prepare technical reports, and communicate results to cross-functional stakeholders  
• Monitor competitive technologies, patents, and industry trends in construction chemicals and specialty polymers  
• Adhere to Hexion’s safety, health, environmental, and quality standards in all activities 

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline  
• 5+ years of experience in polymer synthesis and characterization (industrial or academic)  
• Strong understanding of water-soluble polymers, dispersants, or surfactant systems  
• Broad polymer synthesis and compounding experience with condensation and free-radical/chain-transfer polymerizations; knowledge of polymer interactions with inorganic oxides or silicates is a plus 
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and solve complex technical problems including the use of AI assistants to accelerate development 
• Experience with scale-up, pilot plant, and/or manufacturing environments  
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in construction chemicals, particularly superplasticizers, concrete admixtures or general knowledge of cement chemistry, hydration behavior, and rheology of cementitious systems  
• Interest or experience in sustainable materials, including technologies supporting low-carbon cement systems  
• Effective in working through multi-site collaborative research program 

Other

We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, pregnancy, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

To be considered for this position candidates are required to submit an application for employment through our career site and, be at least 18 years of age.  Any offer of employment will be conditioned upon successful completion of a drug test and background investigation, as well as authorization for the Company to conduct additional periodic background checks as required by the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) or regulations adopted by the department of Homeland Security or other regulatory agencies. A prior criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment, and the Company will conduct an individualized assessment and reassessment, consistent with applicable law, prior to making any final employment decision.