Materials Physics Scientist

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We're not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet's beauty for the generations to come.

Role and Responsibilities

Materials Physics Scientist:

• We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to drive various types of physical chemical problems in continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites and prepreg technologies.
• This role will drive experimental research aimed at developing fundamental structure-process-property relationships related to salient performance relative to composite applications.
• This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of polymer science, composite mechanics, microstructural characterization, and materials engineering to solve technically challenging problems with direct relevance to advanced composite material development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute research projects/programs focused on continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites, prepregs, and their constituent materials.
• Characterize composite and prepreg microstructures and establish quantitative relationships between microstructural features, processing history, and resulting material performance.
• Investigate parameters such as fiber distribution and alignment, resin-rich regions, porosity/voids, fiber-matrix interfaces, local heterogeneity, and other microstructural features relevant to composite performance.
• Utilize micromechanical testing methods, including laboratory micromechanical test frames, to investigate deformation, damage initiation, damage evolution, and failure mechanisms in unidirectional plies, prepregs, and representative composite architectures.
• Apply microscopy, image analysis, mechanical testing, and complementary characterization techniques to understand composite structure-property relationships.
• Develop mechanistic understanding of failure modes and connect observations across length scales, from constituent and microstructural behavior to bulk composite performance.
• Investigate the chemistry, morphology, and physical state of thermoset and/or thermoplastic resin systems used in advanced composites, including changes occurring during processing and cure.
• Evaluate relationships among resin formulation, cure history, phase behavior and morphology, network development, and resulting mechanical performance.
• Where appropriate, apply analytical, statistical, computational, or micromechanical modeling approaches to interpret experimental results and develop predictive structure-property relationships.
• Develop test methods and experimental approaches needed to address new materials questions where established methods are insufficient.
• Work collaboratively with polymer scientists, materials scientists, engineers, modeling specialists, and manufacturing/process development teams.
• Translate fundamental scientific findings into actionable guidance for material formulation, prepreg design, processing, and product development.
• Document experimental methods, data, analyses, and conclusions with a high standard of scientific rigor and reproducibility and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Experience and Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience with continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites, preferably including carbon fiber composites and prepreg materials.
• Strong experimental background in composite materials characterization, mechanical testing, micromechanics, or structure-property relationships.
• Demonstrated understanding of the mechanics and failure behavior of fiber-reinforced composites, including damage and failure mechanisms in unidirectional composite systems.
• Working knowledge of polymer matrix systems used in advanced composites, such as epoxy, thermoset, and/or high-performance thermoplastic matrices.
• Experience analyzing experimental data and developing scientifically defensible conclusions from complex materials datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to independently formulate hypotheses, design experiments, troubleshoot experimental methods, and drive research programs from technical question through conclusion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary R&D teams.

Preferred Qualifications;

• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly valuable:
• In-silico/modeling skills set highly desired; finite element analysis, analytical micromechanics, multiscale modeling, or other computational approaches used to interpret composite behavior.
• Python, MATLAB, statistical analysis software, image-analysis tools, or other computational tools for experimental data analysis and visualization.
• Microstructural characterization of composite prepregs and cured composites using optical microscopy, SEM, X-ray CT, or related techniques.
• Quantitative image analysis and statistical characterization of composite microstructures.
• Thermoset cure chemistry and cure kinetics.
• Polymer phase behavior, phase separation, morphology development, or structure evolution during cure and processing.
• Toughened resin systems and an understanding of relationships among resin morphology, interfaces, and composite damage tolerance.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package:

• The U.S. base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position is $98,720-$140,000 per year. Since actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted base salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.
• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations
• Training platform for all employees
• Free language courses (24 languages available)
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)
• 401-K Match

About us

• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.
• Syensqo is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Nearest Major Market: Alpharetta

Nearest Secondary Market: Atlanta