R&D Mechanistic Chemist /R&D Chemist

Flexsys is the global leader in material science, driving innovation that shapes the future of the tire industry.

We are a supplier of rubber chemicals and solutions, including insoluble sulfur, anti-degradants, and stabilizers. We focus on delivering better solutions for manufacturers of tires and rubber products that enhance product performance, optimize production efficiency, and ensure supply chain resilience. As the world's largest manufacturer of tire-industry additives and a focus on material science fundamentals, Flexsys brings a track record of innovation, quality, specialized expertise, a highly collaborative approach, and a commitment to growth. We work together with our customers as a valuable partner to meet their critical objectives. Our vision is to enable the world's leading tire manufacturers to design revolutionary tire compounds that transform performance by enhancing endurance, grip, and rolling resistance while optimizing manufacturing efficiency and advancing environmental responsibility via pioneering sustainable materials.

Flexsys is seeking a dynamic Ph.D.-level Mechanistic Chemist to work on pioneering advancements in tire additives, propelling performance gains and sustainable material breakthroughs within the tire sector. Successful candidates will become an integral part of our agile, high-impact team, collaborating with a range of materials scientists, synthetic chemists, and tire specialists to determine the fundamental mechanisms of rubber compound chemistry, and engineer transformative additive products that deliver superior tire performance. We believe that a detailed mechanistic understanding of rubber chemistry will enable us to discover and commercialize more sustainable, higher-performing products with greater speed and efficiency. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of chemical science and eager to see your innovations swiftly implemented in real-world applications, this role provides an excellent platform to redefine the future of the tire industry.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead comprehensive mechanistic investigations into advanced tire chemistries by
• Characterizing small molecule, polymerization and vulcanization kinetics
• Elucidating chemical cross-linking, activator, accelerator mechanisms
• Engineering reactivity pathways to achieve superior material properties
• Developing a fundamental understanding of the interactions of rubber chemicals and their impact on rubber performance.
• Utilize analytical instruments such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and computational methods to analyze reaction dynamics, material characteristics, and predict performance outcomes, transforming data into innovations for enhanced traction and durability.
• Create mechanistic models and propose reaction pathways based on experimental and theoretical evidence.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary innovation, partnering with application scientists, synthetic chemists, process experts and tire manufacturers to integrate mechanistic insights into molecular design, next-generation tire formulations, evaluating environmental impacts, and support of pilot trials for real-world performance gains.
• Interpret test results from raw materials and compounds, prepare technical reports, secure patents for inventions, and maintain awareness of regulatory standards.
• Drive Sustainability and Emerging Trends through scouting and evaluating new technologies, such as renewable materials or alternatives to toxic accelerators, to reduce environmental footprints while advancing tire performance for applications like electric vehicles.

Requirements

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field, with a focus on reaction mechanisms or kinetics.
• Prior experience in the tire industry, and in-depth knowledge of the chemistry of rubber vulcanization is highly desired
• Demonstrated experience in mechanistic chemistry, including hands-on synthesis, characterization, and data interpretation in polymer or rubber systems.
• Proficiency in analytical instrumentation and techniques for organic molecule analysis, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply chemical principles to practical innovations in materials science.
• Experience with statistical analysis and computational modeling is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, team collaboration, and presenting findings.

Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting, with knowledge of hazardous materials handling and PPE requirements

An Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE): race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/ national origin/disability