Phd Material Science Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Join the Gaco team, a trusted name in building envelope solutions with a heritage dating back to 1955.

We're seeking a Principal Materials Scientist who's ready to be part of a company committed to formulating everyday success for every customer through innovative, reliable products used to adhere, seal, and protect at every level of the building envelope.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Serve as the centralized technical authority on fundamental material science, driving the understanding of structure-property relationships to accelerate innovation across all R&D business groups. This role bridges theoretical polymer physics and chemistry with practical formulation, ensuring rapid, data-driven product development from benchtop to commercialization.

WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH

Strategic R&D Acceleration

• Define and build fundamental structure-property relationships to accelerate new product development across all core business units: Contact Adhesives , Silicon Coatings & Adhesives , Polyurethane & Polyurea Systems , and Epoxy Coatings.
• Translate complex molecular interactions into predictable macroscopic performance metrics (e.g., abrasion resistance, flexibility, adhesion, and weatherability) to reduce formulation trial-and-error.
• Identify synergistic technology platforms and raw materials that can be leveraged across different product lines to capture new market opportunities in roofing, building envelopes, and marine/industrial flooring.

Advanced Analytical Leadership

• Lead the strategic use of deep analysis equipment across the development labs to understand exactly why products perform the way they do.
• Utilize advanced characterization tools, including Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometers , Gas Chromatographs (GC-MS) , Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC) , and Advanced Rheometers.
• Confirm cure mechanisms, identify trace contaminants, analyze failures, and qualify complex new raw materials using chemical analysis.
• Correlate advanced chemical analysis with mechanical performance testing derived from Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) analyzing stress-strain curves, modulus, and peel/lap shear adhesion.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Scale-Up

• Act as the primary technical consultant to specialized R&D Managers\chemists, helping to resolve complex formulation roadblocks involving polymer/crosslinker systems, catalyst packages, and adhesion promoters.
• Partner closely with the Manager of the Pilot Lab & Process Scale-Up to ensure that foundational molecular behaviors and reactive chemistries translate successfully from 1-liter benchtop batches to 20-50kg pilot batches.
• Provide predictive risk analysis for process scale-up by analyzing mixing dynamics, exotherms, and temperature controls for complex reactive chemistries.

Mentorship & Scientific Excellence

• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, continuous learning, and advanced experimental design across the entire R&D organization.
• Ensure all cross-functional development aligns with critical industry standards (e.g., ASTM standards for sealants and roof coatings) and evolving environmental regulations.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Education: PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related highly technical field.
• Experience: 15+ years of progressive, advanced R&D experience in the specialty chemicals, coatings, adhesives, or elastomers industry.
• Cross-Chemistry Expertise: Deep, proven understanding of multiple polymer chemistries, specifically including solvent-based rubbers, silicones, polyurethanes/polyureas, and epoxies.
• Analytical Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in interpreting data from advanced thermal, rheological, and spectroscopic characterization equipment to build predictive structure-property models.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead without direct authority, acting as a high-level technical consultant and mentor to specialized R&D formulation teams.

WHAT WE OFFER    

• Competitive salary

• Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

• Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance  

• Holistic Health & Well-being programs

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care

• Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts

• Paid time off & paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)

• Educational Assistance Program

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Amrize is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.