CHEMICAL POLYMER SPECIALIST

The Applied Materials Division (AMD) at HKS Century Sdn Bhd Laboratory conducts applied research to develop sustainable innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of resource and energy utilization; to minimize our dependence on imported energy; and to enhance our national security. A research and development position is now open in the Materials Recycling R&D Group. A post doc position is now open in the Materials Recycling R&D Group. This position is focused on pc/abs recycling R&D. The successful candidate will join a team developing and testing material separations and recycling operations and will help contribute to that team. The successful candidate is not required to have but would benefit from a good understanding of plastive addictives increasing the performance of engineering plastic. The work will involve R&D on a broad range of separation technologies as well as pilot plant design, installation, and operation. Experience in engineering plastic such as TV casing, automobile direct recycling and hydro/pyro-based recycling processes a plus. Additionally, some work may include cathode synthesis. Due to the chemical and mechanical nature of the processes being worked on, mechanical aptness is very helpful to be successful in this position. - Develop and optimize polymer formulations, ensuring enhanced mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties for high-performance applications. - Conduct rheological and viscoelastic testing to improve polymer flow characteristics in production. - Lead research and development (R&D) projects focused on polymer composites, nanomaterials, and bio-based polymers. - Oversee extrusion, injection molding, and polymerization processes, ensuring precision and minimal material waste. - Apply analytical techniques (FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, Rheometry) to assess material behavior and degradation. - Ensure compliance with international polymer regulations (REACH, RoHS, FDA, and ASTM standards). - Collaborate with cross-functional teams in production, quality assurance, and engineering to integrate new materials into the manufacturing process. Position Requirements • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in engineering, chemistry, or similar degrees. • Understanding of upgrading the engineering plastic polymers and how they work. • Understanding of the materials used to make engineering plastic resins. • Knowledge of materials separation equipment and techniques. • Ability to work with hand tools and building/adapting equipment. • Ability to work well within a team as well as alone. • Abilities in oral and written communication. • Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork. • Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive. • Modify the properties of the plastics & expert in all the special addictive which may apply in our products