Scientist, Research (Hybrid)

Job ID : 3457

Closing Date : 05/05/2025

This position could be located in the following location(s): Centre for Applied Research - Calgary, AB

• This position provides the option to work from home on Mondays and Fridays each week, with the requirement to report to the primary NOVA Chemicals work location on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Employees can opt out of the hybrid schedule and will be expected to work Monday-Friday from the primary work location.

Who We Are:

At NOVA Chemicals we are reshaping plastics for a better, more sustainable world. Our dedicated team of talented individuals works collaboratively to create circular plastic solutions that make everyday life safer, healthier and better. With a focus on safety, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, we strive to constantly improve and shape the future of our industry. Join our team of talented professionals who are passionate about making a difference and be a part of our journey towards sustainability leadership. Together we can create a better, more circular tomorrow.

NOVA Chemicals, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

We are seeking a Research Scientist to join our Polyethylene (PE) Process Technology. The PE Process Technology Team provides scale-up and operational support to all of NOVA Chemicals' polyethylene assets in Alberta and Ontario. This support covers aspects of both process engineering and process chemistry as well as catalyst and corrosion chemistry.

The team provides support related to our proprietary commercial catalysts and associated chemicals, both from operational support/troubleshooting and qualifying new/secondary suppliers perspectives - catalyst components, solvents, comonomers, etc.

Our research programs are targeted to:

• Improve asset operating efficiencies
• Innovate processes that enable commercialization of new catalyst developments
• Develop models and process operating conditions which will allow the cost-effective scale up and manufacture of value-added products

You Will Use Your Expertise To:

• Initiate or lead projects that pertain to the exploration, development, and implementation of process improvements, new or existing products, and catalyst solutions.
• Meet research or other project goals within time and budget constraints.
• Collaborate with product scientists, catalyst chemists, manufacturing staff and other disciplines to enable commercialization of new catalyst developments and scale up of value-added products.
• Apply a wide range of chemistry fundamentals for supporting plant operations and troubleshooting challenges.
• Apply original and innovative thinking to produce new ideas and create innovative solutions.
• Communicate results and findings to project team members, technology, engineering, manufacturing staff and leadership through meetings, presentations, technical memos and reports.
• Work closely with suppliers/toll manufacturers to support scale-up or proprietary catalysts and ongoing quality assurance.

What We Are Looking For:

• Ph.D. with 3-5 years related experience or M.Sc. in Chemistry with 5+ years related experience
• Experience with polymerization technologies and catalysts.
• Experience with Polyethylene polymerization technology development/design/operations would be an asset (LLDPE, HDPE, LDPE, etc.).
• Synthetic and scale-up experience.
• A good grasp of chemistry, including synthetic experience and handling of air sensitive and pyrophoric chemicals.
• Broad understanding of analytical tools (both wet and instrument-based techniques) for routine characterization and for plant support troubleshooting.
• Curiosity and desire to continually learn and comfortable with hands-on lab work for initial method development and working with technologists.
• Mechanical aptitude to be able to combine chemistry and mechanical process to effectively troubleshoot small scale and commercial issues.
• An understanding of basic polymer characterization, analytical methods, impurity analysis and purification in hydrocarbons at the ppm level.
• Demonstrated experience leading research projects and cross-functional collaborations for implementation of new products/catalyst technologies and process optimization.
• Excellent consultation and communication skills. Must work well in a team setting with cross-functional interactions spanning R&D, Technical service, and Marketing and Manufacturing.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Responsible Care, strong project and time management capabilities, and aptitude for problem solving/troubleshooting.

You Can Stand Out If:

• You are passionate about your work and put care and thought into all that you do.
• You are responsible and follow through with your commitments to others and to safety.
• You are innovative and are willing to challenge your biases when problem solving.
• You are collaborative, inclusive, and work well with others towards team goals.

Additional Information:

• Relocation will be considered for this position
• Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience
• This role requires up to 10% travel
• Work will be conducted both indoors and outdoors in all seasons
• In order to fulfil the duties of this role, the successful candidate will be required to wear respiratory protective equipment. Candidate must successfully pass a fit test and be physically able to wear a respirator
• The successful candidate is required to provide proof of a valid driver's license

Why NOVA Chemicals?

NOVA Chemicals' flexible benefit programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees, because when it comes to benefits, everyone has different priorities. Our benefits offerings will vary based on your work location and are an element of the "Total Rewards" package used to reward employees.

Check Us Out Online:

• Visit our NOVA Chemicals' website
• Follow us on X, YouTube, and Instagram for company news.
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Glassdoor for job updates.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.