Technology Leadership Associate - 2027 Leadership Development Program Ph.D.
At a glance
Junior Learning & Development role at Avient. Avon Lake · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate $73,000–$108,000 across the United States.
Avient has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Develop polymer formulations or processes with business and technology leaders, meeting customer specifications and operating standards
- Use designed experiments, product tests and data analysis to advance product platforms
- Search technical literature and patents to inform experiments, then work with manufacturing on test methods and quality controls
- Prepare reports and presentations on experimental plans and results for peers, customers and managers
- Share product and application data with sales and marketing, contribute to cross-business projects and build Lean Six Sigma skills
What you bring
- A Ph.D. in a listed discipline, focused on polymer materials development, structure-property relationships or polymer processing
- Working knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint, plus demonstrated ability to manage projects
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with motivation to succeed
Who this fits
This early-career program suits Ph.D. graduates seeking technical and leadership development through two year-long R&D rotations. You’ll rotate through labs in at least two locations near Cleveland, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Greenville, Philadelphia or Birmingham, then move into a full-time role matched to your goals and business needs.
From the employer
Job Summary
The Corporate Technology Leadership Development Program accelerates professional development by placing high caliber Ph.D. graduates on multiple Avient R&D Teams. This two year program consists of two (2) twelve-month rotational assignments and provides hands on roles that will help you gain experience in technology and leadership philosophy while providing technical, functional and leadership skills training. These teams develop and support a wide range of projects that enable the critical processes of Avient businesses.
Rotational assignments will vary depending on the skills of the candidate hired, and may include foundational R&D, analytical and applied product or process development directed toward any of Avient’s technology platforms. During each phase of their assignment they will establish relationships with peers and leaders, learn fundamentals and be provided feedback from the program manager. Upon completion of the program, individuals will be placed in a full-time role within Avient that best suits their personal and professional goals and matches the business needs.
Rotations for this role are held in at least two of several potential Avient R&D Labs which are located near Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA; Greenville, NC, Philadelphia, PA and Birmingham, AL.
Essential Functions
- Actively interface with business and technology leaders to develop custom polymer formulations and / or processes adhering to customer specifications, quality requirements, and operational goals and standards.
- Contribute to product platform development through the application of statistical experimental design, product testing, and data analysis.
- Perform literature and patent searches to guide experimentation.
- Partner with manufacturing resources to develop test methods and establish quality controls for new materials / processes.
- Support marketing and sales through development of product and application data.
- Summarize experimental strategies and data analysis in written reports and presentations for communication with peers, customers, and various levels of management.
- Collaborate in cross-functional projects across business units.
- Develop Lean Six Sigma (LSS) capabilities.
- Build on hard and soft-core competencies through training by taking a list of coursework to develop technical, functional and leadership skills
- Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or Physics, with a focus on polymer materials development, structure-property relationships, or polymer processing.
Additional Qualifications
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated project management capability.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Motivated with a passion to succeed.
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