Title:  Research & Development Advisor

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At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities. 

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

JOB FUNCTIONS: Job functions include but are not limited to the following.

• Research and development of materials, processes, and applications for traditional food packaging polymers such as LDPE, PET, PS, and PP, as well as biopolymers, functional barriers, additives, adhesive and other materials for food packaging such as fiber cups, food containers, carton, and lids.
• Develop and manage partnerships with material suppliers.
• Work directly with other innovation resources in experiments, trials, and prototyping.
• Write technical reports with actionable recommendations to drive product and platform innovation.
• Communicate results via technical and business-focused presentations.
• Operate and train on the use of analytical lab equipment.
• Keep current with technical literature and intellectual property. Be a point-of-contact with our IP Legal team, translating discoveries and results into patent applications.
• Participate in relevant industry organizations and committees.
• Other duties as assigned. 

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with traditional food packaging polymers such as LDPE, PET, PS, and PP
• Experience with biopolymers, functional barriers, additives, adhesive and other materials for food packaging such as fiber cups, food containers, carton, and lids is a plus
• Experience with equipment and processes for extrusion. Thermoforming is a plus.

 EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE:

• Master's in chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering, with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Continue education in a STEM field is a plus.
• Thorough understanding of polymers and processing equipment for food packaging a plus. 

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical skills. Must have the ability to interpret results from microscopy, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM and Rheological analysis.
• Must have the ability to explain technical concepts in non-technical and understandable language.
• Must have the ability to be self-directed and manage priorities.
• Able to translate analytical results to practical applications. 

SCHEDULE DEMANDS:

• General schedule is an 8-hour M-F assignment, however, employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or by rail.
• Position may require up to 25% travel.
• Occasional ability to work remotely. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time up to 8-hours.
• Occasional Lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
• Use of various office hand and electrical tools or equipment. 

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Oral and written communication skills
• Researching and investigating
• Problem solving
• Hands-on skills
• Detailed Documentation

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical skills. Must have the ability to interpret results from microscope, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM and Rheological analysis.
• Must have the ability to explain technical concepts in non-technical and understandable language.
• Must have the ability to be self-directed and manage priorities.
• Experience with data analytics.