New

R&D Associate Chemist

The Sherwin-Williams Company
$71,944.60 - $89,723.65 Annually
United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
Nov 07, 2026
Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company's staff, employees, and business relationships. The Associate Chemist in this entry-level role will support new product development projects within the Household Products (HP) segment of the Packaging Coatings Division, reporting to the HP R&D Technical Manager. Working under the guidance of experienced team members, the successful candidate will contribute to cross-functional projects that address technical specifications defined by HP Marketing. This position provides opportunities to build technical knowledge while interacting with technical, analytical, quality, manufacturing, sales, and service personnel. Support development projects of low complexity within the Household Products segment under close supervision. Manage assigned tasks and timelines with guidance from the supervisor or project lead. Develop foundational knowledge of packaging coatings chemistry, applications, and testing procedures. Provide support to manufacturing and internal customers as directed. Assist in designing and executing experiments using the scientific method. Prepare and test coating samples, record and analyze data, and summarize results with guidance. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical summaries and conclusion reports with guidance. Collaborate with members of the technical department, sales, and manufacturing to help address customer needs. Build proficiency in assigned laboratory applications, test methods, and procedures. Assist with projects that use design of experiments (DOE) and statistical tools. Demonstrate a personal commitment to the team by assisting colleagues and contributing to shared goals. Apply critical-thinking skills, recognize unexpected results, and seek direction or coaching when needed. Use historical information, internal resources, and approved search tools to understand projects and help develop work plans. Support and attend customer trials as assigned. Communicate with the manager, project team, manufacturing, procurement, vendors, and other business partners to support successful product commercialization. Work effectively in a team environment and learn from experienced colleagues. Follow PCG Stage-Gate, Quality Systems, and applicable procedures. Complete assigned work using established laboratory and professional procedures. Maintain a safe work area by following all laboratory safety procedures and practices. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). At least 1 year's laboratory experience gained through academic coursework, research, internships, co-op assignments, or employment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree or coursework in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, coatings science, or a related discipline. Coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, polymers, coatings, or materials science. Coursework or hands-on experience in coatings, polymers, materials science, formulation, or related chemical or material systems. Experience preparing and testing laboratory samples using established procedures. Exposure to product development, manufacturing support, scale-up, customer trials, or commercialization. Familiarity with statistical concepts or Design of Experiments methodology. TECHNICAL/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to safely operate standard laboratory equipment and execute experiments using established procedures, test methods, and scientific principles. Ability to accurately prepare and test laboratory samples and perform basic laboratory calculations. Ability to collect, document, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data with guidance. Ability to recognize unexpected results and apply basic problem-solving skills to laboratory work. Ability to follow laboratory safety requirements, quality practices, and standard operating procedures. Ability to prepare clear and accurate technical summaries and communicate findings verbally and in writing. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Travel Requirements: 10%