Role and Responsibilities
The Materials Scientist is responsible for researching, developing, and optimizing materials used in the creation of new products. This role focuses on identifying and evaluating new materials, improving existing materials, and supporting product development teams by providing technical expertise on material properties and performance. The Materials Scientist works closely with Global Innovation, including Scientific Services, and Intellectual Property, process engineers, and product design teams to ensure that the chosen materials meet performance, regulatory, and cost requirements while also driving innovation in material selection and application.
This position is based in Xiamen, China and is mainly responsible for the following:
Material Research and Development:
- Conduct research on new materials and technologies that can be applied to product development, including polymers, composites, and biodegradable materials. Evaluate the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials to determine their suitability for product applications. Develop and refine material formulations that improve product performance, durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Support Product Development:
- Collaborate with product design and development teams to recommend materials that meet functional and regulatory requirements. Provide technical expertise on material properties and processing methods, ensuring that materials are compatible with manufacturing processes. Assist in the design and testing of prototypes, assessing how material choices impact product performance and quality.
Testing and Validation:
- Conduct material testing and validation, including durability, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. Develop and implement testing protocols to evaluate the performance of materials under various environmental conditions and usage scenarios. Analyze test data and provide recommendations to improve material selection and product design based on performance results.
Material Innovation and Sustainability:
- Explore innovative material solutions that align with industry trends and customer demands, particularly in the areas of sustainability and environmental impact. Investigate biodegradable and recyclable material options to support the company’s sustainability initiatives. Stay informed about emerging materials technologies and industry trends to drive material innovation in product development.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with Global Innovation, Engineering, and process development teams to ensure materials are compatible with product designs and manufacturing processes. Collaborate with Scientific Services to get analytical data supporting product development activities and IP filing. Support the filing of new relevant patents in China. Liaise with supply chain teams to ensure the availability of new materials and identify opportunities for cost reduction through material optimization. Support production teams by providing material-related troubleshooting and technical advice during the manufacturing process.
Regulatory Compliance and Documentation:
- Ensure that all materials used in product development comply with STMA regulatory standards, including environmental and safety regulations. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation on material properties, testing results, and performance data. Assist in the preparation of technical reports and documentation for regulatory submissions and product approvals.
Continuous Improvement and Cost Optimization:
- Drive continuous improvement efforts in material selection and usage, focusing on reducing costs, improving product quality, and enhancing manufacturing efficiency. Identify opportunities to substitute materials that reduce costs while maintaining or improving performance. Collaborate with suppliers to source new materials and explore opportunities for innovation in material development.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Advanced degree level education, preferably PhD in Materials Science and/or Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- At least 15 years’ experience in research and product development work, with proven experience in materials testing, validation, and selection for product applications.
- Strong understanding of material properties, including polymers, composites, metals, and biodegradable materials.
- Experience with material testing and validation techniques, including thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and chemical resistance tests.
- Proficiency in data analysis and material characterization tools (e.g., SEM, FTIR, XRD).
- Ability to work in a cross-functional environment, collaborating with R&D, engineering, and production teams.
- Experience in the tobacco, packaging, or consumer goods industry is an advantage.
- Familiarity with STMA regulatory standards related to materials in product development.
- Must be fluent in Chinese and English.
- Must have a thorough knowledge of relevant regulations and laws pertaining to the field, as well as related technologies.
- Strong in Project management, ability to work and deliver to tight timeline.
