Senior Scientist R&D (Hydrocarbon Polymer Materials)

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Company

Toyota develops mobility solutions and conducts advanced materials research through the Toyota Research Institute of North America.

What you will do

• Lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of hydrocarbon polymer materials for membranes and ionomers.
• Develop polymer chemistries and synthesis strategies for fuel cell and water electrolyzer applications.
• Characterize materials using GPC, NMR, IEC, DMA, and other analytical techniques.
• Collaborate with electrochemical device experts and external partners to integrate and scale polymer materials.
• Address performance, durability, and other emerging technical challenges in polymer materials research.
• Prepare publications, patent applications, technical reports, conference presentations, and project roadmaps while mentoring junior scientists and lab assistants.

Requirements

• Must have the right to work in the United States without current or future Toyota immigration support or visa sponsorship.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in monomer and polymer design, synthesis, modification, and characterization.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry and materials development, including ion-exchange polymers for fuel cell and water electrolysis applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, initiative, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to manage multiple research priorities.

Nice to have

• Experience with Diels-Alder, condensation, ROMP, superacid polymerization, or sulfonation.
• Experience scaling polymer synthesis from laboratory scale to large-scale batch production.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, flexible, and respectful research environment.
• Professional growth programs and tuition reimbursement.
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• 401(k) plan with company matching and an annual retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays, paid time off, tax-advantaged accounts, and applicable relocation support.