Lead Scientist - Synthetic Chemistry: GE Vernova Advanced Research

Job Description Summary

GE Vernova Advanced Research is looking for a Lead Scientist with capabilities in synthetic organic and/or inorganic chemistry to conduct research on polymeric and organic systems, including wet coating formulation and various applications development, such as drop coating, dip coating, spray coating, additive materials and optical materials as applied to industrial challenges. The Lead Scientist will be responsible for new material composition/coating formulation development, material & component design, synthesis, scale-up, material characterization, performance evaluation, external proposal writing, and technical paper writing and publication. This role will have exciting opportunities to help define and develop sustainable solutions to the biggest challenges in the ongoing Energy Transition and sustainability fuels, which is the core of GE Vernova business.

GE Vernova's Advanced Research Center is the central innovation engine for GE Vernova's portfolio of energy businesses. The research organization is made up of 300+ researchers representing virtually every major scientific and engineering discipline. Collectively, they are driving major research programs and initiatives to decarbonize power, accelerate renewables, and promote electrification and the creation of a 21st century grid fit to power a zero-carbon energy future.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:
You will:

• Conduct and lead basic & applied research including small organic and polymeric materials, , polymer composite, inorganic materials synthesis, wet coating formation and applications process development, component design, material testing, process development & optimization, and performance evaluation.
• Fabricate functional material systems through the development and coating/deposition of slurry and binder formulations on additively-manufactured components.
• Design & execute experiments, and independently lead tasks to benefit GE Vernova businesses and customers.
• Identify key technical issues and produce cutting edge technical breakthroughs.
• Determine system level performance requirements and develop fundamental system knowledge through experimentation and process optimization. Iteratively improve system performance.
• Be a member of a multidisciplinary team developing innovative materials across diverse application spaces.
• Collaborate with technologists and product managers in GE Vernova businesses and external partners to understand market needs and product and process requirements.
• Build relationships with colleagues at GE Vernova Advanced Research with a wide variety of technical expertise and business responsibilities.
• Identify and form collaborative relationships with academic, national laboratory, industry, government agencies, and GE Vernova experts to leverage internal capability and maximize impact.
• Identify and pursue external and commercial opportunities, propose solutions to some of the world's toughest challenges and write proposals for grant consideration as a principal investigator.
• Conduct/Lead IP strategy development and prior art analysis, write disclosures and patent applications, and collect rigorous experimental data for patent processes. •
• Deliver effective presentations, reports, and publications to stake holders including GE Vernova Advanced Research leadership, GE Vernova businesses, government agencies, professional societies, and peer-reviewed journals.

• Doctorate with >2 years industrial experience or Masters with >5 years industrial experience in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline.
• Proven record of innovation, including peer-reviewed publications, in areas related to the synthesis of organic and polymeric materials, inorganic and organometallic powders and suspensions, wet coating formulation and application process development, and/or additive material formulations and slurry development.
• Practical knowledge of safety practices as it relates to experimental design and lab practices.
• Demonstrated project execution experience, teamwork experience & ability to work across all functions/levels as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals at the Masters level for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• You must submit your application for employment at www.careers.gevernova.com to be considered

• Experience with the design and synthesis of new materials (small molecules, sorbent materials, engineering thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, or nano-structured polymers), surface functionalization, surface coating, slurry formulation, thermal and radiation-based curing, blending and their associated manufacturing processes.
• Fully versed in material characterization methods.
• Experience in process development and scale-up of materials.
• Ability and experience transitioning products from R&D to manufacturing. Well versed in Six Sigma methodology -specifically DoE's and Gage R&R.
• Experience in developing patentable intellectual property.
• Experience in writing successful R&D proposals, including to government agencies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort interacting and reporting horizontally and vertically both within and across organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills using innovative and hands-on solutions.
• Demonstrated capability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly motivated, self-confidence and have goals for a career in industrial research.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to change and willingness to be flexible in a global team environment.