Research Fellow

Location: Fishers, IN, US

Research Fellow

Requisition ID

18135

Location

Fishers, IN, US, 46037

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Pay Type

Salary

Position type

Full-time / Salary

Description

Elevate is committed to providing the highest quality commercial roofing, wall and lining systems to solve our customers’ challenges, grounded by a 45-year legacy of proven experience. Our mission is to deliver solutions that save time, perform reliably and protect our communities. We are devoted to building partnerships rooted in trust in reflection of our Elevate promise that Nobody Covers You Better™.

We’re seeking a Research Fellow who’s ready to be part of a people-first company offering best-in-class products, exceptional training, and deep industry pride—all built to help our partners and team succeed.

Job Title: Research Fellow   |   Req ID: 18135   |   HR Contact: Sheena WATSON   |   Location: Building Envelope - Fishers, IN

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Research Fellow to drive innovation and technical problem-solving across our commercial roofing portfolio. In this role, you will lead advanced R&D initiatives across EPDM, asphalt, coating, and adhesive formulations while serving as a key technical authority to support our manufacturing facilities.

You will bridge the gap between fundamental chemistry and practical application—translating cutting-edge material concepts into high-performance commercial roofing products while resolving complex, real-world manufacturing challenges on the plant floor.

WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH

R&D & Material Innovation

Formulation &Chemistry: Lead the development and optimization of commercial roofing technologies, including EPDM, and modified bitumen/asphalt roofing systems as well as coating and adhesive roofing accessories.

Performance Testing: Design and execute testing protocols evaluating mechanical properties, weatherability, thermal resistance, flame retardancy, and long-term durability.

Product Lifecycle: Guide material concepts from lab-scale formulation through pilot line runs and full commercial rollout.

IP & Technology Pipeline: Drive early-stage innovation, generate patentable intellectual property, and design proof-of-concept formulations to maintain market leadership.

Digital Integration: Leverage AI models and emerging digital tools within R&D workflows to accelerate predictive testing, formulation modeling, and product development cycles

Manufacturing Support &Troubleshooting

Plant Root-Cause Analysis: Act as the primary technical expert to diagnose and resolve material-related production issues

Process Optimization: Partner with plant engineers to optimize line speeds, mix ratios, and cure environments without compromising product performance or quality standards.

Scale-Up Execution: Oversee technology transfers from lab scale to full-scale manufacturing, establishing quality control tolerances and process windows.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

Cross-Functional Partnering: Work alongside Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Product Management to qualify alternative raw materials and drive cost-reduction (VAVE) projects.

Technical Mentorship: Coach and mentor junior scientists and engineers, embedding scientific rigor and strategic project management across the team.

External Partnerships: Build strategic alliances with chemical vendors, universities, test labs, and startups to co-develop emerging material technologies.

Industry Standards: Ensure product compliance with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, FM Global, UL, Miami-Dade) and represent the organization in relevant trade associations.

Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety and environmental policies in all work environments and areas. Promote a culture of safety and exhibit these behaviors.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Education: Ph.D. or Master’s Degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related discipline.

Required Work Experience: 15+ years of hands-on R&D experience in building materials, with a proven track record specifically in commercial roofing technologies.

Travel: up to 25–30% to manufacturing plants and field-testing locations as needed.

Domain Expertise: Demonstrated experience working across these following core areas:

Rubber chemistry (e.g., EPDM formulations, processes, and manufacturing technologies).

Asphalt chemistry (e.g., SBS/APP polymer-modified bitumen).

Elastomeric coatings & single-ply adhesives (solvent-based, water-based, or hot-melt)

Technical & Practical Skills

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot live manufacturing processes and perform root-cause failure analysis in an industrial plant environment.

Deep knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and analytical characterization techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, Rheology, Instron).

Familiarity with commercial roofing codes, wind uplift testing, and fire-resistance standards.

Willingness to travel (up to 25–30%) to manufacturing plants and field-testing locations as needed.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates must adhere to all safety protocols and proper use of Amrize approved Personal Protection Equipment ("PPE"), including but not limited to respirators. Employees that are required to wear respirators must be clean shaven where the respirator seal meets the face in order to pass the qualitative and quantitative fit tests.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary

Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance

Holistic Health & Well-being programs

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care

Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts

Paid time off & paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)

Educational Assistance Program

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