Textile Chemistry & Polymer Scientist, 12- Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Canada

State/Province/City: British Columbia

City: Vancouver

Business Unit: Store Support Centre (SSC)

Time Type: Full-time



Description & Requirements

who we are

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company for yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional design, we create transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. We owe our success to our innovative product, emphasis on stores, commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make in every community we're in. As a company, we focus on creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future. In particular, that includes creating an equitable, inclusive and growth-focused environment for our people.

about this team

The Raw Materials Innovation team shapes, surprises and engineers delight into the future guest experience through advanced innovation principles and material science. We go beyond the classic research and development methodologies into the realm of limitless possibility for both body and mind. We innovate new materials that didn't exist, we innovate new manufacturing techniques that didn't exist, we create new experiences for our guests that they didn't know they wanted it. We engineer new sensations and functionality in our materials. We lead the industry in creating sustainable materials. We need you to work on short-, mid-and long-term projects by defining 'state of the art,' leading research, building insight, generating unique points of view, creating prototypes and proving principles.

a day in the life: what you'll do as a Textile Chemistry & Polymer Scientist:

Good morning! You have started your day even before you arrive at the office by calling your university research partners, consultants and labs in Asia, Europe & East Coast to get an update on the progress of the new colorant being developed. With a fresh perspective, you get into the office, have a quick meeting with the fibre and polymer material innovator and sweat testing teams, and then go up to your desk to check in with the status of requests sent to your research and manufacturing partners overseas. Overnight, your overseas partners have filled your inbox with data from the trials of that amazing new finishing technology that you can't wait to realize. You enroll your teammates and cross-functional teams to elevate your idea. Then you're off into the “field” to the library or a far corner of the Internet, where an exciting thread of inspiration takes shape. A quick distraction as the phone rings and you are called into a meeting to explain how chemical groups of the colourant are responsible for improving the colour fastness. In the afternoon, you get very curious; there's a phenomenon that you just don't understand, so you research experts and start building relationships around the globe. By the time 5:30 rolls around, you've hit a target, set a goal and changed the world just a little bit.

responsibilities:

• Sustainable & Better Chemistry Colorants Development—Collaborate with major dye manufacturers to develop sustainable dye technologies that comply with new and evolving regulations and innovate better dye technologies.
• New Dyeing Auxiliaries for PA Coloration – research & develop new fixing agents for PA colorization
• New Colorant Molecules for Polymerization & Coloration – identify and develop new colorant molecules suitable for the polymerization and coloration process
• Sustainable finishing Chemistry – scout & develop new generation finishing technologies for multi-functional finishes, with emphasis on high sweat life and cooling technologies
• Regulatory Compliance & Product Integrity – work closely with regulatory bodies and Lululemon's Product Integrity team to implement better chemistry practices in our supply chain, Analyze ongoing RMI Research projects
• Scouting and Collaboration with Universities and Start-Ups—Scout and collaborate with universities and start-ups to explore emerging colorants, chemicals, and functional finishing technologies.
• Conduct scouting activities for new external partnerships in sustainable or functional synthetic polymeric materials, such as advanced recycling technologies, and provide strategic recommendations to the business on partnership opportunities in chemicals technologies.

qualifications:

• PhD or Masters in Textile Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Organic chemistry or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience in sustainable chemistry, colorants development, and polymer applications.
• Familiarity with dyeing technologies, coloration processes, and finishing chemistry.
• Strong research and development skills, with a track record of innovation in sustainable materials and technologies.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards related to chemical usage in textiles. Familiarity with green chemistry principles, environmental ecotoxicity, and safe science best practices is a benefit.
• Fundamental understanding of the relationship between different functional groups and molecular reactivity, binding affinities, solubility, and interactions with substrates.
• Hands-on experience with wet-chemistry organic reactions, including synthesizing molecular analogs and functional group substitutions, focusing on producing small-molecule organic compounds for high-value applications.
• Demonstrated experience with the Design-of-experiment process for screening many variables within a chemical system.
• Experience with start-ups and venture capital groups and applying for academic research grants is preferred.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

must haves

• Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility for your life.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results.
• Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same.
• Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.
• Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.
• Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka doesn't take yourself too seriously.

additional notes

Authorization to work in Canada is required for this role.

compensation and benefits package

lululemon's compensation offerings are grounded in a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes exceptional individual and team performance. The typical hiring range for this position is from $96,800 - 127,100 CAD annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.  

At lululemon, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe that when life works, work works. We strive to be the place where inclusive leaders come to develop and enable all to be well. Recognizing our teams for their performance and dedication, other components of our total rewards offerings include support of career development, wellbeing, and personal growth:

• Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans
• Paid time off
• Savings and retirement plan matching
• Generous employee discount
• Fitness & yoga classes
• Parenthood top-up
• Extensive catalog of development course offerings
• People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series (to name a few)

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

workplace arrangement

This role is classified as Hybrid under our SSC Workplace Policy:

• In-person collaboration is important, and much of the role can be performed remotely. Work is performed onsite at least 3 days per week.

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