Chemist (Contract Role) Job

The Contract Chemist will be responsible for supporting key programs in the application development lab for the industrial coatings, adhesives, graphic arts and personal care markets. The individual will be responsible for conducting lab scale formulation and testing of products using a variety of different characterization equipment (DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA, FTIR, etc.). The Contract Chemist reports to the R&D Manager.

The Contract Chemist will:

• Plan and safely conduct laboratory experimentation
• Set up equipment, prepare, characterize and test formulation properties
• Utilize a range of analytical and applications testing equipment to collect data and solve problems. Gain understanding and make use of wider Arkema analytical and material testing capabilities
• Perform data analysis
• Maintain a well-organized research notebook
• Contribute to internal discussions as needed and generate reports for internal distribution
• Work as part of a cross-functional team (product development, business development, marketing, and sales) to screen and commercialize new technologies
• Work safely, responsibly and efficiently in a dynamic laboratory setting
• Participate in relevant professional organizations to build external networks to achieve project success

Key Activities include:

• Formulation development, application testing and characterization of new resin blends:
  
  • Produce laboratory samples of new formulations & newly developed products using designated laboratory mixing equipment
  • Tests and evaluates new formulations & newly developed products using an assortment of applications testing equipment
  • Provides technical support for other Sartomer applications as needed
  • Confirm testing is carried out in compliance with the correct protocols (SOPs/JSAs/LHAs) whether they are Sartomer test procedures, externally agreed specifications or recognized national/international standards
• Other R&D duties as assigned:
  
  • Offer assistance and support for the project lead, R&D colleagues, business development, marketing & sales team as required
  • Keep and maintain a comprehensive lab notebook and/or electronic notebook on all project work
  • To provide clear concise reports both oral and written in support of the project work
  • Perform a range of general support tasks including shipping of products or samples, data analysis, preparing slides for presentations, purchasing of materials, logging in new materials to chemical inventory, and training of new co-ops and interns
  • Operate in compliance with site safety policies, including material handling and waste disposal
  • Ensure workspace is clean and well-organized and manage storage of materials and samples
  • Assist with technical training of new employees and students

Context and Environment:

• The job involves working in a lab environment, including formulating and testing Sartomer resins in different applications, such as coatings, adhesives, personal care and graphic arts in order to maintain technologic leadership in our market segments
• Support the site HES policy and comply with all regulatory and internal requirements
• Participate in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, SafeStart, etc.)
• Support and promote the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents

Required Education/ Qualifications/ Work Experience

• Required Qualifications:
  
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or related field with 0-2 years of applicable industry experience in a laboratory technical environment.
  • Basic knowledge and awareness of organic chemistry, and chemical synthesis methods and materials testing
  • Proficient with computer software applications and data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
  • Good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  • Experience with formulation, including reactors, mixers, blenders, as well as various characterization equipment, such as DSC, TGA, DMA and physical testing apparati, such as Instron, colorimeters, densitometers, etc.
  • Industrial experience with formulating solventborne, waterborne or uv-curable coatings and/or adhesives is a plus
  • Knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer structure-property relationship is ideal
  • Strong analytical/laboratory skills, precision, attention to detail, and record keeping
  • Methodical and disciplined approach to problem solving, understanding design of experiments, etc.

Demonstrated Competencies:

• Can plan and execute experimental work programs, analyzes data and document results in reports, tables and databases
• Communicates project progress at the Team level both in writing and verbally while learning and developing expertise to support R&D overall objectives
• Proficient with computer software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, etc.)
• Maintains documentation and equipment including testing equipment, process equipment, lab notebooks, electronic databases and organized files
• Actively promotes safe behavior in the workgroup and takes responsibility for personal safe lab operations
• Maintains clean, orderly and safe working environment
• Willingness to take direction, but also work both independently and as a part of a collaborative team
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing
• Excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, independent problem solver
• Open minded, creative, innovative and results oriented