Research and Development Chemist, Global Manufacturer

Job Purpose

Develop new products and/or maintain existing products. Will evaluate, select, and apply standard scientific techniques and processes in the development, adaptation, and modification of new and existing products and technologies under the guidance and supervisor of Group Leader or similar team member.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete assigned tasks related to the research and development of new products, new technologies, and updates of existing products using assigned materials and methods.
• Perform or oversee the work on technical workstreams such as formulation/reformulation, new product introduction, raw material changes, product testing, and root cause analysis.
• Provide technical assistance to Production, Sales, and Marketing in support of product scale-up, quality control, application testing, and other cross-functional activities.
• Develop, maintain, and improve laboratory procedures and control documents relating to formula/color development and lab/production processing parameters.
• Plan, schedule, assign/carry out and complete short term activities and projects within prioritized timelines.
• Initiate the lab work request (LWR) process for product reformulation and proper manufacturing/quality control instructions.
• Implement, troubleshoot, and continuously improve plant processes to include reduce cycle time, decrease manufacturing costs, and increase efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
• Maintain detailed technical records in the form of a Laboratory Notebook or Computer Databases.
• Apply concepts of algebra, basic statistics, and computer spreadsheet calculations.
• Provide progress reports, monthly and quarterly reports, technical plans, and project summaries to ensure appropriate communication of project status and requirements.
• Investigate and determine corrective actions for production problems related to formulation, quality control, manufacturing issues and customer complaints.  
• Work collaboratively with Production, Research Development/Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Heath/Safety/Environmental/Sustainability, and additional stakeholders to develop processes, and define safe and efficient operating procedures.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related scientific field.  Additional work experience will be considered in lieu of education requirement.
• 2 years' of relevant laboratory experience.  Experience in paints and coatings, creating and modifying formulations, and/or chemical manufacturing evnironment preferred.
• Knowledgeable of materials, products, and technologies frequently used within the scope of an assigned project or laboratory group organization.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to organize and interpret data, develop insights based on knowledge of chemical structures, conduct testing, and draw conclusion.  Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment in accordance with company safety rules to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environments and safety regulations.
• Exhibits strong ability to work independently and collaboratively with other team members with varying levels of scientific knowledge.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Willing to travel up to 10% as required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.  Experience using SAP and ProductVision helpful.
• Fluent in English.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tool, or controls.  Must be able to lift objects up to 40 pounds and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to climb three-step ladder to operate required equipment.
• Wear a variety of personal protective equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, chemical resistant gloves, laboratory coat, and/or positive and negative pressure respirators. 

Rewards and Benefits

The salary range for these skills is $72,000.00 - $75,000.00 depending on experience and compliance with organizational guidelines. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range.  This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Perks for Joining AkzoNobel!  
Medical insurance with HSA • Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits • Annual bonus • 401K retirement savings with 6% company match • Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay • Paid Parental leave • Active Diversity and Inclusion Networks • Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale • Tuition Reimbursement • Career growth opportunities • Employee referral bonus