R&D Specialist III

Job Purpose

To develop, prepare, execute, and analyze research elements (e.g. problems, questions, ideas) in own discipline. Develop new and improve existing research methodology, in line with the RD&I strategy, project, and RD&I functional standards, to gain insight into new developments. Drive the realization of objectives of innovative and/or developmental projects, meeting timelines and quality as set.

This job is for developing new products and/or maintaining existing products; applying standard scientific techniques, processes, and criteria in the development, adaptation, and modification of new and existing products and technologies while under the guidance and supervision of a Group Leader or a Sr. Chemist

Key Responsibilities

•    Maintains and promotes a safe work environment, and complies with safety policies and
procedures. Follows safe work practices for personal and equipment safety, in both
the laboratory and in the field. End results are zero or minimum safety incidents and a
clean, orderly working environment
•    Works according to quality standards as set by Lab management (for example ISO 9001)
•    Sets up, plans, executes, analyzes, interprets, and reports experiments within own unit. 
•    Execute DOE using State-Ease or other statistical software. 
•    Participates in or leads own projects with minimal direction. Ensures execution and delivery of technical results according to the plan and established priorities. 
•    Maintains detailed technical records in the form of electronic Notebooks and/or Computer Databases
•    Provide technical assistance and support to Production, Sales, and Marketing in support of product scale-up, quality control, application testing, and other cross-functional activities. 
•    Interacts with suppliers and customers.
•    Travel requirement: <30% 
•    Protection of AkzoNobel technologies (IP law, patent applications)
•    Able to develop, mentor, coach, and support co-workers to ensure deliverables and improve workforce
•    Functions as R&D representative in cross-functional development (FOCUS) project teams

Job Requirements

Academic education level (BS, MS) in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering – or comparable experience/working level.

A BS/MS, Material Science or a related scientific field.

•    Knowledgeable of materials, products, and technologies frequently used within the scope an assigned project or laboratory group organization.
•    Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where standardization exists. 
•    Use the milling equipment to make paint, spray panels, perform testing per OEM customer specifications. Ability to organize and interpret data, and develop insights based on knowledge of chemical structures and reactivity, propose and test hypotheses, and draw conclusions.
•    Ability to write technical reports summarizing data and work results in American English.
•    Must be fluent in American English.
•    Ability to apply concepts of algebra, basic statistics, and computer spreadsheet calculations.
•    Minimally able to use MS Word, Excel, and Outlook at a proficient level.
•    The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
•    Regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tool, or controls, walk and sit, lift objects up to 40 pounds.
•    Wear a variety of personal protective equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, chemical resistant gloves, laboratory coat, and/or positive and negative pressure respirators. 
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision

Rewards & Benefits

The salary range for these skills is: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00.  In good faith, we anticipate relying on this range 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. 

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 

Competencies