Lab Manager & Sr. Chemist

Description

Summary

The job duties of the Lab Manager/ Senior Research and Development (R&D) Chemist spans the range of activities in the R&D Department. This position focuses on the leadership of the activities concerning (1) The development of new silicone products, manufacturing processes and test methods, (2) The supervision of the R&D chemists and QC chemists, and (3) The provision of high-quality technical service to our customers and support for our internal Quality Control and Manufacturing operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Safety
   1. Comply with all company occupational health,       safety and environmental legal requirements.
   2. Report all unsafe conditions, work related       injury or illness to a member of leadership.
   3. Use personal protective equipment as       assigned.
   4. Safely handle hazardous chemicals and waste       according to company and legal requirements as assigned.
   5. Make       recommendation for changes/improvements to ISO 9001 Quality management       system.
2. Process Development - With assistance from the      R&D Chemists, Production Manager, and Plant Engineer, new process      instructions are designed and written. Specific      activities include:

a. Manages the product development workflow by overseeing the projects assigned to the R&D Chemists.

b. Consults with production team and Production Manager to determine limitations and best options for new processes.

c. Consults with Plant Engineer to ensure all necessary equipment is capable of performing new process.

d. Makes recommendations regarding quality assurance methodology.

1. Product Development - encapsulates      activities ranging from the bench scale to first-run plant capability and      includes synthetic products, formulated products and customer-specific      starting point formulae using methodology that meet the following      criteria:

a. Cost-effectiveness

b. Scalability

c. Safe handling of chemicals and equipment

d. Customer specifications

e. Compliance with both internal and external standards of environmental product and health impacts and technology sustainability

f. Compliance with the scientific method of inquiry

g. Rigorous application of statistical and experimental design protocols

1. Quality      Assurance Activities - Instituting quality      assurance methods is also a duty of the Lab Manager/ Senior R &D Chemist.      When a new product is developed and is ready for production scale, the      appropriate QC test methods are finalized by the Lab Manager/ Sr. R&D      Chemist.
2. Supervisor      Activities- The incumbent oversees the work done by the R&D chemists      and QC Chemists. This specifically includes:
   1. Assigning       new projects to the R&D Chemists
   2. Providing       a starting point suggestion for the projects.
   3. Providing       guidance and correction as needed for both R&D and QC departments.
   4. Troubleshooting       as necessary
3. Chemical and Materials Science 

a. Analysis and Testing- As part of Process and Product Development activities, conducts routine qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses.

b. Physical property characterization- As part of Process and Product Development activities, conducts routine physical property characterizations (e.g. tensile strength, elongation, durometer, etc.) on materials.

c. Modified and new analytical and physical property characterization methodology development- When standard methods of chemical analysis and/or physical property characterization are lacking, the job incumbent develops and employs modified or new methods of analysis and characterization

1. Production Support - As a technical contributor with a focus on      process technology and development, the incumbent to this position      regularly consults/works with production personnel on scale-up activities      and process troubleshooting. 

8. Technical Service and Networking

a. Provides technical assistance to the Sales team by investigating and assisting with or solving customer complaints, addressing customer technical inquires and educating Sales team on new products.

b. Works in conjunction with the Marketing Department to develop sales and safety literature including Technical Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets and Product Overviews as needed.

Requirements

 Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

BS or greater in Chemistry/Physics/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science; 2 to 6 years laboratory experience in the product development area, or other closely related areas. 

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis.