Analytical Group Leader

Job Summary :

Manages a team of chemists and executes analytical techniques, method developments, and method validations related to pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) development, scale-up, and product launch. Directs analytical support for research and development projects in order to meet the organization’s needs for new product development projects and to support commercial production. Defines and establishes the direction of the team to develop, implement, and deploy new analytical techniques to benefit the Innovation group during development. Leads customer conversations related to analytical services being performed.Generates reports and performs material and physical analyses.

Essential Functions :

Directs and leads analytical support for research and development projects in order to meet the organization’s needs for new product development projects and to support commercial production. Manages the assignment of analytical requests within the Analytical Group.

Manages a team of scientists to facilitate technology expansion within the analytical team.

Functions as a technical lead on product development teams.

Develops and implements new analytical techniques to advance the technical competency and contributions of the group. Establishes the future technology initiatives of the team.Proposes new analytical capability needs to Innovation Group Management.

Leads and delegates the maintenance of analytical equipment via vendor relationships, service contracts, etc.

Takes an active role in setting overall R&D direction & strategy. Participates in business planning process with one or more businesses as appropriate.Establishes program priorities, objectives and responsibilities for the analytical group.

Remains abreast of new analytical techniques, which may be useful to AR. Ensures all subordinate associates are fully oriented and trained; assure a safe work environment and that all practices are conducted in a safe and effective manner; manage with safety, associate well-being and environmental practices as a priority.

Prepares test samples and conduct tests on chemicals and / or materials as required to support programs. Develops new tests as necessary to support projects. Analyzes technical data from both experiments and property testing to draw conclusions. Documents project work in lab notebooks, issues reports, and maintains files on projects. Completes any necessary regulatory forms.

Works with Director of Innovation, operating and sales personnel on group priorities and strategy. Ensures effective communication between the analytical group and other functions such as Innovation, Quality, Sales, and Operations.

Leads establishment and implementation of Innovation Group policies and procedures. May be responsible for specified lab areas. Supervises and teaches laboratory staff.

Develops skills and evaluates performance of department personnel. Mentors and influences other associates.

Makes identifiable and substantial contributions to continuous improvement. Performs all duties consistent with established AR guidelines consistent with ISO-9001 and those elements of GMP deemed necessary to support our business (as outlined in the Quality Manual). Actively complies with and endorses Department and Company objectives.

Responsible for the proper disposal of hazardous waste into the proper labeled containers and drums.

Interfaces with customers on new product applications and networks externally to assure the highest level of competence is maintained.

Documents lab work in electronic notebook and project reports

Additional Responsibilities :

Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Job Specifications :

BS degree (or higher) in analytical chemistry, chemistry, polymer science or materials science and / or significant industrial experience. PhD preferred but not required.

Greater than 5 years hands-on experience performing relevant analyses such as GC-MS, GC-FID, GPC, HPLC, FT-IR, UV-Vis, DMA, SEM, optical microscopy or related polymer characterization techniques.

Familiarity with coated adhesive applications, method development, method validation.

Demonstrated ability to maintain key analytical equipment and / or contract for such maintenance.

Excellent program prioritization and coordination skills, ability to manage multiple priorities.

Ability to supervise analytical chemists, scientists, and technicians.

Ability to develop and present effective technical presentations to internal and external customers.

Must communicate fluently in English.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of AR information.

Excellent oral & written communication skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Requires an aptitude to use sensitive test equipment.

Knowledge of computers and related word processing, spreadsheet and email software – Microsoft preferred.

Ability to employ statistical analysis techniques.

Supervisory experience preferred, but not required.