Senior R&D Scientist

Senior R&D Chemist Position

Company Description

Client is an independent, Chicago area-based company founded in 1945. Building on its long history of product development and manufacturing, client has grown to be a preferred supplier of specialty chemical products, serving many industries including polyurethane, personal care, metal working, pulp and paper, household, industrial & institutional (HI&I), agriculture, and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers).

Client values innovation and people. This is how they approach and provide solutions to customers. The scientists collectively hold hundreds of patents and are known throughout our industries as innovators and leaders. As a result, we are continuing to bring new technologies and products to the markets that we are serving. The expansion of their business has created an opportunity for a senior synthesis chemist to join the innovation team at Chicago area facility.

Position

Title: Senior R&D Chemist

Location: West Chicago, IL

Function: Research and Development

Full Job Description

The senior synthesis chemist will perform and lead synthesis activities on the development of new products with a focus on alkoxylation and silicone chemistries for various markets and applications. The senior synthesis chemist is expected to be able to work in a lab and pilot-plant environment safety, following standard operating procedures and safety guidelines set by the safety team. The responsibility of the senior synthesis chemist will include:

• Develop and perform chemical syntheses primarily related to the chemistries, such as esterification's, hydrolysations, siloxane equilibrations, amidations, quaternizations, and knowledge of alkoxylations etc.
• Work as part of a team, with other chemists on new product developmental projects
• Support process and pilot trials to R&D team and production process team
• Assist in troubleshooting production batches
• Provide synthesis support to the sales team for sample request
• Responsible for operating, maintaining, and basic troubleshooting of lab and pilot equipment

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will have education/minimal working experience: BS/10 years, or MS/5 years, or PhD/3 years in alkoxylation, silicone and/or acidization chemistries.
• Experienced in operating various pressure reactor systems, such as 5-gallon reactor and Parr stirred reactor, etc.
• Experience and knowledge in esterification syntheses will be a plus.
• Operate independently with a drive to acquire additional responsibilities around designing experiments and leading projects
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Good presentation, documentation, and reporting skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off