What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Technician position at EP Minerals LLC?
U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. is a global performance materials company and is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 124-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics, and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver more than 800 diversified products to customers across our end markets.
U.S. Silica's wholly-owned subsidiaries include EP Minerals and SandBox Logistics™. EP Minerals is an industry leader in the production of products derived from diatomaceous earth, perlite, engineered clays, and non-activated clays. SandBox Logistics™ is a state-of-the-art leader in proppant storage, handling and well-site delivery, and is dedicated to making proppant logistics cleaner, safer, and more efficient. The company has 26 operating mines and processing facilities and two additional exploration stage properties across the United States and is headquartered in Katy, Texas.
The Lab Technician will conduct a variety of lab operations and equipment scale-up activities, and analyze particles, polymers and their composites using advanced techniques including optical microscopy, spectroscopy, and chromatography. The role will prepare samples, operate and maintain laboratory instruments, collaborate with researcher scientists, document experimental procedures and results, troubleshoot equipment issues, and keep abreast of developments in the fields of coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and inks and pigments. The role requires a strong background in chemistry, organic materials, inorganic materials and their processing, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a passion for research and development work in a laboratory environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Sample preparation
- Perform testing using standardized ISO and ASTM test methods (e.g. analysis of surface area, particle size, structure, rheology, color, moisture, density etc.).
- Collaborate with researchers, document experimental procedures and results.
- Maintain a safe and clean workplace environment (5S methodology and housekeeping).
- Work with R&D team members to develop new proprietary methods.
- Maintain a laboratory notebook to properly document data to support creation of patents, trade secrets and/or other intellectual property that provides a business advantage.
- Troubleshoot equipment issues.
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have a minimum of 1 year lab experience including analytical testing experience.
- The ideal candidate should have experience operating/maintaining/troubleshooting lab equipment.
- History of building collaborative relationships
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge and experience with safe industrial laboratory procedures including chemical handling.
- Willing to learn fields of minerals, coatings, adhesives, silicones, elastomers, inks, pigments, and milling.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Up to 10%.
U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace. The above description is intended to capture the essential functions of the job, nature and level of work as of the preparation date. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be required of the position. This job description may be modified at any time with or without notice.
