Lab Specialist I - Exploratory

About Us

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

Job Summary

Under general guidance, The Lab Specialist I will execute research assignments, determinations and tests under the supervision of the Manager/Supervisor or in assistance to a more senior level Chemist.

What will you do

• Execute a broad variety of experimental activities to further the knowledge and state of the art of technologies, supporting the successful completion of research projects.
• Refine knowledge and keep up to date on developments in multiple fields of specialty. Support of COI and D labs in complex matters when needed.
• Develop an understanding of typical preparation and characterization of QH intermediates and their characterization.
• Gain knowledge of how QH intermediates are used and where.
• Determine performance characteristics of competitive products using physical, instrumental and wet analysis techniques.
• Set up typical synthetic procedures used for QH intermediates. Also, set up 20L reactor.
• Perform NMR experiments as needed in house as well as support analyses at outside laboratories.
• Clearly and orderly record all observations and data. Report results in a clear and concise manner to enhance technical exchange. Provide legal and archival documentation for patent applications.
• Provide assistance to manufacturing in order to improve the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Assist manufacturing and the quality assurance lab in solving quality and production problems.
• Train and guide more junior level chemists, lab technicians, and trainees in executing routine analysis.
• Maintain equipment glassware and workspace to keep them clean and well-functioning. Properly dispose of all laboratory waste. Participate in ensuring good management of laboratory equipment and storage spaces for chemicals and raw materials. Comply with housekeeping rules.
• Ensure that all equipment and machines in your area of control are managed with regards to safety, maintenance, calibration, and availability.
• Perform project work in cooperation with a variety of internal and external contacts.

What do we look for

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or post-baccalaureate certification in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Prior experience in organic chemistry (theory and synthetic) is strongly preferred.
• Experience with NMR is preferred.
• 2 years relevant chemistry experience required.

Language Ability:

• A good command of the English language is mandatory. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals.

Computer Skills:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Internet software and Database software.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• There are no managerial responsibilities for this position but may occasionally train and guide more junior level chemists and trainees in executing routine analysis at the Development Laboratory.

Competencies:

• Position holder has good communication skills and has interest and ability in working at a team and cooperates well at various levels in the organization.
• Position holder is characterized by the following competencies: analytical skills, service oriented, takes initiative, is well organized and flexible.

Work environment:

• Work in a laboratory and administrative office setting, w/ some travel as required.
• Ensure a safety mindset throughout designated area of responsibility.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The associate must be able to safely work in a variety of potentially hazardous situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to carefully, and precisely manipulate samples, apparatus, and sensitive instruments. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk sit and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, or no more than local or country regulations allow. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

What's in it for you

• Hybrid work environment
• Competitive pay programs with excellent career growth trajectory
• Paid time off for volunteerism
• Dress for your day; how you dress is determined by what your day may bring
• Opportunity to participate in comprehensive benefit options including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Parental Leave, Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and Savings Plan
• Work for a global leader in the industrial process fluids industry

Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities.