What are the responsibilities and job description for the Analytical Scientist position at U.S. Silica Company?
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 Sr. Analytical Scientist is responsible for creating and managing a cGMP-compliant product testing program at the U.S. Silica’s Rochelle Innovation Center. This hands-on individual will conduct routine QC testing of high-purity mineral products, maintain documentation of experimental activities/results/instrument calibrations, and train/manage two direct reports. This individual will also support various core R&D activities and may lead one or more innovation pipeline projects. The expected travel time to visit select customers, plants, or conferences is 15%.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Plan and perform routine analytical product testing competently and independently. Schedule tasks for direct reports. Thoroughly document all QC activities and results.
- Maintain specialized lab equipment (e.g. XRF, XRD, ICP-MS, PSD, BET, DSC and, Rheometry) and calibrate at regular cadences.
- Conduct a full characterization of select minerals to support a range of innovation projects.
- Support, train and mentor less-experienced colleagues.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Master’s Degree or Doctorate in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering.
- The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial experience in a regulated (e.g. cGMP-compliant) analytical or QC lab environment.
- Self-directed and able to work both independently and as a team member
- Strong proficiency operating both XRF and ICP-MS equipment, and interpreting the results
- Experience with LIMS
- Experience leading a team and managing direct reports
- Working knowledge and experience with industrial minerals (e.g. diatomaceous earth, silica sand, perlite, or clay)
- Experience with granular media filtration methods and performance characterization (e.g. permeability, wet density, conductivity)
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.
