Associate Research Chemist, Polyol Synthesis Group

Do you want to be part of a team that aspires to improve the quality of life for others? Are you interested in efficient manufacturing processes that promote sustainability? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment in a job well done? At Carpenter Co., we challenge our employees to learn from and inspire one another - all levels of the company collaborate, communicate and constantly improve to achieve shared success. If that sounds like an environment in which you will thrive, Carpenter Co. could be a great fit for you!

Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for an Associate Research Chemist in the Polyol Synthesis group at our Reinhart Technical Center (RTC) location in Richmond, Virginia (2600 Richmond Highway, Richmond VA 23234). This position will support the growth of the Polyol business and report to the Polyol Synthesis Manager.

Carpenter Co. employees are committed to working hard to ensure production goals are met while maintaining operations excellence. As the Associate Research Chemist, you will be expected to support the functions of the group by performing bench and pilot-scale syntheses, managing analytical equipment and maintaining good records of experiments. This position will report results in oral and written form in a clear and concise manner.

Your additional responsibilities as an Associate Research Chemist will include:

• Demonstrate general understanding of R&D objectives and provide data in a supporting role to business/technology efforts.
• Conduct lab scale and on-site pilot scale polyol synthesis reactions with supervisory guidance.
• Work with customers to understand product requirements.
• Adjust formulations and process variables to meet required specifications.
• Perform lab investigations to explore potential technologies.
• Assist with scaling-up formulations to commercial processes.
• Develop familiarity with current products and processes.
• Generate, summarize and analyze data that assist more experienced personnel in problem solving activities.
• Prepare correspondence and technical reports that are clear and understandable.
• Communicate to associates in a clear and concise fashion.
• Travel to the chemical manufacturing plant to learn the industrial-scale process and support production trials and other startup or commercialization initiatives.
• Monitor industry trends and developments through trade show attendance and patent/literature reviews.

Skills/ Requirements

• B.S. in Chemistry with coursework or experience involving polymers.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfortable working in both wet chemical lab and pilot plant environments.
• Ability to demonstrate a general understanding of competitive technology, and contribute new ideas and concepts for products and processes.
• 1-2 years in chemical synthesis from industrial experience, internships or academic research, preferred.
• Thesis or lab work beyond normal curriculum, preferred.
• Working knowledge of good laboratory practices.
• Good communication skills.
• Laboratory experience is required.
• Experience with Word and Excel is required.
• Experience generating and delivering presentations is required.

Other Competencies

• Analytical; Technical; Team Work; Dependability; Initiative; Innovation; Quantity; Safety and Security; Oral Communication; Written Communication

Excellent Comprehensive Benefit Plan

• We also have 401K, Profit Sharing and a great Benefit Package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and paid time off (Vacation and Holidays).

Important Notes

Carpenter Co. is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other legally protected characteristic.

Carpenter Co. conducts pre-employment drug testing on all applicants that receive and accept a written offer of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.