Research & Development Assistant I - Polymer Research Support

Job Description

Job Description

The LYCRA Company is a premier supplier of differentiated fiber products from a global manufacturing base with assets in the USA, Europe, Mexico, Brazil, China, and Singapore.

Our Apparel business works with leading consumer brands, retailers, and fabric mills all over the world to leverage our innovative offerings including LYCRA® fiber, COOLMAX® fiber, THERMOLITE® fiber, SUPPLEX® fiber and TACTEL® fiber. The LYCRA Company is a leading supplier in the global apparel markets including ready-to-wear, intimate apparel, swimwear, activewear, outdoor and career apparel.

Location : Benger Laboratory, Waynesboro, VA, USA

The position of R&DA supports our development efforts at Benger Laboratory, the global headquarters for The LYCRA Company’s R&D team. This position will report directly to the R&D Team Leader.

This opening will be primarily focused on the area of spandex polymer chemistry research and development with a secondary focus in spandex fiber analysis support and testing.

Key Responsibilities and expectations:

• Conduct experiments under the supervision of chemists and engineers following appropriate procedures and instructions, while communicating results in a timely manner.
• Perform basic analysis and presentation of test results in requisite form, utilizing electronic reporting tools.
• Complete assigned tasks with only general supervision, while striving for a high level of proficiency and quality of results.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and services lab equipment in their assigned areas of responsibility such as auto-titration equipment and viscometers.
• Assist in installation, start-up, and operation of new equipment as needed by chemists and engineers.
• Assist in the development of new test methods and write job procedures including job safety analyses when needed, in consultation with chemists and engineers.
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and experience in conducting laboratory bench-scale tests and safely handles chemicals including familiarity with SDS and GHS Hazard communication.
• Handle experimental setup, troubleshooting, and analysis.
• Responsible for cleaning, stocking, and maintaining assigned research lab areas.
• Chemical waste management and proper disposal.
• Knowledge and understanding of best Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Standard practices.

Demonstrated Behaviors:

• Uses troubleshooting skills to solve problems, while seeking best knowledge to ensure safety and compliance. Have a bias for action and determination.
• Demonstrates self-motivated behavior, identifies ways to improve efficiency and productivity, and works to implement creative improvements. Anticipate and embrace change.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills including the ability to collaborate well with others.
• Possesses strong observational, innovative and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates agility to prioritize multiple tasks and complete them in a timely manner.
• Safety mindset with strong risk identification skills.
• Practice teamwork to achieve a common goal. Be ambitious – for yourself, the team, the company, so winning together is fun.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• The ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as is required by the operating areas (i.e., safety glasses, protective footwear, hearing protection, a half-face respirator occasionally, and compliance with the respiratory protection program which requires employees to be clean shaven each day other than a small mustache)
• The ability to sit, stand (up to 5 hours), walk (up to 4 hours), bend/stoop, twist, crouch, kneel, balance, and reach at shoulder level and below shoulder level, climb stairs, work indoors and occasionally outdoors
• Occasionally lift up to 20-75 pounds.
• Occasionally push/pull up to 100 pounds
• Occasionally carry 20-75 pounds
• Must pass a physical abilities test.

Qualifications (required):

• Associate degree or higher in Chemistry, Science, or Engineering and/or 2 years of relevant experience in the R&DA Support Role
• Experience with MS Office Software
  • Excel – working knowledge of spreadsheets and statistical analysis
  • Word – document creation/editing
  • PowerPoint – presentation creation/editing
• Available to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm (or 7:00am – 3:30pm) and overtime when needed.

Qualifications (preferred):

• Training and/or experience in polymer chemistry.
• Experience working for a research and development group.
• Courses in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and statistics.
• Chemical laboratory experience, job procedure creation, and chemical hygiene knowledge.