Contract Lab Chemist

The Contract Chemist will be responsible for supporting key programs in the application development lab for the industrial coatings, adhesives, graphic arts and personal care markets. The individual will be responsible for conducting lab scale formulation and testing of products using a variety of different characterization equipment (DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA, FTIR, etc.). The Contract Chemist reports to the R&D Manager.The Contract Chemist will:Plan and safely conduct laboratory experimentationSet up equipment, prepare, characterize and test formulation propertiesUtilize a range of analytical and applications testing equipment to collect data and solve problems. Gain understanding and make use of wider Arkema analytical and material testing capabilitiesPerform data analysisMaintain a well-organized research notebookContribute to internal discussions as needed and generate reports for internal distributionWork as part of a cross-functional team (product development, business development, marketing, and sales) to screen and commercialize new technologiesWork safely, responsibly and efficiently in a dynamic laboratory settingParticipate in relevant professional organizations to build external networks to achieve project successKey Activities include:Formulation development, application testing and characterization of new resin blends:Produce laboratory samples of new formulations & newly developed products using designated laboratory mixing equipmentTests and evaluates new formulations & newly developed products using an assortment of applications testing equipmentProvides technical support for other Sartomer applications as neededConfirm testing is carried out in compliance with the correct protocols (SOPs/JSAs/LHAs) whether they are Sartomer test procedures, externally agreed specifications or recognized national/international standardsOther R&D duties as assigned:Offer assistance and support for the project lead, R&D colleagues, business development, marketing & sales team as requiredKeep and maintain a comprehensive lab notebook and/or electronic notebook on all project workTo provide clear concise reports both oral and written in support of the project workPerform a range of general support tasks including shipping of products or samples, data analysis, preparing slides for presentations, purchasing of materials, logging in new materials to chemical inventory, and training of new co-ops and internsOperate in compliance with site safety policies, including material handling and waste disposalEnsure workspace is clean and well-organized and manage storage of materials and samplesAssist with technical training of new employees and studentsContext and Environment:The job involves working in a lab environment, including formulating and testing Sartomer resins in different applications, such as coatings, adhesives, personal care and graphic arts in order to maintain technologic leadership in our market segmentsSupport the site HES policy and comply with all regulatory and internal requirementsParticipate in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, SafeStart, etc.)Support and promote the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidentsRequired Education/ Qualifications/ Work ExperienceRequired Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or related field with 0-2 years of applicable industry experience in a laboratory technical environment.Basic knowledge and awareness of organic chemistry, and chemical synthesis methods and materials testingProficient with computer software applications and data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)Good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with formulation, including reactors, mixers, blenders, as well as various characterization equipment, such as DSC, TGA, DMA and physical testing apparati, such as Instron, colorimeters, densitometers, etc.Industrial experience with formulating solventborne, waterborne or uv-curable coatings and/or adhesives is a plusKnowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer structure-property relationship is idealStrong analytical/laboratory skills, precision, attention to detail, and record keepingMethodical and disciplined approach to problem solving, understanding design of experiments, etc.Demonstrated Competencies:Can plan and execute experimental work programs, analyzes data and document results in reports, tables and databasesCommunicates project progress at the Team level both in writing and verbally while learning and developing expertise to support R&D overall objectivesProficient with computer software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, etc.)Maintains documentation and equipment including testing equipment, process equipment, lab notebooks, electronic databases and organized filesActively promotes safe behavior in the workgroup and takes responsibility for personal safe lab operationsMaintains clean, orderly and safe working environmentWillingness to take direction, but also work both independently and as a part of a collaborative teamCommunicates effectively both verbally and in writingExcellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, independent problem solverOpen minded, creative, innovative and results oriented