Analytical Scientist - R&D

Kraton • Savannah, GA

5d

About The Position

The Analytical Scientist performs routine scientific work, evaluating, selecting, and applying standardized scientific procedures and techniques to assignments with clear objectives or investigations with limited variables or complexity. Some assignments may include higher-level work for training purposes. The role is part of Kraton’s Research & Development team at its Innovation Center in Savannah, Georgia, supporting the development and commercialization of new and improved products and services for customers. It also provides analytical support for product development, competitive intelligence, manufacturing initiatives, plant trials, and customer problem-solving. Direct supervision of one or more exempt and/or non-exempt personnel is required.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2–5 years of related experience.
• Strong background in applications and methods development relating to chromatography, thermal analysis, molecular spectroscopy, and atomic spectroscopy.
• In-depth understanding of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures relevant to analytical chemistry, sufficient to follow and influence.
• Ability to direct or refine a research study by advancing new ideas and views.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, senior management, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to document, report, and present work in written summary forms.
• Ability to provide training on topics within the field of expertise.
• Ability to work closely with internal and external customers and establish strong relationships to drive innovation projects.
• Ability to coach and mentor lower-level scientists.
• Ability to identify workflow steps needed from project kickoff through key milestones.
• Ability to use limited experience to make decisions on minor adaptations to assignments.
• Ability to manage small projects and timelines successfully and delegate appropriately to team members.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD, highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical experimentation and testing required for developing and commercializing new and improved products and services for Kraton Chemical customers.
• Evaluate new technologies to provide improved and novel analytical solutions supporting new product development and competitive intelligence.
• Work with internal and external partners to provide technical solutions and assist market and sales teams with data and information that enhance Kraton’s competitive position.
• Support manufacturing initiatives by providing analytical support to plant trials, performing laboratory testing and characterizations, interpreting results, and recommending process conditions and changes.
• Maintain knowledge of competitive products, applications, and test procedures.
• Recommend, evaluate, and interpret third-party analytical data.
• Establish contacts and networks with internal and external customers with limited guidance.
• Assess customer needs independently and propose and execute appropriate problem-solving approaches.
• Report experimental results independently to internal and external customers or team members.
• Participate in defining personal development needs in technical expertise, business, personal skills, and application.
• Directly supervise one or more exempt and/or non-exempt personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned to safely perform.

Benefits

• Medical insurance, including TeleDoc, with multiple plans and Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Health Advocate support to help employees understand their coverage and answer questions.
• Life insurance, with base coverage paid for by Kraton and the option to purchase additional coverage.
• 401(k) with matching contributions based on enrollment level.
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost to employees.
• Accident, disability, and critical illness insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level