Associate Research Chemist, Polyol Synthesis Group

Carpenter•Richmond, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Carpenter Co. is seeking an Associate Research Chemist to join the Polyol Synthesis group at their Reinhart Technical Center (RTC) in Richmond, Virginia. This role supports the growth of the Polyol business and involves bench and pilot-scale syntheses, managing analytical equipment, and maintaining experimental records. The position requires reporting results clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. The Associate Research Chemist will contribute to R&D objectives, conduct lab and pilot-scale reactions with guidance, work with customers to understand product requirements, adjust formulations, explore new technologies, assist in scaling up formulations, and develop familiarity with current products and processes. The role also involves generating and analyzing data, preparing technical reports, communicating effectively with associates, traveling to the manufacturing plant to support industrial-scale processes and trials, and monitoring industry trends through various resources.

Requirements

B.S. in Chemistry with coursework or experience involving polymers.
Mechanical aptitude.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years in chemical synthesis from industrial experience, internships or academic research, preferred.
Thesis or lab work beyond normal curriculum, preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the functions of the group by performing bench and pilot-scale syntheses.
Manage analytical equipment and maintain good records of experiments.
Report results in oral and written form in a clear and concise manner.
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.