Herbicide Formulation Chemist, CSI

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions•Pasadena, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Actively conduct formulation development activities for herbicide formulations, with occasional work with insecticides and fungicides. This position applies broad formulation and active ingredient knowledge, implements formulation development plans and prioritizes formulation development investments for existing and new formulations for key product markets including: Professional Turf, Range & Pasture, Forestry, Aquatic, Transportation & Energy, Professional Pest Control and Consumer Products.

Requirements

BS in Chemistry required, MS preferred
7-10+ years’ experience in Formulation Lab
Knowledge of domestic, acceptable inerts for our uses and markets
Extensive experience and knowledge in chemistry (polymer and formulation) and materials science is essential
Hands-on laboratory experience with formulation technology such as phenoxy chemistries, pyridines, esterification, colloids, coacervation, and crosslinking chemistry is preferred
Basic understanding of how pesticides are used and applied and agronomic knowledge is preferred
Ability to write clear scientific reports and effectively communicate results and recommendations to team members and collaborators
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, across functions, and external partners
Ability to resolve key project hurdles
Strong organizational, time management, prioritization, and decision-making skills
Understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) requirements is beneficial, but not required
PC skills (spreadsheet, word processing, presentations): Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to manage projects independently

Responsibilities

Leads new formulation development program designed to meet business objectives (generally 25+ projects annually)
Maintains project timelines and effectively presents data on findings
Develops, evaluates and proposes formulation related research initiatives intended to drive value creation
Serves as the resident expert for herbicide chemistries, provides formulation development and technical understanding
Formulates a wide variety of formulation types (including: SCs, ECs, CSs, ZCs, dry flowable, aerosols, granules, fertilizer granules, etc.)
Support manufacturing processes on new formulations for scale up and production
Perform and monitor storage & stability studies
When required, due to regulation change or opportunity, perform product modification and associated manufacturing processes to keep pace with a changing marketplace
Perform rheological measurements and other common test methods, such as pH, density, emulsion and particle size testing, used for formulation characterization
Conduct formulation development by designing experimental plans based on the defined deliverables, esterifying, synthesizing microcapsules, milling or other product formulations as needed
Produces high quality formulation samples in sufficient quantity for prototyping, field and regulatory testing
Ensure technical information meets the highest scientific standards, and provides quality technical results, data interpretation and summarization to support and reinforce product positioning and business recommendations developed from these results
Collaborate with cross functional teams to establish in new product development strategy, project definition and working timelines
Interface with research, business, manufacturing, marketing, regulatory, and quality functions regarding project updates and product advancement
Coordinate activities with the ADAMA global formulation and technical teams including production, quality and other technical resources
Collaborate with Production and support with specific technical data required for successful scale up and pilot batches of new formulations
Collaborate with local and off-site engineering to identify root causes and lead resolution of production issues
Provide technical support as needed to quality, operations, and other departments
In collaboration with purchasing, investigate and test new chemical and packaging materials
Acts as a liaison with customers’ technology groups and provide technical support including presentations to diverse audiences globally on an as needed basis
In collaboration with the PD Analytical Chemist, provide technical data to support regulatory submission
Develop and enforce all laboratory hygiene, safety, security, and housekeeping policies and procedures
Alert Direct Manager of any needed repairs, equipment or resources
Develop and maintain R&D data bases and inventory
Maintain digital archive of lab batches, formulations, and formulation processes
Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook for all projects
Log and compile stability data into cohesive reports
Responsible for managing lab supply budgets with direct management oversight
Provide input for Capital Purchases as needed and for future expense planning
Responsible for lab inventory management of supplies including formulation components, inerts, equipment, and active ingredients
Maintain a consistent habit of conducting literature and patent searches and patent
Prepare and apply new technologies to a wide variety of agrochemical formulations
Keep abreast of industry trends, competitive information, and anticipate industry changes