Lead Research Associate, Inkjet – Billerica, MA Onsite

Cabot Corporation•Billerica, MA

14d•Onsite

About The Position

Cabot Corporation has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Research Associate to join the Inkjet R&D team and contribute to the growth of our business in the rapidly expanding industrial inkjet market. This role is ideal for a motivated individual who is eager to grow their technical expertise, expand their impact, and develop into a strong individual contributor. Working alongside experienced scientists and engineers, you will gain hands-on experience in product development, process scale-up, process optimization, and commercialization of innovative aqueous pigment dispersions. We are looking for someone who thrives in laboratory and pilot plant environments, enjoys solving technical challenges, and is excited by opportunities to learn, take ownership, and continuously develop their career. The Lead Research Associate will be part of the R&D team and work onsite in Billerica, MA. This role is based at the Billerica, MA location and is onsite 5 days a week.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or relevant fields plus lab or plant experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or relevant fields with 2+ years of related working experience (i.e. hands-on chemical engineering, chemistry, material sciences, etc).
Associates’ degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or relevant fields with 4+ years of related working experience (i.e. hands-on chemical engineering, chemistry, material sciences, etc).
Strong understanding of laboratory equipment, procedures, methods and safety practices.
Knowledge in relevant technical discipline and keep current with state of art in relevant technology.
Hands on experience and interest in working with process equipment at lab and pilot scale.
Knowledge of process safety (hazard assessment, etc.) and capable to ensure safe operation.
Solid knowledge of statistics as used in data generation, interpretation, and presentations.
Strong analytical, observation and problem-solving skills.
Ability to draw conclusions from experimental work.
Ability to classify and organize data in a logical and orderly way as well as plan work to ensure timely completion of assignments.
Communication & Presentation Skills. Ability to effectively engage in verbal and written communications that are timely, concise, clear, and relevant while delivering with empathy.
Collaborative attitude and inter-personal skills; willing to share information and resources with peers.

Nice To Haves

Understanding and passion for any of the following topics would be ideal: Scale-up of products and processes at lab and pilot scales
Practical experience with equipment installation, modification, and automation
Experience with pigment dispersion, milling, or grinding processes
Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages to support data analytics, workflow automation, and advanced process control.

Responsibilities

Works closely with scientists and engineers on complex experiments, using independent judgment on tools, techniques and processes to execute activities.
Executes activities with some independence, troubleshooting issues in a timely manner and driving the resolution of problems
Provides input and follows experimental plan as set by project leader.
May prepare logistics, materials and equipment.
Executes various chemical and physical laboratory tests involving synthesis, processing, characterization and related troubleshooting with attention to observations and learning.
Clearly documents work in e-notebook.
Design and conduct experiments on existing high-throughput, robotics/automated equipment.
May use Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and machine learning engines to assist with experimental planning and data analysis
Generates and organizes data; responsible for data analysis, understanding and interpretation of results.
Responsible for organizing and communicating data in a way that is clear and understandable.
Properly documents results and summarizes interpretation and conclusion in appropriate reports and presentations.
Understanding of how lab and pilot equipment/processes work, capable of mechanical and automation updates to equipment.
Assists in the training of others in areas of testing, compliance, equipment, and safety requirements.
Adheres to all intellectual property standards throughout area of responsibility.
Maintains work area in compliance with safety rules and regulations.
Participates in scheduled safety meetings and completes safety training requirements.
Creates and updates safety documentation for their work area.
Participates in safety-focused activities such as seeking out opportunities to advance our safety culture.
Strictly follows and complies with all SH&E procedures, standards and regulations and constantly strives for Excellence in the fields of sustainability and Safety, Health and preservation of the Environment.
Supports efforts to implement and maintain the Responsible Care® Management System in line with the requirements of the RC14001® technical specification, as applicable to the site/region.