R&D Chemist

Monument Chemical • Houston, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Monument Chemical serves the specialty chemicals industry and produces a variety of solvents, intermediates, specialty fuels, and other specialty products, as well as offers industry-leading Custom Manufacturing services. The R&D Chemist analyses feed stock samples and evaluates chemical reactions and distillation processes in pilot plant units for internal and external customers. The role could cover/rotate within all Monument Chemical sites in the Houston area. Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to continuously growing in alignment with the Company’s core values, competencies, and skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with deep knowledge in organic chemistry
• Possess fundamental knowledge in distillation as well as thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical reactions.
• Able to integrate chemical reactions into the distillation process
• Able to investigate batch and continuous hydrogenation reactions
• Able to select catalysts by performance tests
• Possess good manual skills to properly handle the necessary equipment.
• Possess knowledge of routine chemical and general laboratory practices with a reasonable knowledge of gas chromatography.
• Possess good writing skills in order to write and present laboratory results.
• Possess the ability to work effectively in a highly productive and responsible way in order that lab test results are sufficient for a scale up procedure.
• Possess good interpersonal skills concerning cooperation and communication with team members and customers.
• Evidence of process simulation training

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with deep knowledge in organic chemistry
• 3+ years of laboratory experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
• Good project management skills

Responsibilities

• Accurate analysis of feedstock samples, incl. GC, GCMS, FTIR, AA & Wet Chem.
• Able to conduct risk reviews based on SDS’s, desired chemistry and safety info from the public domain.
• Able to use / modify process simulation software to design reactions & distillation processes.
• Setup of lab distillation columns or chemical reactors in configurations based on simulated process design
• Intensive cooperation and communication with the Supervisor in the unit start-up and operation phase.
• Maintenance of product quality by intensive unit supervision and handling.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements.
• Writes laboratory reports including all technical and analytical information
• Practice of good laboratory hygiene and housekeeping.
• Follows safety rules
• Part of projects, collaboration with other business function team members

Benefits

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees