Research Chemist

Soprema•Wadsworth, OH

About The Position

The Research & Development Research Chemist leads projects involving development of new products, improvement of existing products, and scientific support through laboratory studies and analysis of results. The role plans and manages project activities, conducts product testing and laboratory experiments, interprets findings, and communicates progress and recommendations in written reports. The Chemist works independently and with cross-functional teams to advance R&D projects, support product commercialization, improve quality and reduce costs, and ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance. The position also supports Quality and Production with product challenges and scale-ups, assists with customer application issues, contributes to raw material qualification, and collaborates with suppliers and SOPREMA manufacturing sites worldwide. The role may provide daily supervision and task management for an R&D Technician. Work takes place in a laboratory and may also require visits to job sites, including locations with restricted physical access.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, plastics, rubber, textile, or related field; chemistry is preferred.
Experience formulating in a chemical R&D laboratory or in related product development.
Excellent spoken and written communication abilities.
Ability to plan, manage, and prioritize multiple assignments while maintaining high throughput and meeting communicated deadlines.
Good computer skills; an action- and results-oriented approach; attention to detail; and strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization and demonstrated commitment to teamwork.
Willingness to travel up to 7 days per year.
Willingness to work limited evenings and weekends to accomplish project tasks.
Ability to work in a laboratory environment with related chemicals and equipment and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times and handle and lift heavy construction materials.
Ability to visit job sites as needed, including climbing a ladder to access a roof, trench, or other locations with restricted physical access.

Nice To Haves

Formulation experience with emphasis on asphalt modification, acrylics, PMMA, polyurethanes, polyethers, silicones, or other liquid resins and coatings.
Experience in a manufacturing environment.
Interest in continuing education, such as a Master’s degree or study of Stage Gate processes, Design of Experiments, project management, or time management.

Responsibilities

Plan project activities around requested tasks and deadlines, and manage projects and product testing independently.
Complete assigned work, analyze results, and communicate findings through written progress reports.
Plan project next steps with limited guidance and seek direction from the Manager as needed.
Identify material resource requirements, including additions or replacements, and communicate them to the Manager.
Support Quality and Production teams with challenges and product scale-ups as needed.
Plan and prioritize laboratory activities and tasks according to team objectives.
Design and conduct laboratory experiments from initial feasibility through process optimization, application testing, and shelf-life studies.
Maintain accurate experimental notebooks; review and analyze results; and make decisions independently or with team members.
Write thorough project reports and provide peer review for colleagues’ reports.
Propose solutions to problems encountered during project work.
Calibrate laboratory equipment on schedule and maintain a neat desk and work environment.
Conduct work in compliance with company health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Assist in preparing technical literature and conduct literature searches to review technical and patent issues.
Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Technical, Marketing, and Production to identify, justify, and commercialize R&D projects involving new products, cost reductions, product quality improvements, and HS&E compliance.
Work with Product Management, Sales, and Technical teams to help resolve customer application issues involving SOPREMA products.
Prepare process or laboratory operating procedures.
Establish and maintain relationships with SOPREMA manufacturing sites worldwide to exchange technical support.
Contribute to the raw material qualification approval process.
Sequence tasks while taking time and equipment constraints into account.
Use creative problem-solving and favor solutions with lasting impact.
Meet with existing and prospective raw material suppliers to advance projects and investigate alternate products.
Potentially provide daily supervision and task management for an R&D Technician.
Complete special projects assigned by the Manager.