Research Scientist II - Grand Rapids, MI

DuBois Chemicals•Grand Rapids, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for basic water sample analysis, glycol heat trans-fluid analysis, and deposit/scale sample analysis and reporting in support of the field sales team of the Broadmoor division of DuBois Chemicals. This includes supporting new water treatment sales prospects and client mechanical contractors. The role involves active involvement in production support at the Grand Rapids facility, including batch testing, investigating off-spec batches, and performing in-process batch adjustment calculations and procedures. It also includes observing and training production workers on blending practices, supporting production scale-up of new formulas, and researching ways to optimize blending procedures and equipment. Sampling, evaluating, and adjusting wastewater discharge batches from the Grand Rapids, MI production facility is also a key responsibility. The position supports the field sales team with product recommendations, troubleshooting application challenges, and addressing product stability and effectiveness issues in the field. Developing specific testing procedures and application of test kits for field testing of product dosages at customer sites is required. Assisting with content development for Technical Bulletins, Technical Data Sheets, training materials, and website content, as well as evaluating existing and competitive products and applications are also part of the role. Secondary responsibilities may include investigation and development of products for profitable growth and effective customer solutions, which may involve idea mining, designing feasibility studies, and developing chemistries. Planning, organizing, and executing product development research projects, maintaining a laboratory notebook, and ensuring confidential information is maintained are also expected. Participation in new product development, commercialization, BOM and SDS review, as defined by ISO procedures, is required. Evaluation of raw materials for replacement or alternate sources to improve cost position or enhance performance is also a responsibility. Trips to customers for field support, sales force and customer education, and trade show support, along with completion of all required safety and application training, are part of the role. Other duties as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

Education or experience in a scientific or engineering field, and ability to apply basic algebraic skills is necessary.
This role will typically have 3-5 years' experience (which can include college-level scientific coursework).
Applicants should live within reasonable daily commute of Grand Rapids, MI

Nice To Haves

A chemistry degree with a strong laboratory component, or experience in an analytical or chemical quality control laboratory setting is preferred.
Experience with instrumentation, MS Word and Excel spreadsheets, SharePoint or database management software is preferred.
Without experience, technical, associates, or college degree in chemistry, life science or related field required.
College or advanced degrees in scientific fields preferred.

Responsibilities

Basic water sample analysis, glycol heat trans-fluid analysis, and deposit / scale sample analysis and reporting in support of the field sales team of the Broadmoor division of DuBois Chemicals, especially for new water treatment sales prospects and for client mechanical contractors.
Water samples will include make-up waters, closed loop fluids, boiler water and condensate samples, cooling tower samples and industrial cleaning solutions, etc.
Active involvement in production support at the Grand Rapids facility, including batch testing, investigation of off spec batches, and in-process batch adjustment calculations and procedures, observing and training production workers on blending practices, supporting production scale up of new formulas, and research and recommendation of ways to optimize blending procedures and equipment as well as researching new blending equipment/processes as needed.
Sampling, evaluating, and adjustment of wastewater discharge batches from the Grand Rapids, MI production facility.
Supporting the field sales team with product recommendations for new or existing sales opportunities, and troubleshooting application challenges and problems, and product stability and effectiveness issues in the field.
Developing specific testing procedures and application of test kits for field testing of product dosages at customer sites.
Assisting with content development for Technical Bulletins, Technical Data Sheets, training materials, and website content.
Evaluation of existing and competitive products and applications.
Investigation and development of products that provide profitable growth for the company and effective solutions for the customer.
Mining of ideas, designing feasibility studies, and developing chemistries related to the application area.
Planning, organizing, and executing product development research projects.
Maintaining a laboratory notebook and ensuring confidential information is maintained.
Participating in the key processes of new product development, commercialization, BOM and SDS review, as defined by ISO procedures.
Evaluation of raw materials, for the purposes of replacement or alternate sources of supply, to improve DuBois cost position or enhance the performance of existing technologies.
Trips to customers for field support, and sales force and customer education, and trade show support.
Completion of all required safety and application training.
Other duties as assigned by the manager.