Scientist

MADICO•Pinellas Park, FL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Scientist plans, conducts, and supervises research and development assignments, generally broad in nature, focused on developing new or improved products, technologies, and processes that contribute to Madico’s growth and profitability. The role has appreciable latitude in reviewing progress and evaluating results, and reviews project progress with management, marketing, and other departments as needed. It requires considerable knowledge of adhesives and coatings, formulation, mixing, coating and laminating technology, testing and evaluation, and project management. The Scientist performs product development and improvement, quality improvement, and cost-reduction work; sources materials; formulates coatings; prepares samples; develops evaluation protocols; and conducts lab and pilot-coater work. The role may supervise plant-equipment trials, provide technical support to sales and manufacturing, work directly with customers and suppliers, and direct scale-up activities so products can be manufactured and commercialized successfully. The Scientist also operates laboratory equipment, supports safety and housekeeping, and performs development activities in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements. The position contributes to R&D direction and decision-making, develops expert knowledge of relevant scientific fields, supports continuous improvement and the Integrated Management System (IMS), maintains pertinent records, and participates in internal and external audits and CSR activities. Work takes place in office, laboratory, and manufacturing areas and may also involve customer or supplier facilities and occasional overnight travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry plus 10 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in Chemistry plus 3 years of related experience, or a Doctorate in Chemistry with 0–3 years of experience.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Solid computer skills.
Full knowledge of statistical techniques and processes.
Good understanding of formulation, mixing, coating, laminating, and converting.
Solid project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
Solid understanding of chemistry.
Ability to operate analytical and test equipment typically used in the coating and laminating industry.
Good customer relations skills.
Must have good vision to detect very small or subtle defects in high-optical-quality products.
Must be able to lift and safely manipulate 50 pounds.
Must be respirator certifiable.
Must be able to bend, stoop, lift heavy objects to a height of 7 feet, and stand for prolonged periods.
Must possess good manual dexterity and coordination.
Some overnight travel and weekend work may be required.

Responsibilities

Manage projects and carry out assigned product development and improvement, quality improvement, and cost-reduction activities.
Propose development activities to R&D Management that could significantly improve Madico’s growth and profitability.
Source materials, formulate coatings, prepare samples, and develop test protocols to evaluate product designs.
Prepare samples using laboratory and pilot-coater techniques and supervise trials on plant equipment as needed.
Attend or ensure coverage for trials under the Scientist’s responsibility and report on them afterward.
Assist with operation of the pilot coater and operate laboratory testing, analytical, and process equipment.
Provide timely written and verbal reports and technical support to sales and manufacturing.
Complete development work needed for successful manufacturing and commercialization, and direct scale-up activities.
Ensure compliance with company health, safety, and environmental requirements and rules; assist with laboratory housekeeping.
Conduct product development project activities in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements.
Work directly with customers on technical service and product development issues and provide suppliers with technical support and guidance.
Take on additional responsibilities assigned by R&D Management, such as serving as a safety committee representative, emergency coordinator, or MRP representative.
Develop expert knowledge of relevant scientific fields, products, processes, and markets.
Help improve Madico’s efficiency and effectiveness and provide R&D Management with information, ideas, and feedback to support decisions and R&D direction.
Foster good relations within Madico and with Lintec, customers, and suppliers.
Improve work processes; provide input on documented procedures and verify their adequacy and accuracy in support of strategy.
Understand and apply the IMS policy, maintain records and data on pertinent business outcomes, and participate in process improvement and internal, external registration, and surveillance audits.
Support IMS methods and practices through personal compliance and visible support actions, and support CSR activities.