Looking For Chemist / Senior Chemist

CenturyPly; Chennai District; On-site; INR 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

CenturyPly in Chennai, India seeks a Quality Assurance Lab Technician to ensure consistent quality of raw materials, in-process products, and finished particle boards through chemical and physical testing, process monitoring, and adherence to quality standards and environmental regulations.

You will perform tests on wood particles, resin, wax, and additives; monitor resin formulation; conduct finished-board tests (density, IB, MOR, MOE, TS, WA), maintain test logs, COA, and participate in audits

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and testing abilities.
• Experience with lab equipment (viscometer, UTM).
• Excellent documentation accuracy.
• Good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical and physical tests on wood particles, resin, wax, hardener, and additives.
• Monitor moisture, particle size distribution, and resin solids per specs.
• Maintain records of incoming raw material quality and report deviations.
• Perform in-process checks during mat forming, pressing, and curing.
• Test finished boards for density, moisture, IB, MOR, MOE, TS, WA, and screw holding.
• Prepare COA for batches and participate in audits (ISO, FSC).

Skills

Analytical skills

Lab equipment familiarity

Documentation accuracy

Teamwork & communication

MS Office / data management

Tools

Viscometer

Universal testing machine

Job description

Role & responsibilities

Job Summary:

To ensure consistent quality of raw materials, in-process products, and finished particle boards through chemical and physical testing, process monitoring, and adherence to quality standards and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Raw Material Testing

• Conduct chemical and physical tests on wood particles, resin, wax, hardener, and other additives used in particle board production.
• Check the moisture content, particle size distribution, and resin solid content as per standard specifications.
• Maintain records of incoming raw material quality and report deviations.

2. Process Control & Monitoring

• Monitor resin preparation and ensure correct resin formulation and viscosity.
• Conduct in-process checks during mat forming, pressing, and curing stages to ensure board uniformity and bonding quality.
• Coordinate with production to adjust process parameters when quality deviations are observed.

3. Finished Product Testing

• Perform tests on finished boards for:
• Density and moisture content
• Internal Bond Strength (IB)
• Modulus of Rupture (MOR) & Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
• Thickness Swelling (TS) and Water Absorption (WA)
• Surface soundness and screw holding capacity
• Ensure compliance with IS standards (IS 3087 / IS 12823) or customer specifications.

4. Quality Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain daily test logs, QC reports, and calibration records.
• Prepare COA (Certificate of Analysis) for dispatch batches.
• Participate in internal and external audits (ISO, FSC, etc.).

5. Continuous Improvement

• Analyze test data and suggest corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for recurring quality issues.
• Support R&D and process teams in resin formulation optimization or introduction of new materials.

6. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all laboratory operations follow safety, environmental, and housekeeping standards.
• Properly handle and dispose of chemicals as per safety protocols.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and testing skills
• Familiarity with lab equipment (viscometer, universal testing machine, etc.)
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
• Good communication and teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in MS Office and lab data management

Safety Measures

• Operate machines strictly as per SOP / Work Instructions
• Perform pre-start safety checks (guards, interlocks, E-stop)
• Follow LOTO / permit systems when applicable
• Stop work & inform supervisor if unsafe conditions near miss arise