Chemist II

Wikoff Color Corporation; Fort Mill (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401(k)

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Career development and training oppurt

Clean, safe, and team-oriented work环境

Job summary

Wikoff Color Corporation, an employee-owned company, seeks a chemist for pigment dispersion R&D. You will hands-on prepare and characterize lab-scale pigment dispersions, with guidance provided. Opportunities for advancement exist as you learn to manage independent product development tasks.

You will work with a small R&D team to creatively solve problems, perform color assessments, milling, and proofing, while documenting data and supporting scale-up activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering required.
• Experience in formulation or product development within ink, coatings, or chemical manufacturing.
• Experience with pigment dispersions or water-based inks.
• Strong laboratory skills and familiarity with testing equipment and methodologies.
• Experience documenting technical data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Independent motivation to work with limited oversight.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop aqueous pigment dispersions for water flexo inks.
• Independently manage projects and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Analyze raw materials and evaluate alternative components for performance and cost optimization.
• Conduct laboratory testing, performance evaluations, and comparative analyses.
• Document experimental results, formulation data, and technical findings.
• Assist with lab upkeep – cleaning, waste disposal, organization.
• Support pilot trials and scale-up activities in coordination with Production team.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, regulatory, and documentation standards.

Skills

Formulation experience

Product development

Pigment dispersions

Water-based inks

Laboratory skills

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Position Overview

At Wikoff Color Corporation, we’re proud to be employee-owned, which means every team member has a stake in our success. We believe in building a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and invested in the future.

We are currently seeking a chemist for pigment dispersion R&D. This individual will primarily be tasked with doing the hands‑on preparation and characterization of lab‑scale pigment dispersions. Guidance and training will be provided. This will involve frequent weigh ups, proofing, color assessment, milling on a lab media mill, etc. The individual hired will also be expected to learn and assist with other team tasks as the need arises (weigh-ups, proofing, color matching, cleaning, waste‑disposal, etc). There are many opportunities for career advancement on the team. Depending on competency demonstrated the individual may be entrusted with independent product development requests of varying complexity.

This position will allow the opportunity to solve problems creatively and independently. The hired candidate will work closely with a small R&D team to make significant contributions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and develop aqueous pigment dispersions for water flexo inks

• Independently manage projects and complete tasks in a timely manner

• Analyze raw materials and evaluate alternative components for performance and cost optimization

• Conduct laboratory testing, performance evaluations, and comparative analyses

• Document experimental results, formulation data, and technical findings

• Assist with lab upkeep – cleaning, waste disposal, organization

• Support pilot trials and scale-up activities in coordination with Production team

• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, regulatory, and documentation standards

Key Deliverables:

• Accurate and well-documented formulation development work

• Successful completion of assigned lab trials and validation activities

• Improved product performance, cost efficiency, or process stability

• Smooth technical support during product scale-up and commercialization

• Compliance with all laboratory and regulatory standards

• Reporting to work on time and in accordance with attendance policy

Reporting Structure:

• Reports To: R&D Director

• Direct Reports: None

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Desired Experience and Competencies:

• Experience in formulation or product development within ink, coatings, or chemical manufacturing

• Experience using or developing pigment dispersions or water-based inks

• Strong laboratory skills and familiarity with testing equipment and methodologies

• Experience documenting technical data

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Independent motivation to work with limited oversight

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing / Lab / Office environment

Effort/Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time

• Lifting/pushing/pulling up to 25 lbs.

Health and Safety Responsibilities:

• Must work in accordance with Health and Safety regulations, Company Rules, Plant Rules, policies and procedures.

• Must use or wear equipment, protective devices, or certain clothing as required by the company

Benefits:

• Competitive pay and overtime opportunities

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• 401(k)

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan

• Career development and training opportunities

• Clean, safe, and team-oriented work environment

This position contributes to a quality product by ensuring overall compliance to defined Product Specifications, the Quality Management System, and the Quality Policy. Additionally, this position promotes a safe work environment by complying with the defined Safety rules, GMP and regulations at all times.