Organic/Polymer Chemist

Valerian Materials, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Organic/Polymer Chemist, where you'll leverage your expertise in organic synthesis to innovate sustainable solutions for various applications. This exciting role involves collaborating with research teams, providing technical support, and engaging with customers to optimize product performance. You'll conduct experiments, analyze data, and translate complex findings into actionable insights, all while building strong relationships with key stakeholders. If you're passionate about chemistry and eager to make a tangible impact in the polymer industry, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry or related field required; M.S. preferred.
• Experience in polymer industry and organic synthesis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for organic chemistry transformations.
• Collaborate on product development and customer interactions.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare detailed reports.

Skills

Organic Chemistry

Analytical Techniques

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

B.S. in Chemistry

M.S. in Chemistry

B.S. in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Materials Science

Tools

NMR Spectroscopy

HPLC

GC-MS

Job description

An Organic/Polymer Chemist is responsible for providing technical expertise on the conversion of small molecules to new sustainable monomers and polymers for applications in plastics, elastomers, foams, adhesives, and coatings. Collaborations with other researchers, customers, and sales teams to identify needs, troubleshoot issues, and optimize product performance through detailed chemical analysis and experiment design, ensuring successful implementation of solutions across various applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Support:
• Organic chemistry transformations of small molecules and polymers. Specific manipulations include acid catalyzed dehydrations, hydrogenation, distillation, polymerization, polymer modification, and a suite of analytical techniques to characterize products.
• Provide in-depth technical knowledge regarding organic products, including their properties, mechanisms, and potential applications to clients and internal teams.
• Troubleshoot customer issues related to product performance and formulation, suggesting adjustments or alternative solutions.
• Conduct application trials and experiments to assess product efficacy and compatibility in specific customer environments.
• Product Development:
• Collaborate with research and development teams to identify new application areas for existing organic compounds or develop new products tailored to specific customer needs.
• Evaluate the feasibility of novel synthetic pathways and potential challenges associated with scaling up production.
• Contribute to product optimization by identifying and addressing performance limitations.
• Customer Interaction:
• Conduct product demonstrations and presentations to potential customers, highlighting key features and benefits.
• Provide training to customers on proper product handling, usage, and safety protocols.
• Build strong relationships with key customers, understanding their specific requirements and proactively addressing concerns.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
• Analyze experimental data, including spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis, to interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Prepare detailed and professional technical reports summarizing application trials, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Identify trends and patterns in customer feedback to inform product development strategies.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong Educational Background: B.S. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science (M.S. preferred) with a comprehensive understanding of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and analytical techniques.
• Industry Expertise: Relevant experience within the polymer industry with knowledge of application-specific challenges and regulations preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in various analytical instruments like NMR spectroscopy, HPLC, GC-MS, and ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences, including scientists, engineers, and non-technical customers.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex technical issues, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

Chemical Manufacturing