R&D Chemist

NewMarket Corporation; East St. Louis (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan

401k Savings

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Identity Theft Insurance

Job summary

Afton is seeking a laboratory scientist to perform tests that support manufacturing process commercialization and product improvement. You will work with high-pressure lab equipment handling flammable and corrosive materials, with on‑the‑job training and exposure to ISO/regulatory documentation.

You will design evaluation plans, analyze samples, prepare reports, and communicate results to teams. The role spans R&D through manufacturing support, requiring strong organization, data tracking and

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering required or equivalent.
• Laboratory synthesis experience is preferred.
• Experience with experimental design and data interpretation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform industry and laboratory tests using established procedures and develop test plans.
• Analyze and interpret results; prepare reports and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Operate laboratory equipment and ensure reproducibility of tests.
• Maintain inventory and keep a clean, safe work area.
• Support ISO/quality/regulatory activities and documentation.

Skills

Lab safety

Odor control

Computer applications

Oral and written communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Lean and Six Sigma

Education

BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Laboratory synthesis experience

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Perform laboratory tests in support of commercializing manufacturing processes and improving existing lubricant additive manufacturing processes and products including chemical reaction products and formulations. Comfortable handling laboratory and working near commercial equipment operating at high pressures, up to 1200 psig of flammable and corrosive materials. Commercialize products at Afton and toller facilities. Develop strategies for conducting laboratory evaluations including analysis of samples, data collection and complete preliminary analysis. Work closely with senior technical staff and management in Process Development. Organization skills, being able to prioritize activities, track data and prepare summaries are important attributes. Position requires a broad skill set that spans the entire R&D, scale up, commercialization, quality, cost control and manufacturing support of Afton products. Must be comfortable and want to work in the lab and the commercial process. There will be extensive on the job training. This will be a highly visible position. Success will be determined by the candidate’s ability and motivation.

Responsibilities

• Perform industry and other laboratory tests using established procedures. Assist in development and modification of tests as needed. Develop project plan for testing and/or additive formulation.
• Complete preliminary analysis and interpretation of test results. Prepare reports, memos, presentations, etc., and/or enter into database(s), to communicate results to appropriate parties. Handles requests and reports results in a timely fashion.
• Operate specialized test equipment specific to product area in accordance with established procedure. Perform tests accurately to insure reproducibility.
• Purchase, maintain, and/or obtain adequate inventory of samples and lab supplies for testing and work area. Maintain work area in a neat, clean, and safe condition.
• Maintain adequate level of specific as well as general technical expertise through training, seminars, etc., to support required activity.
• May represent Afton with customers, industry organizations at the direction of the manager and may train other personnel as necessary.
• Assume responsibilities for the maintenance and troubleshooting of the laboratory equipment and/or instrumentation necessary to perform the laboratory tests. Capable of conducting specific analytical tests and understanding the performance of all analytical tests relevant for the products in area of responsibility.
• Assure that complete ISO/quality/regulatory documentation is maintained on all ISO / quality / regulatory related activities. Participate in ISO / quality / regulatory related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the ISO function.
• Assess commercial process for cost, quality and environmental improvement opportunities. Determine feasibility of the improvement and implement the improvement.

Education & Experience Minimums

• BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Laboratory synthesis experience

Education & Experience Preferred

• Experience with experimental design, statistical analysis of data, report writing and presentation skills.
• Determining economic impact of process modifications.

Skills/Abilities

• Consistent practice of safe laboratory techniques and safe actions in the manufacturing site.
• Consistent practice of odor control when handling odoriferous chemicals.
• Demonstrates ability to use Afton's routine computer applications effectively in assigned area.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills
• Able to work with minimum supervision and maximum attention to detail
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of assigned product/work area
• Demonstrates working knowledge of all equipment in assigned area
• Demonstrates the ability to work productively in team situations
• Ideal candidate would have exposure to Lean and Six Sigma, for the right candidate will provide the training in these process improvement methodologies.

Working at Afton

Who We Are

We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work

At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits

Benefits / Compensation

Our employees are our most treasured asset and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis. In addition to the salary listed above, we offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

• 100% Company funded Pension Plan
• 401kSavings Plan including a company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft insurance

Pay Range: $73,000 - $80,000

The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.