Research Chemist

SOPREMA; Wadsworth (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SOPREMA, a global leader in roofing, waterproofing, insulation and building envelope solutions, seeks a Research Chemist to lead product development projects and support lab studies. You will design experiments, analyze results, and communicate findings through progress reports within a cross-functional team.

You will collaborate with Product Management, Quality, Sales and Production to advance new materials, optimize processes, and ensure HS&E compliance while meeting project milestones in a

Qualifications

• Excellent spoken and written communication abilities.
• Ability to plan, manage and prioritize multiple work assignments.
• Experience in formulating in a chemical R&D laboratory or related product development.
• Willingness to travel up to 7 days per year.

Responsibilities

• Plan project-related activities by deadlines and required tasks.
• Design and carry out lab experiments to study initial feasibility through optimization and shelf life studies.
• Write thorough progress reports and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Technical, Marketing and Production to commercialize R&D projects.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Laboratory work

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, plastics, rubber, textile or related field, preferably chemistry.

Job description

SOPREMA is a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative roofing, waterproofing, insulation, and building envelope solutions. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, we have been delivering high-performance products for over 100 years. At SOPREMA, our people are at the heart of our success. We foster a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where employees are empowered to make an impact, develop their careers, and contribute to building a better future.

Join SOPREMA and become part of a global organization with a century of success and a commitment to continued growth and innovation.

The Research & Development Research Chemist leads projects including development of new products, improvements of existing products, and scientific support through laboratory studies and analyses of results.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Plan project-related activities by taking into account requested tasks and deadlines.
2. Work independently to manage projects and product testing.
3. Accomplish assigned tasks, analyze results and communicate findings in written progress reports.
4. Plan appropriate next steps on projects with little guidance. Seek guidance from Manager as needed.
5. Signify requirements in material resources (addition, replacement) to Manager.
6. Support Quality and Production teams with challenges and product scale ups, as needed.
7. Plan and prioritize assigned laboratory activities and tasks according to team objectives.
8. Design and carry out required lab experiments to study initial feasibility through final process optimization, application testing and shelf life studies.
9. Maintain a neat and accurate notebook of all experimental data.
10. Review and analyze results, perform tasks and make decisions independently, or with team members as needed.
11. Write thorough reports on progress of projects. Provide peer review support to colleauges for project reports.
12. Propose solutions to problems encountered during project evolution.
13. Calibrate laboratory equipment as scheduled.
14. Maintain desk and work environment in a neat condition.
15. Conduct all work in full compliance with company HS&E regulations.
16. Assist in preparation of technical literature.
17. Conduct literature searches as required to review technical and patent issues.
18. Work independently, as well as in team settings, with Product Management, Sales, Technical, Marketing and Production to identify, justify and commercialize R&D projects for new products, cost reductions, improving product quality, and ensuring HS&E compliance.
19. Work with Product Management, Sales and Technical to help resolve customer application issues using our products.
20. Prepare process or laboratory operating procedures.
21. Establish and maintain relationships with other SOPREMA manufacturing sites worldwide to provide and receive technical support as needed.
22. Contribute to the raw material qualification approval process.
23. Determine tasks sequencing with respect to time and equipment constraints.
24. Use a creative approach in problem solving; favor solutions that have a long-lasting impact.
25. Meet with current and potentially new raw material suppliers to continue projects’ forward progression through investigation of alternate products.
26. Potential to provide daily supervision and task management for R&D Technician.
27. Special projects as outlined by Manager

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, plastics, rubber, textile or related field, preferably chemistry.
2. Experience in formulating in a chemical Research & Development laboratory or related product development, with preferred emphasis in asphalt modification, acrylics, PMMA, polyurethanes, polyethers, silicones or other liquid resins/coatings.
3. Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred, but not required.
4. Excellent spoken and written communication abilities.
5. Must be able to plan, manage and prioritize multiple work assignments while achieving high throughput and meeting communicated deadlines.
6. Desire for continuing education (e.g., Master’s Degree, Stage Gate process, Design of Experiments, Project Management, Time Management, etc.)
7. Good computer skills, be action/results oriented, pay close attention to detail and demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
8. Must have the ability to work effectively with all other levels of the organization and have a demonstrated orientation to teamwork principles.
9. Willlingness to travel up to 7 days per year.
10. Willingness to accept limited evening and weekend work to accomplish project tasks.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Demands:

1. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
2. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
3. Ability to work in laboratory environment, including related chemicals and equipment.
4. Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
5. Ability to handle and lift heavy construction materials.
6. Must be able to visit job sites that include the need to climb a ladder to access a roof, trench, or other locations with restricted physical access, as needed.