Research Chemist

Role details

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

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, plastics, rubber, textile or related field, preferably chemistry.
• 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.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred, but not required.
• Excellent spoken and written communication abilities.
• Must be able to plan, manage and prioritize multiple work assignments while achieving high throughput and meeting communicated deadlines.
• Desire for continuing education (e.g., Master’s Degree, Stage Gate process, Design of Experiments, Project Management, Time Management, etc.)
• Good computer skills, be action/results oriented, pay close attention to detail and demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Must have the ability to work effectively with all other levels of the organization and have a demonstrated orientation to teamwork principles.
• Willlingness to travel up to 7 days per year.
• Willingness to accept limited evening and weekend work to accomplish project tasks.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to work in laboratory environment, including related chemicals and equipment.
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to handle and lift heavy construction materials.
• 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.

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