Research And Development Scientist

Job Title: Research & Development Scientist - Colorant and Additive Formulations for Thermoplastics

• Travel requirements will vary based on individuals proximity to Chroma site
• Reports to the Vice President of Technology
• Lambertville, NJ location.

What the Job Entails:

This individual supports the North American color concentrate business through the following activities:

• Product training for internal and external customers.
• Product testing and technical support
• Keeps up to date with industry trends via trade journals and other industry publications, including Patent literature
• Participate in evaluating and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures and standards.
• Product development and improvement

In performing these activities, this individual will need to employ the following

Key Competencies in addition to their technical skills:

• Ability to bring new ideas to solve problems and spur continuous improvement
• Leadership – taking ownership of the task at hand
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with others
• Critical thinking – able to evaluate a problem in an unbiased and non-presumptive manner

A limited amount of travel will be required to perform these duties.(Estimate 20-25%).

Knowledge and Skills Required:

Chemistry

• Working knowledge of inorganic and organic chemistry, including organo-metallic chemistry.
• Gas and liquid chromatography; thin-layer chromatography.
• Thermal analysis techniques: DSC, TGA
• Working knowledge of separation and identification methods used in chemical analysis.
• Hands-on experience in preparing samples for analysis; operating and maintaining analytical instruments and testing equipment; interpreting data.
• Spectroscopic methods of chemical identification: FTIR, UV-Vis, NIR, MS, XRF
• Spectrophotometric methods for measuring color, gloss, and opacity

Polymer Science

• Formulation knowledge relating to color, appearance, and performance properties of polymers
• Working knowledge of properties and processing of commercial thermoplastics, including polyolefins, styrenics, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonate and other high temperature polymers.

Microscopy

• Application of traditional visible light microscopy techniques, such as transmission and reflectance microscopy, in failure analysis and QC.
• More advanced techniques such as Fluorescence microscopy.
• Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques, including elemental analysis.

Regulation and Standards

• Working knowledge of industrial standards, such as ASTM, UL, and ISO
• Working knowledge of governmental regulations applying to the coloring of plastics, such as FDA and EU.

Problem Solving Skills

• Working knowledge of problem solving techniques, including Design of Experiment
• Able to apply fundamental principles of chemistry to solve practical problems

Communication Skills

• Able to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Data Handling Skills

• Create and interpret graphical data representations
• Basic knowledge of algebra
• Able to perform arithmetic calculations and convert data between different systems of units (e.g., English and Metric)

Computer Skills

• Use of manufacturing, QC, and Scientific software, including color formulation software.
• Use of AI and DOE software to speed up product development.
• Use of ERP systems and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Education and/or Experience:

BA or BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science/Engineering; an advanced degree in Chemistry is preferred. Training in analytical chemistry and thermal analysis.

Minimum 5 years of related work experience. Practical knowledge of thermoplastics and the colorants and additives used to color and improve performance of thermoplastics and practical experience in formulating. Knowledge of thermoplastic processing including twin screw compounding, injection molding, blow molding, and profile extrusion and troubleshooting of these processes. Basic understanding of key regulatory requirements and standards such as FDA, EU, UL, ISO, etc.

In absence of a technical degree, at least 10 years’ experience, including lab management, with competency in analytical and thermal testing techniques.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: None required.

Physical Demands: While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing duties, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles and high heat (some areas not climate controlled).

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Safety: Follows all Chroma Color Corporation rules, safety practices, housekeeping, wearing of personal protective equipment while in manufacturing areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of a job.

• Chroma is a zero-tolerance workplace for substance use of any type that may cause impairment. Employees are required to adhere to the Substance Abuse policy while on company premises or off-site while on company business.
• Chroma Color Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to employees and applicants without regard to age, color, disability, genetic characteristics, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, parental status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.
• Employees are expected to comply with our Code of Conduct and policies at all times ensuring they are free of any impairment when on company property or when representing the company off site and that the communicate and demonstrate high levels of teamwork.

You should be proficient in:

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Experience in a Manufacturing Environment

ID:yUx7fb Ref #: 60168