Research Scientist

Job Summary

Research and Development of Projects. Projects can be (but are not limited to) new products, existing products, improvements, validation, sourcing, domestication, customer, quality, or manufacturing support.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

As a Research Scientist, it is your responsibility to perform all the following duties with little to no direct supervision.

• Gain knowledge of project and materials.
  • Communicate with Sales, Customers, Section Manager and/or Technical Director to determine Goals and Timeline for projects.
  • Set and understand project performance targets and restrictions.
  • Research raw materials for use and design.
  • Research previous designs, benchmarks, previous successes, and failures (problems).
  • Survey open literature (market reports/news, technical literature, patents, etc.) to keep abreast of new market and technical developments in fields of interest.
• Provide Ownership / Support for assigned projects.
  • Prepare schedule for project with objectives and milestones.
  • Select raw materials for use (based on Quality, Price, Supply, TSCA, DSL, etc.)
  • Prepare Formulation Designs and Process Design with approval.
  • Make materials and test according to specification.
  • Learn to develop new methods for testing, processing, etc.
  • Ensure that formulations are compatible with current lab/mfg. processes and commercial products.
  • Use problem solving skills to eliminate undesired results and understand root causes of failures.
  • Use evaluation skills to judge overall product quality.
  • Prepare presentations for Project internal and external.
  • Prepare quality standard for material (SIS or MSS).
• Learn and Use Sunstar’s APQP system
  • Participate in Design review process.
  • Participate in Cross functional team meeting (work with other departments).
  • Use Quality Analysis and Risk Analysis tools to make best decisions.
  • Prepare Design FEMA with supervision.
  • Establish clear quality goals for project, SIS, internal standard.
• Support Other Functions.
  • Provide support to assure smooth transition into manufacturing.
  • Provide support for QA, as needed, for customer problem resolutions or lab support.
  • Assist Sales with reports or customer visits to help maintain current and gain new business.
• Support New and Existing Projects
  • Prepare samples for shipping to customers or other sites for validation testing.
  • Learn customer process to ensure compatibility.
• Support Daily Operation of Research Department
  • Follow department procedures: Lab cleaning and other 5S activities, ISO14001, OSHA, Labeling, Safety, etc.
  • Improvements of Laboratory Facility: New Equipment, Maintenance, Calibration.
  • Order Materials, Label, Stock, Perform waste characterization.
  • Coordinate the activities of Lab technicians to support projects and base research
  • Train lab technicians
• Prepare Monthly Report Detailing Project Status, Activities, and Planned Actions.

This position is also required to perform other related duties as assigned by the department manager or president

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry, materials/polymers science or related field and 1-2 years of research and development laboratory experience.
Must have strong organizational and verbal and written communication skills.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Basic understanding of laboratory, environmental, and safety procedures is a must.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs when required.
Must be a self-starter and able to work with little to no supervision.
Ability to work with and around organic and inorganic chemicals using normal and accepted PPE.
Some travel may be required.

Safety Responsibilities

Must comply with all Federal, State, and Local, safety and environmental regulations, along with the Company’s quality, safety, and environmental policies.