Scientist

JOB DIMENSIONS
- General purpose: Spearhead advanced product development, raw material characterization, and specification refinement for cutting-edge asphalt additives, adhesion promoters, warm mix additives, rejuvenators, and related chemistries.
- Hands on lab synthesis and scale up of products in collaboration with manufacturing.
- Develop and enhance testing protocols for novel and complex chemistries.
- Oversee downstream product testing and understand end use application.
- Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams including Innovation group, Operations/Manufacturing/Quality/Assurance, Commercial Team, Marketing and Communications Team, Strategic Account Clients, Channel Partners, and other Arkema business units.
- You will be responsible for ensuring the safety of laboratory operations, driving innovative problem-solving methodologies, and contributing to the growth and success of our organization.
- This position demands a high level of technical expertise, effective communication skills, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of scientific inquiry.
ACTIVITIES
- Apply advanced chemistry knowledge to propose innovative solutions to product and market challenges, establishing structure-property relationships.
- Develop test programs to achieve product performance targets relative to organic synthesis chemistries in asphalt pavement additives, adhesion promoters, warm mix additives, asphalt rejuvenators, and related chemistries.
- Evaluate and recommend raw materials and manufacturing options for new and refined product formulations.
- Develop robust manufacturing and quality control protocols for products and raw materials, recommending changes as necessary.
- Support plant manufacturing scale-up and on-going commercial production of products.
- Execute development activities within Arkema Infrastructure team achieving product performance objectives and robustness plan, deliverable milestones, roll-out timing to maintain costs that aligns with business needs.
- Files invention records to protect intellectual property while maintaining appropriate records.
- Monitors technology in area of expertise both patents and published scientific literature.
- Create and Maintain standard Lab procedures to ensure unwavering product quality.
- Understand and operate a safe laboratory working environment maintaining necessary training, organization, inventory, and cleanliness.
- Actively promote a culture of safety within the workgroup, demonstrating a personal commitment to safe laboratory practices.
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
- Provide consistently clear and concise communication, in both written and verbal form, to internal and external customers.
- Understand the strategic objectives of the group and contribute to achieving results that impact overall performance.
- Network with peers across R&D, providing training and mentorship to colleagues in areas of expertise.
- Demonstrate leadership potential on multifunctional teams and influence decision-makers both within the R&D group and with internal/external customers.
- Operate as an individual contributor or team member, managing day-to-day lab operations with minimal supervision.
- Document project work in internal technical reports and maintain accurate records of intellectual property.
- Foster a collaborative product development environment and ensure compliance with industry specifications (AASHTO, ASTM, State DOTs).
- Stay updated on evolving technologies and trends in asphalt pavement engineering and materials.
- Other duties as assigned.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety policies and procedures, chemical and physical hazards, and other precautions to promote an effective and safe workplace.
- Thorough working knowledge of organic synthesis equipment and practices.
- Thorough working knowledge of chemical testing equipment, maintenance, calibration, and material science applicable to asphalt pavement.
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, along with a strong understanding of relevant regulations and ethical research conduct.
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a track record of innovation in scientific inquiry.
- Demonstrated computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite (intermediate to advanced).
- The ability to build and maintain effective relationships with all levels of client, industry association, internal, partner supplier and vendor organizations.
- Position requires limited travel in North America.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related Scientific Discipline; or MS degree with 8 years of relevant experience.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in organic synthesis testing or related surfactant formulations.
- Experience in laboratory and plant operational support is a plus.
- Experience working in asphalt pavement industry is a plus.