R & D Chemist I

This position will actively perform a variety of chemical synthesis reactions, separations, distillations and pressure reactions, toward the generation of new products and optimization of existing products. The role will report to R&D leadership, who will set priorities of strategic business initiatives.  This role will be also mentored by senior team members to provide guidance and training on targeted lab work. The role will routinely interact with Quality Control, Operations and Engineering team members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out hands-on lab work utilizing a variety of chemical synthesis techniques
• Set up and utilization of variety of laboratory reaction equipment: Glass reactors, pressure reactors, distillation equipment, etc.
• Perform analytical testing during R&D experiments
• Perform stability and safety testing on targeted products
• Document all experimental conditions, observations and results in a physical and/or electronic laboratory notebook
• Assist engineering and/or production in scale-up and process hazard review activities if necessary
• Participate in training of operations staff if necessary
• Communicate to supervisor/ R&D management on progress of laboratory investigations either verbally or via electronic documentation (reports, emails, etc.)
• Work in compliance with Dixie safety standards, including participation in ongoing safety program
• Follows industry best practices, SOPs and adheres to a cGMP environment.

Education and Experience:

• BS or MS degree in Chemistry/Biology/Engineering
• 1-3 years of industrial R&D experience
• Demonstrated work experience in a chemical laboratory environment
• Strong bench chemistry skills, including basic analytical testing
• Experience with standard organic synthesis techniques, separations, distillations and pressure reactions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiarity with the following testing: GC, LC, specific gravity, viscosity, gel time a plus

Physical Requirements and Environment:

• Prolonged periods standing
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Must be able to wear standard laboratory PPE for prolonged periods of time (safety glasses with side shields, chemical resistant gloves, steel-toed shoes, lab coat)
• Requires exposure to the manufacturing areas where the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, hard hat, steel-toed shoes, and mandatory hearing protection are required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Employee Responsibilities to EHS&Q:
Employees are expected to comply with all Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality (EHS&Q) programs, policies, and procedures to ensure both individual and site-wide compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. This includes, but it is not limited to, consistently following site-specific safe work practices and safe operating procedures.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Dixie Chemical is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  If you need reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, please send an email to hr@dixiechemicalgroup.com or call 281-291-8989.