Senior Formulation Chemist

Job Summary

The Senior Formulation Chemist will be an integral part of shaping Exacto’s new product offerings through performing formulation bench work and supporting the discovery and scouting of new technologies. The ideal candidate will be a driven, self-disciplined individual with strong formulation background specifically with in-can herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide technologies. This person must have well-established relationships with suppliers, have a strong understanding of materials, understand costs of inputs and inert packages, and possess enough regulatory experience to guide the process through the EPA. There will also be a focus on IP strategy and providing support related to ideation, filing, and executing patent applications. This position will manage a small team of chemists.  

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate combinations of numerous molecules to deliver tailor-made solutions and achieve customers’ objectives.
• Develop new formulations in support of the in-can herbicide, insecticide, fungicide (HIF) product category.
• Document, track progress, and conduct reporting for Exacto internal research projects.
• Conduct laboratory research related to company initiatives around new product development in new markets.
• Develop new and necessary analytical methods/procedures for new product development and solve customer problems and review current analytical methods for process improvement in the laboratory and make changes necessary.
• Conduct product chemistry studies and necessary product stability testing through chemical, physical and biological analyses and enter into appropriate system(s).
• Attend industry conferences (ASTM) and professional engagement events that enhance knowledge and network.
• Establish relationships with suppliers to support the discovery of new technologies.
• Explore and develop new opportunities to expand product offerings, primarily in new markets.
• Work closely with RDI team to provide internal and external technical support.
• Maintain all laboratory analytical instrumentation including creating and maintaining logs and files for calibration and preventative maintenance for instruments.
• IP support related to ideation, filing and executing patent applications and maintenance
• Prepare necessary technical reports for internal and external distribution.
• Create samples as requested and follow protocol for retention of samples.
• Work closely with RDI team to provide internal and external technical support.
• Maintain appropriate documents and records to support patents, materials, products, compliance and projects.
• Manage a small team of chemists. Create environment for creativity and innovation to flourish, while maintaining disciplined adherence to protocols and timelines.
• Hold team accountable for agreed upon results and develop team members through all levels of responsibility. Ensure efficiencies in the technical department and institute documentation for all significant processes. Select, orient, and train employees (includes hiring, termination, and salary management).
• Keep a clean and safe working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.

Core Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Tech-Savvy, Cultivates Innovation
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Communicates Effectively, Collaborates, Situational Adaptability
• Continuous Learning: Nimble Learning, Self-Development, Resilience
• Customer Focus: Solutions to Differentiate Products; Supplier Facing

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry or related area of study; advanced degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience working in chemistry and formulation field.
• Basic principles of chemistry & adjuvant formulation development.
• Knowledge of supplier history.
• Knowledge of key inert materials.
• Experience with material approval and formulation costing.
• Overall industry knowledge, trends, and contacts.
• Established Ag distributor relationships.
• Experience in Method Development & Hypothesis Testing.
• Ability to prioritize project tasks to meet organizational objectives and priorities.
• Experience with data analysis, statistical methods, method development, and quality specifications.
• Familiarity with US, State, and Foreign regulations covering chemicals (GHS training preferred).
• Ability to work comfortably with loose objectives and non-linear projects.
• Excellent Communication Skills including ability to present to customers.
• Travel ~ 20% to attend industry conferences and build supplier relationships.