Senior R&D Chemist

USALCO is a leading provider of aluminum-based component products used in water treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, the making of catalysts for oil refining, the housing market and other industries.  The R&D Chemist reports to the Vice President of Quality, Research and Development.  The position requires an energetic, successful self-starter who: 

 -incorporates safety and quality into every decision while performing tasks 

-can efficiently perform analytical tests to verify compliance with specified ranges without compromising safety and quality, 

-will actively seek out opportunities for new product lines with quality and cost improvement.  

-Take full responsibility for collaborating with others to implement approved changes in a timely manner. 

-Create inventive solutions for problems that transform into business opportunities. 

 The holder of this position must have laboratory experience, significant analytical aptitude, and be motivated to work constructively with team members at all levels within the company. This person must execute all job assignments with a sense of urgency and support plant and business development, product quality, productivity and customer service. The Senior R&D Chemist will be assigned duties involving all areas of production and must be able to follow standard operating and testing procedures. The person in this position must understand computer software programs and know how to utilize them to identify and report quality issues.  

 Essential Functions: 

 -Perform analytical tests in a safe, accurate and efficient manner. 

-Apply all plant safety rules, work guidelines/practices and procedures. 

-Develop new products 

-Submit patent applications for new products 

-Provide analysis techniques to engineering, operators and lab staff. 

-Utilize computers for purposes of quality control and process control purposes. 

– Establish and maintain protocol for obtaining, retaining and disposing of samples 

-Report any quality deficiencies to the Plant Manager, Quality Supervisor or VP of Quality, Research & Development 

-Implement procedures to prevent deficiencies and errors from reoccurring. 

-Analyze Engineering samples.  

-Analyze and evaluate competitor samples 

-Develop look alike or improved products 

 Other Responsibilities: 

 These include but are not limited to: 

-Performing non routine analyses on samples 

-Specifying equipment necessary to research development of new products 

-Developing and applying improvements in procedures. 

-Maintaining a clean and safe work area.  

-Maintaining OSHA lab requirements 

 Requirements:   

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical engineering.
• At least five years of laboratory experience in either industrial or academic setting.
• Experience with aluminum chemistry, catalyst manufacture and research, zeolites, and ceramic membranes.
• Polymer synthesis, water and wastewater treatment are desirable skills for this position.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of spreadsheets and word processing software.
• The right individual for this position has a “can do” attitude, the ability to be part of a team while operating independently, and consistently performs to very high standards. 

USALCO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a general policy, USALCO does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.