Discovery R&D Technician

Key Responsibilities

Support novel technology discovery and research by performing experimental work. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on R&D projects that contribute to one of the following R&D focus areas of the Discovery group:

• Synthesis of novel chemicals for a variety of applications (refrigeration, blowing agents, solvents, thermal management fluids)
• Experimental measurements of key thermophysical, and electrical properties, relevant to the target application, for a variety of novel or known chemicals
• Performance testing of novel or known chemicals at the application level for different focus areas (novel compositions for refrigeration, blowing agents, solvents, thermal management solutions, and others)
• Work includes setting up and maintaining chemical synthesis equipment, electronic systems, thermal systems, chemical loops, and a variety of instrumental analysis equipment.
• Operating currently validated experiments and supporting lab experiments by making scientific observations, maintaining experimental records, performing calculations, data analysis, and accurately reporting data.
• The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate an established track record of safely conducting a variety of experimental tasks independently under the direction of scientists. The applicant must be able to perform troubleshooting on various lab equipment and instrumentation.

• Keen eye for making and recording critical experimental observations in an R&D laboratory environment.
• Established track record of maintaining laboratory notebook with thorough reporting of experimental data and observations.
• Ability to understand and identify chemical and physical changes throughout the course of experiments.
• Ability to constructively contribute to design of experiment (DOE) plans based on previous experiments.

• Design and assemble custom lab/electronic apparatus, prototypes, and chemical process loops.
• Strong mechanical aptitude to understand and troubleshoot the various equipment utilized in various processes, purification, and testing equipment and experiments.
• Autoclave reactions under the following conditions: elevated pressure, and/or elevated temperature.
• Install, handle, and operation of data center-related equipment.
• Basic knowledge of heat transfer and thermodynamics.
• Semi-continuous and batch reactions in glass or heated-tube reaction schemes.
• Pressure/vacuum distillations in glass or metal columns.
• Sample preparation and manipulation in vacuum rack/manifold apparatus (Schlenk-line techniques).
• Demonstrate competency running analytical lab instrumentation such as GC, GC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR.
• Properly and safely operating laboratory instrumentation tools and equipment, including computer-aided measurement and processing, for monitoring physical properties (such as temperature, pressure, and fluid flow).
• Safe handling and operation of refrigerants and relevant equipment and systems operating with relevant fluids.
• Safely handling highly hazardous materials including liquefied gases and cryogenic materials.
• Ability to work within a glovebox for extended periods of time.

• Ability to measure and calculate physical properties of pure materials and mixtures such as concentration, density, molecular weight, vapor pressure, solubility, pH, etc.
• Understand and work with chemical and physical notations such as chemical structures and formulas, balanced chemical reactions, work in SI and IP units, concentration and purity units, thermophysical properties of materials, etc.
• Ability to understand and work with electrical circuits and data acquisition.
• The applicant will be expected to work independently and be able to understand abstract concepts.
• Read and accurately interpret chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to identify hazards, handling requirements, and necessary safety precautions.
• Strong communication skills in a team environment where hard project deadlines are often encountered.
• Ability to work safely with minimum supervision

The applicant is expected to be familiar with electrical instrumentation, measurement, and analysis. This includes data acquisition systems, pressure, temperature, and flow sensors.

The applicant is expected to be familiar with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), some data acquisition programs, CAD/CAE 3D modeling software, various instrumental control software suites, and instrumentation programming software.

The applicant must be able to move up to 1000 lb liquid nitrogen cylinders and other large gas cylinders using proper tools; be able to lift, handle, and dispense from 5-gallon pails and be able to move, handle, and dispense from 55-gallon drums. Occasional lifting and manipulation of objects up to 35 pounds may be required. Demonstrated safe handling of various…