Sr Scientist Separations Technology - Decatur, IL

Sr Scientist Separations Technology - Decatur, IL

Position summary: The Scientist/Engineer will be responsible for leading the discovery and development of various downstream separation processes, including depth filtration, membrane filtration, and liquid/solids separations. This will include supporting production troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts, as well as developing new processes from bench to pilot demonstration and potentially to commercial scale production. The candidate will be expected to lead diverse technical project teams toward the timely completion of project goals, which will require building strong relationships with various groups including plant operations, business development, and R&D.

Key roles:

• Lead the development and transfer of robust separation processes including depth filtration, membrane filtration, and liquid/solids separations.
• Seek out, evaluate and implement new technologies for separations.
• Support both troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts.
• Direct diverse technical project teams to evaluate, develop and transfer processes to production.
• Build strong relationships with plant operations and business units.
• Design and run experiments including the selection of sampling procedures, analytical methods and some routine analytical analysis.
• Train and potentially supervise other scientists, engineers and technicians.
• Design, set up, operate and maintain lab and pilot separations equipment.
• Maintain housekeeping and observe safety standards in lab and pilot plant.
• Consolidate, interpret and present data, conclusions and recommendations in both written and oral formats.

Core Competencies: Communication, innovative, curiosity, adaptability, integrity, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, independent judgment, teamwork, dependability, persistence, patience, detail oriented, and safety commitment.

Requirements:

• A Ph.D. Degree in a technical field (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred) or a Master’s Degree in a technical field (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred) and 3+ years of process development experience, or a Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred) and 5+ years of process development, ideally in separations process development, is required.
• Candidates with additional experience around separations including simulated moving bed chromatography, crystallization, ion exchange, and/or centrifugation would be preferred.
• Strong technical background with various lab equipment and instrumentation.
• Project leadership training and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of chemistry, math, physics, biology, materials, and design principles.
• Skilled with basic piping and mechanical procedures and knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to handle moderately heavy tools and materials, e.g., pipe wrenches, five‐gallon buckets, and hand‑carting 55‑gallon drums.

ADFIN perpetuates a diverse and inclusive workplace. The position requires a successful background check.