R&D Chemist III

Celebrating our 90th year, Daubert Chemical Company is a profitable, family-owned specialty chemical manufacturer and a market leader in the brands that we sell to our end users and distributors, including products such as corrosion preventive coatings, industrial greases and adhesives. We are seeking an experienced R&D Formulation Chemist for the coatings products in our R&D Lab; this role is onsite at our chemical manufacturing plant near Midway Airport.

This is an advanced level Chemist role requiring extensive R&D laboratory and formulation experience, including scale up from lab to production. The successful candidate will conduct extensive research, analysis, and experimentation on substances to resolve quality problems, improve the marketability or profitability of current products, and develop new products with minimal supervision. A high degree of creativity and latitude is required as work is generally independent yet collaborative.

This role does not have direct reports, but may be a project-specific leader and mentor Chemist I and II and Lab Technician roles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include but not limited to:

• Develops formulations for new products and/or existing product modifications based on project outline delegated by management. Researches materials, ingredients, and processes to develop bench-scale batches. Performs stability, performance and data required for generating a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Develop, write and present technical reports for new products and modifications of existing products to executive management for evaluation of critical business solutions.
• Identifying and resolving formulation-related issues during development and production.
• Provide technical service support as assigned and direct dialogue with customer and sales with minimal supervision once competency is established.
• Prepare samples and test reports; follow through with Sales and customers until project is complete; this includes understanding and meeting or exceeding customer specifications, batch-ups, QA testing, audit preparation of documentation, etc.
• Thorough understanding of Daubert’s manufacturing processes (tanks, engineering capabilities), GMP and capabilities. Advanced knowledge of quality, manufacturing, engineering and sales within the company to be able to answer other’s questions.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of formulation development, testing plans, materials, methodology and results.
• Generates lab reports, formulations, and cost sheets for appropriate team members.
• Enters new product entries and implements and follows up on engineering change orders.
• Research and orders new lab equipment with approval; implements into processes and trains others; utilizes and maintains lab equipment and bench space on a regular basis.
• Perform 5S in the lab.
• Log in SDS, check in raw materials, calibrate equipment.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment, i.e. office space, lab equipment, and lab space.
• All duties must be performed in a safe manner following OSHA’s Laboratory Standard (29 CFR ) and Daubert Chemical Company’s training, instructions and procedures including proper wearing of required PPE.
• Continuous learning mindset; pursue education opportunities and skills improvement.

• B.S. in Chemistry from an accredited institution is the minimum requirement; a Master's or PhD is highly preferred; minimum of 7 years related experience, preferably in an industrial chemical environment.
• History of innovative product development.
• Ability to read, write and speak English; prepare advanced reports and correspondence and speak confidently when presenting information both inside and outside of the Company. Ability to discuss problems and solutions professionally and effectively with customers, suppliers, and company employees.
• Undergraduate research is a plus.
• Interpret documents presented in writing, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Possess advanced ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule…