R&D Laboratory Chemist

Job Details

Job Location:

349 MCCLELLAN INDUSTRIAL DRIVE - KELLYTON, AL 35089

Job Shift: Day

The R&D Laboratory Chemist is responsible for conducting laboratory testing, experimental research, analytical characterization, and process-development activities in support of research and development, product development, process optimization, and quality initiatives.

The position involves hands-on laboratory work with raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products, including sample preparation, chemical processing, instrumental analysis, data evaluation, troubleshooting, and technical reporting. The Chemist will work closely with R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, and external laboratories to support development programs and resolve technical issues.

For a graphite/materials laboratory, the role will specifically support the characterization and development of graphite materials, including particle-size modification, purification, coating, carbonization, and evaluation of physical and chemical properties.

• Plan and conduct laboratory experiments supporting product and process development.
• Perform bench-scale studies to evaluate processing conditions, raw materials, and process modifications.
• Support development and optimization of graphite processing operations, including purification, coating, carbonization, screening, and related processes.
• Evaluate the effects of process conditions on product properties and performance.
• Develop experimental plans and assist with Design of Experiments (DOE) when appropriate.
• Identify technical problems, investigate root causes, and recommend corrective or improvement actions.
• Support scale-up of successful laboratory processes to pilot and production operations.
• Maintain detailed and traceable experimental records.

Perform or coordinate analytical and physical characterization of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, including:

• Particle size distribution (PSD)
• BET specific surface area
• Tap and bulk density
• Moisture content
• Ash and fixed-Carbon analysis
• ICP-OES elemental analysis
• X-ray diffraction (XRD)
• pH and conductivity
• Other physical and chemical characterization methods as required

Review analytical results for accuracy, consistency, and technical significance.

• Prepare samples for analytical testing and R&D experiments.
• Perform microwave acid digestion and other chemical sample-preparation procedures.
• Prepare acids, bases, standards, calibration solutions, and other laboratory reagents.
• Conduct laboratory-scale purification, leaching, washing, filtration, drying, heat-treatment, and related experiments.
• Conduct laboratory-scale pitch mixing, carbonization, and related experiments.
• Handle graphite and chemical reagents in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Maintain proper sample identification, labeling, storage, and traceability.

• Analyze experimental and analytical data using Excel and other appropriate software.
• Perform statistical evaluation of laboratory results when required.
• Prepare tables, graphs, control charts, and technical summaries.
• Interpret relationships between processing conditions and material properties.
• Prepare laboratory reports, R&D reports, technical memoranda, and presentations.
• Clearly document experimental objectives, procedures, observations, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintain organized electronic and hard-copy laboratory records.

• Follow established laboratory quality-control procedures.
• Use standards, blanks, duplicates, reference materials, and control samples as required.
• Review QC data and identify results requiring investigation or retesting.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and sample traceability.
• Participate in internal laboratory audits and corrective/preventive action activities.
• Support development and implementation of laboratory quality systems consistent with ISO 17025 principles where applicable.
• Assist with laboratory information management and electronic…