R&D Chemist

Job Title:

R&D Chemist

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting research and development and quality control activities within a chemical manufacturing environment. The R&D Chemist performs analytical testing on production batches and raw materials, supports manufacturing by adjusting formulations, manages laboratory documentation, and ensures products meet established specifications and customer requirements. The position offers hands-on training, exposure to a variety of products, and opportunities for long-term career growth in a collaborative, process-driven environment.

Responsibilities

+ Perform analytical testing on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products using methods such as pH measurement, viscosity, density, solids content, titrations, and flash point determination.

+ Conduct basic analytical and wet chemistry tests to verify that products meet established quality and performance specifications.

+ Manage and maintain the database for samples, production retains, and production documentation to ensure accurate records and traceability.

+ Provide technical support to manufacturing processes by giving guidance on adjusting batch formulations when batches fall outside product specifications.

+ Prepare certificates of analysis for customers upon request, ensuring accuracy and completeness of reported data.

+ Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and operations equipment according to known standards and documented procedures.

+ Prepare sample batches for customers and the sales team, ensuring they are produced, labeled, and documented correctly.

+ Perform stability testing on laboratory and manufacturing samples to assess product performance over time.

+ Communicate with outside laboratories to coordinate and manage external testing when required.

+ Serve as a resource for confirming correct product labels and ensuring that product information is accurate and compliant with internal standards.

+ Read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, and apply this knowledge to daily laboratory activities.

+ Write routine reports and correspondence to document test results, observations, and recommendations.

+ Apply mathematical skills to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and basic algebra and geometry as needed for formulation and analysis.

+ Work in a proactive, process-driven manner, maintaining high attention to detail and organized documentation.

+ Collaborate effectively with a small laboratory team, sharing information and supporting continuous improvement in quality control and R&D processes.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Chemistry, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university is preferred.

+ Laboratory experience focused in chemistry or quality control.

+ At least 1 year of R&D or formulation experience in a chemical or food manufacturing company.

+ Hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques, including titration and basic analytical tests.

+ Ability to perform tests such as pH, viscosity, density, solids content, titrations, and flash point determination.

+ Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity.

+ Proactive and process-driven approach, with strong organizational skills.

+ Experience in quality control and quality assurance within a laboratory or manufacturing setting.

+ Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

+ Ability to write routine reports and correspondence clearly and professionally.

+ Ability to perform calculations involving discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and basic algebra and geometry.

+ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to laboratory and manufacturing challenges.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working in a chemical manufacturing or food manufacturing environment.

+ Familiarity with quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) practices and documentation.

+ Comfort using laboratory databases or systems to manage samples, retains, and production documentation.

+ Experience calibrating and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment to known standards.

+ Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and external laboratories.

+ Organized, process-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

+ Interest in long-term career growth within a collaborative R&D and quality-focused environment.

Work Environment

This position is based in a chemical manufacturing facility with a very clean, up-to-date laboratory environment. The laboratory team consists of approximately 8-10 people, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere with hands-on…