Catalyst Characterization Scientist

Job Title: Catalyst Characterization Scientist

Location: Little Ferry, NJ

Org Unit Name: Material Characterization Group in R&D

Explore Scientific Design

A career at Scientific Design provides you with an opportunity to leave a lasting positive impact to the world and yourself. We offer a wide range of benefits and offerings that recognize the unique motivations and ambitions of our team. It’s all about matching what matters to you with what matters to us.

Scientific Design (SD) makes a global impact on people and their communities by delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable EO-based technologies. We are a Global Leader in the development and licensing of proprietary processes to produce Ethylene Oxide (EO), Ethylene Glycol (EO/EG), Bio-Ethylene, Bio-EO, Bio-EG, EO derivatives, Polyols, and Maleic Anhydride. The chemicals produced by these technologies are the building blocks for a multitude of consumer products that improve the lives and health of millions. In addition to these technologies, SD develops and manufactures innovative proprietary catalyst and equipment to be used in our own industrial processes and those used by our clients.

Our Culture is based on four values – Safety, Innovation, Customer Focus and Great Place to Work. These are the foundation of our success.. To learn more about these and how we deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable technologies for a better world, please click here.

Job Summary

This is a key role within the Catalyst Characterization group of our R&D team. Key responsibilities of the role is to conduct scientific experiments, perform data analysis, support development and commercialization of innovative catalysts, and contribute to reporting and communication to R&D and other cross-functional teams.

How You Can Be the Impact

Deliver high quality catalyst/material characterization solutions and methods by applying analytical skills, knowledge of heterogenous catalysis, and expertise in surface science. The role will focus on developing methods, executing, and coordinating surface analysis internally across the catalyst development teams and externally with collaborators to provide effective characterization support to SD. The characterization techniques include SEM, TEM, XPS, Chemisorption, TPD, TGA/DSC and many more with some necessary collaborations with universities and other research institutions.

Major Activities And Responsibilities

• Develop and execute methods for surface characterization of catalysts/support materials to support innovation and commercialization of catalyst products. Deliver characterization solutions by participating in key catalyst development projects and collaborating with other subject matter experts, R&D and business stakeholders. Demonstrate a problem-solving mindset.
• Design and execute experiments using surface science expertise, provide in-depth data interpretation, communicate results and solutions to technical and commercial teams, present and publish data when appropriate. Translate the knowledge and cross-train colleagues as required.
• Lead and facilitate external partnership/services to expand surface characterization capabilities at SD.
• Stay current on novel surface characterization techniques and methods for catalyst characterization. Maintain contact with relevant instrument vendors. Identify needs, organize and perform feasibility studies and assessments, and drive the acquisition of new instruments/techniques.
• Follow safety procedure, build and maintain high safety standards within the team.

What Matters to Scientific Design

• M.Sc. with 2+ years work experience or PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, or other related fields.
• Experience with advanced characterization techniques for inorganic materials in a lab environment, such as XPS, physi/chemi-sorption, TPR/TPO/TPD, SEM/TEM, FTIR and Raman.
• Preferred: Ph.D with heterogeneous catalysis background.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience conducting experiments, troubleshooting and maintaining characterization instruments and/or lab-scale microreactors.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills, with attention to detail and stellar record keeping and documentation.
• Self-starter, comfortable taking initiative and proposing solutions.
• Ability to organize efficiently, prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a team as well as independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Eligibility Requirements

• You must submit your application for employment online to be considered. Please submit your resume using the “Apply Now/Apply” option on this page.
• You must be 18 years or older
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work for Scientific Design in the United States on a full-time basis.

Work Availability

Regular, predictable attendance is an essential function of this position. Applicants must be regularly available and willing to work (e.g. Monday – Friday) during assigned hours of operation and such other hours as the company determines are necessary or desirable to meet business needs

We are proud to be a diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We are fully committed to a culture of respect and inclusion.