Scientist - Emulsions

JOB DIMENSIONS

• General purpose: Spearhead advanced product development, raw material characterization, and specification refinement for cutting-edge asphalt emulsifiers, emulsion additives, asphalt additives, and related chemistries.
• Hands on asphalt emulsion lab scale production and emulsion testing.
• Hands on lab synthesis and scale up of products in collaboration with manufacturing.
• Develop and enhance testing protocols for novel and complex chemistries.
• Oversee downstream product testing and understand end use application.
• Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams including Innovation group, Operations/Manufacturing/Quality/Assurance, Commercial Team, Marketing and Communications Team, Strategic Account Clients, Channel Partners, and other Arkema business units.
• You will be responsible for ensuring the safety of laboratory operations, driving innovative problem-solving methodologies, and contributing to the growth and success of our organization.
• This position demands a high level of technical expertise, effective communication skills, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of scientific inquiry.

Duties:

• Apply advanced chemistry knowledge to propose innovative solutions to product and market challenges, establishing structure-property relationships.
• Develop test programs to achieve product performance targets relative to organic synthesis chemistries in asphalt emulsifiers, emulsion additives, asphalt additives, and related chemistries.
• Evaluate and recommend raw materials and manufacturing options for new and refined product formulations.
• Develop robust manufacturing and quality control protocols for products and raw materials, recommending changes as necessary.
• Support plant manufacturing scale-up and on-going commercial production of products.
• Execute development activities within Arkema Infrastructure team achieving product performance objectives and robustness plan, deliverable milestones, roll-out timing to maintain costs that aligns with business needs.
• Files invention records to protect intellectual property while maintaining appropriate records.
• Monitors technology in area of expertise both patents and published scientific literature.
• Create and maintain standard lab procedures to ensure unwavering product quality.
• Understand and operate a safe laboratory working environment maintaining necessary training, organization, inventory, and cleanliness.
• Actively promote a culture of safety within the workgroup, demonstrating a personal commitment to safe laboratory practices.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Provide consistently clear and concise communication, in both written and verbal form, to internal and external customers.
• Understand the strategic objectives of the group and contribute to achieving results that impact overall performance.
• Network with peers across R&D, providing training and mentorship to colleagues in areas of expertise.
• Demonstrate leadership potential on multifunctional teams and influence decision-makers both within the R&D group and with internal/external customers.
• Operate as an individual contributor or team member, managing day-to-day lab operations with minimal supervision.
• Document project work in internal technical reports and maintain accurate records of intellectual property.
• Foster a collaborative product development environment and ensure compliance with industry specifications (AASHTO, ASTM, State DOTs).
• Stay updated on evolving technologies and trends in asphalt preservation engineering and materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety policies and procedures, chemical and physical hazards, and other precautions to promote an effective and safe workplace.
• Thorough working knowledge of organic synthesis equipment and practices.
• Thorough working knowledge of chemical testing equipment, maintenance, calibration, and material science applicable to asphalt pavement.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, along with a strong understanding of relevant regulations and ethical research conduct.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a track record of innovation in scientific inquiry.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite (intermediate to advanced).
• The ability to build and maintain effective relationships with all levels of client, industry association, internal, partner supplier and vendor organizations.
• Position requires limited travel in North America.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related Scientific Discipline; or MS degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in organic synthesis testing or related surfactant formulations.
• Experience in laboratory and plant operational support is a plus.
• Experience working in asphalt pavement industry is a plus.