Laboratory Researcher

ASK Chemicals is a leading supplier of solutions to the worldwide foundry industry and a global provider of high-performance phenolic resins for a wide range of industrial applications.

We have a production and distribution network in 22 countries and employ around 2,000 people worldwide. With research and development locations in Europe, America, Asia, and Africa, we see ourselves as a driving force behind industry-wide innovations.

We are a modern employer, valuing flexibility and ensuring short decision-making paths, while at the same time providing special attention to the well-being of our employees.

ASK Chemicals is a growing company with a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. We offer an industry-competitive compensation and an interesting, international work environment where employees feel challenged and valued.

As a growing global chemical company, we afford opportunities for development and advancement throughout our organization. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, ASK Chemicals may be a great fit.

This position will support all ASK product lines and departments which contribute to the overall North American (USA, Canada, & Mexico) business unit. A support services technician's key roles are primarily tactical (100%) but may, on occasion, contain strategic elements.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities:

• Actively participate within a defined team of support service and/or research personnel conducting business retention, research & development, and corporate initiative activities relating to existing technology platforms, manufacturing processes, and procurement practices.
• Complete assigned experiments, testing protocols, and general tasks. Report results and observations to scientists and supervisory personnel in written and oral formats.
• Collect and analyze data while utilizing and maintaining laboratory notebooks, computer hardware, and various software applications.
• Provide support through problem-solving, and data-driven analysis while assisting in the development of solutions for complex technical problems.
• Become familiar with and follow established test methods, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate and create new procedures, work instructions, and forms to improve overall operations.
• Create and formulate materials. Set-up, utilize, and maintain various pieces of laboratory equipment (core machines, reaction vessels, mixers, melting equipment, etc.).
• Utilize materials and equipment to make samples and specimens for evaluation.
• Ensure that assigned workspaces are maintained and meet company-provided housekeeping, safety, and waste disposal guidelines.
• Maintain lab equipment and supplies while properly disposing of waste materials.
• Coordinate and complete calibration activities with both the Technical Service Laboratory and Metal Applications Laboratory Supervisors.
• Conduct all activities in a safe manner while following safety protocols and promoting the safety of self and peers.
• Participate in all group safety activities.

Secondary Roles & Responsibilities:

• Maintain a high level of technical knowledge regarding ASK products and practices.
• Keep current on product line developments while maintaining formulary repositories and product-related archives.
• Serve as a knowledgeable contact point for ISO and Responsible Care audit activities while becoming familiar with ASK quality and regulatory systems and standards.
• Complete and maintain training associated with any role-specific assigned activities (Emergency Responder, DOT Hazardous Material Shipping, Fork Lift Operation, etc.).
• Assist in the training of customers and new laboratory personnel.

Preferred Education & Experience Levels:

• BS in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Material Science with 2+ years of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Associates degree in science-based field of study with 4+ years of experience in a laboratory environment.

Preferred Skills & Know-How:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and project-driven environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Utilization of standard MS Office tools.
• Mechanical and/or electronics acumen.
• Resin synthesis and formulation.
• Familiarity with advanced statistical tools (MiniTab, MatLab, SAS, etc.).
• Familiarity with ERP and Document Management Platforms (SAP, Entropy, etc.).
• Execution of lab experiments, tests, and tasks.
• Use and maintenance of equipment.
• Collection and reporting of data.

ASK Chemicals is a new and growing company with a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry-competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans, and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued.

As a growing global specialty chemical company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our organization. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.

ASK Chemicals is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.