EFM Chemist

About us:

Valent U.S.A. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited, engages in the development, registration, sales, and marketing of integrated technological solutions for crop production and pest management that deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. A leading crop protection firm serving the agricultural and non-crop products markets in North America, Valent products help growers produce safe and abundant food and fiber crops, and horticultural professionals improve the quality of life for their customers. The corporate motto, Products That Work, From People Who Care®, describes the company's business philosophy. Valent seeks out and provides customers with innovative and effective solutions to their production challenges. Our vision is to be the best company delivering integrated solutions of biorational and traditional crop protection solutions to our customers. Valent is dedicated to creating a world that is healthier and more comfortable, and that has a sustainable abundance of quality, affordable food, helping crops to be the ultimate renewable resource.

General Description:

The purpose of this position is to direct the activities of a scientific group in the research and/or development of an organization's products, projects, and programs. Conducts and collaborates with others on basic research and development relevant to long-term objectives and concerns. Writes and reviews documents for submission to federal (EPA) and state regulators. Develops strategies to ensure effective achievement of scientific objectives. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. May develop budgets for capital expenditures and labor. Typically participates with other top managers to establish company policies. Makes final decision on administrative or operational matters.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Serve as Study Director with overall responsibility for insuring that assigned studies are conducted in compliance with regulatory Good Laboratory Practice and FIFRA guidelines. Monitor and be accountable for validity of contracted studies. Prepare protocols and reports with scientifically valid conclusions for submission to government agencies. Prepare responses to technical issues from regulatory agencies on submitted studies.
• Plan, direct, and execute laboratory research projects with responsibility for data quality and timeliness of completion. Exercise judgment in selecting methods from generally defined practices and techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Utilize technical expertise to overcome technical challenges by innovatively developing/modifying methodology to generate scientifically valid data. Develop solutions to complex technical problems.
• Maintain timelines for completion of multiple projects by management of manpower/equipment resources and effective project scheduling. Provide management with realistic time, manpower, and cost estimates for proposed projects. Communicate effectively with internal customers and multi-discipline team members on project status.
• Expand and maintain knowledge in area of expertise and regulatory guidelines. Serve as a resource for peers, Associate Scientists, and project managers. Train less experienced colleagues in application of new/revised methodologies, and in laboratory and instrumental techniques. Evaluate technical advances in field and their potential application to research efforts.
• Serve as a member of multi-discipline project team or technical task forces, providing input for strategic planning to meet regulatory objectives.
• Evaluate technical advances in field and potential application to research efforts. Serve as a resource for colleagues, Associate Chemists, R&RA project managers, and other internal functional areas. Provide input for strategic planning to meet regulatory objectives.
• Supervise Chemists and Associate Chemists; assign tasks/projects; train and develop; communicate priorities and objectives; conduct performance reviews. Mentor and develop others using time management and performance development tools. Serve as a resource for other members of the group. Follow safety and regulatory plans, and waste disposal procedures. Participate in all required safety meetings and training programs.
• Perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Provide technical expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results for technical reports and summaries.
• Contribute project process within his/her scientific discipline. Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature. Investigate, create and develop new methods and technologies for project advancement. Use professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals and may be responsible for identifying patentable inventions.

Qualifications:

• Typically, a MS, PhD or equivalent, with 9 – 12 years of related experience, plus 5 – 7 years of management experience.
• Strong interpersonal management skills; exceptional time management, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal management skills; exceptional time management, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented evaluation and interpretation of data.
• Maintenance & trouble shooting of analytical equipment. Problem solving and method development skills.
• In-depth knowledge of chromatography theory & application techniques - including purification techniques, use of liquid and gas chromatographs, and use of selective detectors and mass selective detectors. Knowledge of environmental fate, metabolism, and residue methodology.
• In-depth knowledge of USEPA/FIFRA Guidelines & Good Laboratory Practice guidelines, including study design and protocol development.

Physical Demands and Work Environment (FIELD Position)

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands include constant walking, standing, bending at the neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting at the neck and waist, simple grasping, power grasping, and fine manipulation with hands, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.; also frequent lifting and carrying of up to 75 lbs., occasional sitting and lifting and carrying of up to 100+ lbs. Travel by air or car up to 50% of the time and will be required to drive safely for long distances.
• Work Environment includes exposure to or working in or around moving cars, trucks, forklifts, equipment, and machinery including a computer keyboard and mouse; uneven ground; excessive noise; extremes in temperature, humidity, or wetness; dust, gas, fumes, or chemicals; venomous insects and animals, heights; operation of foot controls or repetitive foot movement; use of special visual or auditory protective equipment. May be required to work outdoors in an agricultural crop field, assist in putting out demonstration plots, wear respirator and other personal protection equipment.
• Frequency Definitions: Constant = Over 40% / Frequent = Up to 40% / Occasional = Up to 10%

What We Offer:

You’ll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all eligible full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent U.S.A. LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company’s founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

• Valent U.S.A. LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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