TAPPI Career Center: Enzymatic Deinking Technologies Seeks R&D Chemist

Specific Responsibilities:

Leads and performs laboratory experiments aimed at better understanding and improved application of EDT products for best performance
Leads project teams to conduct studies of enzymes and paper chemical additives with a strong understanding of fundamental theory and practice
Develops new or improves laboratorial protocols to evaluate enzymes and chemical additives related to EDT’s business
Handles complex assignments and performs laboratory experiments requiring considerable technical expertise, such as the use of DOE and other statistical software
Develops and assists with new product launches
Interfaces with technical, marketing, and sales personnel to identify new technologies and product opportunities
Writes reports on R&D projects and prepares/delivers presentations to management providing an overview and recommendations/solutions.

Key Skill Areas:

Technical knowledge
Strong knowledge of chemistry
Strong math and statistical analysis skills
Papermaking chemical additive knowledge and hands-on experiences are preferred; broad knowledge in the area of pulp and paper science and technology or cellulose and polymer chemistry is ideal
Proficient at hands-on laboratory work
Computer/instrumental skills
Advanced competence in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Experienced in experimental design and statistical analysis
Skilled at utilizing chemistry laboratory instruments and interpreting/analyzing results
Interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Excellent listening and communication skills; able to understand both stated and implied issues and concerns
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, adept at building relationships in a multi-cultural workforce
Evidence of effective time management and strong organizational skills.

Essential Job Functions:

Ability to work independently, e.g., without supervision, in order to perform job duties including but not limited to work in a laboratory.
Ability to manage time effectively in order to accomplish job tasks in an organized and efficient manner and within deadlines set by supervisor and customer, including responding to emails and telephone calls the same day and preparing reports and documents by set deadlines.
Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) in a convincing manner face-to-face, over the telephone and via email with supervisors, technical managers, peers, and production people concerning objectives, chemistries in use, and equipment operation so as to:
gather information and identify the technical issues and challenges to applying EDT’s technology for customers;
provide technical answers to customer inquiries; and
allow EDT to implement its technology at the customers’ facility.
Employee should have ability to listen and comprehend directions, discussions, and communications from peers, supervisors, co-workers and customers.
gather information and identify the technical challenges to applying EDT’s technology for specific customers;
provide technical answers to customers’ inquiries; and
allow EDT to implement its technology at the customers’ facility.
Ability to work onsite in the office in order to:
assist with field service support;
perform laboratory-based experiments according to company protocols;
develop new methods and procedures;
perform data analysis; and
provide laboratory support for mill trials of EDT’s technology.
Ability to ensure regular attendance, which includes working set hours determined by the supervisor.
Ability to work in a team environment with other members of EDT's field sales/service group, product management, production, logistics personnel, and management on issues relating to the development of products and the ongoing provisioning of technical service.
Ability to use mathematical equations and scientific analysis when performing laboratory and field based experiments so as to:
improve the application of EDT products;
identify the best solutions to implementing EDT’s products at the customer site; and
determine mill’s performance and correlate cause and effect to understand EDT technology’s impact.
Must possess the ability to perform the physical duties of this job:
regularly required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, or crouch;
use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls;
talk and/or hear;
see at close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus;
occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 55 pounds; and
occasionally climb stairs.
Ability to work in an industrial / laboratory environment which requires:
use of safety equipment as dictated by work area (i.e. safety glasses and safety shoes, respirator, face shield, hearing protection, gloves, etc.);
work where the typical noise level fluctuates from low to moderate;
occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles; and
occasionally exposed to vibration, toxic, acid, or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock
Must possess a positive attitude in order to:
foster a good working relationship with peers and supervisors;
follow instructions from supervisors and customers;
accept constructive criticism; and
maintain high customer satisfaction with EDT.