Lead Analytical Scientist

Typical duties would include:

• Lead innovative NMR projects
• As part of a team, support a wide array of business units through efficient problem solving and technical knowledge and to validate new materials and tire concepts through advanced analytical experimentation
• Assist other scientists and engineers with troubleshooting operational issues
• Develop high-level programs and macros for data handling and reporting
• Utilize statistical analysis for data interpretation of sample requests
• Prepare polymer and tire samples for analysis, operate a variety of cutting-edge analytical laboratory equipment, optimize conditions, and develop new methods based on findings
• Analyze test results and communicate them effectively in summary reports and presentations
• Assist in organization and upkeep of laboratory supplies, workspace, and equipment
• Maintain an accurate, detailed laboratory notebook and enter data into a Lab Information Management System
• Maintain and ensure safe laboratory environment and work practices
• Mentor and advise college interns (co-ops) on their own independent projects

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science or a related technical discipline, with at least 5 years of relevant laboratory experience
• Extensive knowledge of both solution and solid-state NMR data collection and analysis as well as hands-on experience developing NMR methods
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and calibrating laboratory equipment and analytical instruments and working with instrument vendors to ensure efficient lab operations
• Willingness to learn and ability to learn quickly
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously with a sense of urgency
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams and with customers
• Domestic and international travel is sometimes required

Preferred:

• Previous experience with rubber, polymers, nanocomposites, nanomaterials and/or tire industry
• Strong applied computing skills, including data manipulation & statistical analysis applications (e.g., Excel, Matlab, Minitab); ability to master data-acquisition software packages (e.g., LabView); programming (Excel macros, Python)
• Proficiency in multivariate and chemometric statistical analysis and modeling of analytical chemistry data