Working under the general direction of the Production Technology Manager the RxD Production Technology Chemists role is to support RxD Manufacturing at COUS. As an RxD Production Technology Chemist you will carry out agreed experimental work document analyze and communicate subsequent results to ensure efficient progression of technical studies investigations and improvement projects in support of the RxD product portfolio. The RxD production Technology Chemist will be able to carry out tasks unsupervised as well as author essential safety documentation.
Guidance for the training of Production Support Technicians will be expected within the RxD laboratory assets as relates to the operation of laboratory assets and/or development of new processes or techniques.
The RxD Production Technology Chemist will be part of the wider Production Support Team. The Production Support Team is a cross functional team which interacts with most if not all COUS departments. The Team can work on projects with QA QC Supply chain Regulatory EHS Purchasing and the Manufacturing group. Scheduling between multiple groups for the use of laboratory resources is expected. As part of the role the Production Technology Chemist is required to schedule planned activities for the Production Support Technician pool in the RxD Production Technology Managers absence or upon delegation so the group can achieve uninterrupted activities.
This position has an EHS requirement. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that a safe workplace is maintained will participate in regular safety audits and inspections and will also periodically participate in EHS Committee lab tours. Position also requires a pro-active participation in the 5S and other Continuous Improvements program.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS EXPECTED
The job role involves 3 key principle tasks: Laboratory Development Work Manufacturing Support and Delivering Improvements
Laboratory Development Work
- Planning and carrying out laboratory work as directed by the RxD Production Technology Manager to develop and improve processes for existing products to meet quality cost operability productivity and SHE objectives agreed with manager to an agreed timeline
- Carrying out analysis to the required standard both in line and off line to allow maximum understanding of data from laboratory work
- Carry out all experimental work under the guidance of the appropriate local systems and ensuring high SHE standards of housekeeping in all lab and Plant activities.
Manufacturing Support
- Carrying out laboratory support and troubleshooting work under the direction of the RxD Production Technology Team Leader to facilitate the solution of manufacturing process issues and raw material problems in order to allow the restoration of process operation
- Investigating and sourcing laboratory equipment to replicate plant equipment options.
- Participating in appropriate on-plant supervision (shift work) to permit the safe and effective trial of process modifications or scale-up studies
- Provide experimental support to investigate key raw material issues
Delivering Improvements
- Identify and deliver potential process improvements and cost savings while carrying out development work
- Record all laboratory work and data in the electronic notebook and use this for the preparation of reports and/or presentations
- Use of statistics for data treatment & interrogation
- Contributing to SHE initiatives and driving improvements.
EVALUATION FACTORS
Know-How
An experienced chemist possessing a strong technical background who has the experience and knowledge to be able to investigate raw material and manufacturing issues and deliver improvements. Able to handle a variety of equipment types at lab and pilot scale and work with Process Engineers in the delivery of best possible solution for the RxD products.
Minimum: BS Degree in Chemistry along with 5 years of related experience working in a research process/production technology or analytical laboratory.
Specific Skills/Knowledge includes the following:
- Follows current procedures and methods proficiently and independently.
- Analytical Thinking/Critical Information Seeking - Organizes data logically interprets data from a variety of sources and draws logical conclusions. Identifies a set of features parameters or considerations to take into account in analyzing a situation making a decision or building a persuasive argument.
- A proven track record of solving complex problems.
- Promote lab improvement and safety improvement projects.
- Planning and guiding of routine activities including completion of projects in a timely safe and accurate manner.
- Demonstrates expertise in method development and analysis. Demonstrates data interpretation and explaining skills. Summarizes data using charts graphs and spreadsheets. Writes reports to document projects.
- Interacts with vendors concerning laboratory issues instrumentation and methodology improvements.
- Effective communication and persuasive skills both internally & externally.
Accountability
- Position functions in a technical capacity. Incumbent is accountable for efficiency with which problems are solved and timing in which deadlines are met to meet specific project requirements.
- Attendance of yearly TSCA training as well as other Site/Business required training. Is responsible for the appropriate handling of any hazardous/nonhazardous waste generated in the lab. Make at least one safety improvement suggestion per year. Participate in Site EHS tours whenever requested.
- Compliance with all Corporate Governance Guidelines within personal activities. Overall compliance with Corporate and Government EHS Regulations with pro-active leadership of the COUS EHS program.
Other Information
In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed the jobholder may be required to perform other duties assigned from time to time. This Description is not therefore intended to be exhaustive and is subject to periodic review and amendment.