Research Associate

State College, PA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 44000 - 50000

Posted on: 13 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

WE ARE MINDFUL ORIGINAL & BOLD
At Phospholutions our mission is simple. We are enhancing the efficiency of global phosphorus use. Phospholutions Inc. is an award-winningand venture-backed agtechstart-up company enhancing global phosphorus use. Phospholutions is experiencing exponential growth after the commercial launch and now rapid global expansion of our proprietary RhizoSorb technology. This technology helps to lower the environmental impact of fertilizers and is optimizing the use of inputs for growers resulting in better plant health.

Supported by years of university research extensive field testingand backed by leading industry investors our team is focused on the global expansion of RhizoSorb technology. To support our team we are hiring a Research Associate. This is an on-site position at our companys headquarters in State College PA and will report to our Senior Materials Scientist.

JOB OBJECTIVE
We value energy passion authenticity creativityand results! The individual hired for this position will assume ownership of and perform a diverse range of tasks becoming an indispensable partner to our Research & Development (R&D) team by helping to manage implement and achieve critical R&D objectives and strategies. Immediate tasks include managing the intake storage and rapid testing of granular fertilizer samples produced for both commercial and research use independently planning and executing lab experiments and quality control testing while following standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensuring consistency in protocol execution. The Research Associate will serve as a liaison to internal colleagues regarding laboratory studies/projects and while work alongside other members of the R&D team playing an instrumental role in the company by executing experiments that have material impact on our companys success.

Among other responsibilities this position requires the knowledge skills and ability to understand and execute the following:
Quality Control Key Responsibilities

Prepare samples of granular products for quality control experiments including pH analysis moisture bulk and tap density crush strength filtering size distribution by sieving measuring etc.
Communicate with internal teams and outside partners across production warehousing and logistics to ensure samples are properly labeled packaged and shipped for quality control testing and to align research objectives with business needs

Key Raw Materials Testing Responsibilities

Prepare standards and chemical reagents (i.e. acids bases alcohols etc.) for use in completing experiments troubleshooting testing and data acquisition
Support experimental design research planning and data analysis
Collaborate with other R&D team members to develop and carry out tests experiments and studies to include:
- Phosphorus adsorption and desorption studies
- Raw material characterization
- Soil and water testing
- Nutrient leaching experiments
- Soil nutrient incubation and nutrient release studies
Develop a company-specific scientific knowledge inventory of various materials and their impacts on phosphorus-soil behavior
Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis on raw materials using laboratory experimentation

Responsibilities for All Associates

Troubleshoot instrumentation and ensure proper repair as needed
Maintain a high level of scientific integrity and laboratory safety
Record and manage experimental procedures and data in proper database and notebook structures
Organize maintain and manage small-scale laboratory equipment supplies and chemical inventory
Prepare setup operate tear down and clean all equipment materials and supplies for lab experiments
Translate and communicate research findings and complex statistical information to stakeholders
Prepare verbal and written technical reports and presentations to explain experimental findings

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/ABILITIES: The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate core competencies in the following areas:

Demonstrated success prioritizing and managing work requests from multiple sources and in meeting deadlines; superior time management skills and keen attention to detail are essential
Ability to exercise ethical prudent judgment and problem-solving in the absence of direct supervision
Ability to communicate collaborate and build strong working relationships with others
Ability to work independently learn new skills quickly and take initiative
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced performance-driven environment and assume personal ownership of R&D activities and outcomes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including mastery of correct grammar spelling punctuation syntax and tone
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written oral diagram or schedule form
Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry
Strong math skills including the use of statistic formulas charts and tables
Critical thinking and problem solving

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors degree in Chemistry Biology or related physical science field from an accredited university or college however candidates with two years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Has a university-level understanding of scientific methods chemistry and laboratory techniques
Day-1 Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook Excel PowerPoint and Word)
One or more years of laboratory research experience outside an academic setting
Experience with basic analytical chemistry (qualitative and quantitative analysis) as well as spectroscopy spectrophotometry and microscopy
Valid drivers license and ability to travel between multiple locations as needed
Background checks (criminal/education/employment/reference/credit/DMV) will be performed; results must be satisfactory to the company.
If hired must adhere to all company policies and procedures and other prescribed best practices/industry standards

DESIRED EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES (THESE ARE A PLUS!)

Demonstrated experience with lab design and setup
Basic understanding of agronomy soil science and greenhouse lab practices
Experience with computer programming
Material Science experience

SALARY RANGE:The anticipated annual salary range is $44000$50000. Compensation will be determined based on relevant experience skills and qualifications.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift 40 to 50 lbs (occasionally)
Infrequent sitting standing moving forward/back/side-to-side and working around laboratory equipment is required; where exposure to electrical currents vibrations fumes odors dusts gases chemicals oils sealants solvents and other compounds is possible
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time

POSITION LOCATION: The successful candidate must be able to report to work in State College PA. This is not a remote position.

TO APPLY: Tell us why you are interested in this position and your desired salary in the cover letter section of this posting. Include your resume answer a few questions then click submit. Its that easy to apply right now!

This is an IMMEDIATE opportunity BUT we are looking for an awesome new team member so the position will remain open until filled.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This company does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
The Company reserves the right to alter change modify and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice or obligation. No recruiters please; principal applicants only.

***

The job is primarily performed indoors in a traditional office setting; The employee is constantly required to talk hear stand or sit for extended periods of time while using a computer telephone or other productivity devices tocommunicate with other personnel and conduct performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently uses hands to: finger handle feel or operate objects and computer keyboards. The employee is occasionally required to climb balance stoop bend kneel crouch or crawl squat turn/twist and smell. The employee must frequently lift carry push or pull up to 10 pounds and/or occasionally lift carry push or pull up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

* * *

Phospholutions Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation familial status gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

* * *

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process please send an e-mail toemailprotectedand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Required Experience:

Junior IC

WE ARE MINDFUL ORIGINAL & BOLD At Phospholutions our mission is simple. We are enhancing the efficiency of global phosphorus use. Phospholutions Inc. is an award-winningand venture-backed agtechstart-up company enhancing global phosphorus use. Phospholutions is experiencing exponential growth after ...

Prepare samples of granular products for quality control experiments including pH analysis moisture bulk and tap density crush strength filtering size distribution by sieving measuring etc.
Communicate with internal teams and outside partners across production warehousing and logistics to ensure samples are properly labeled packaged and shipped for quality control testing and to align research objectives with business needs

Key Raw Materials Testing Responsibilities

Prepare standards and chemical reagents (i.e. acids bases alcohols etc.) for use in completing experiments troubleshooting testing and data acquisition
Support experimental design research planning and data analysis
Collaborate with other R&D team members to develop and carry out tests experiments and studies to include:
- Phosphorus adsorption and desorption studies
- Raw material characterization
- Soil and water testing
- Nutrient leaching experiments
- Soil nutrient incubation and nutrient release studies
Develop a company-specific scientific knowledge inventory of various materials and their impacts on phosphorus-soil behavior
Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis on raw materials using laboratory experimentation

Responsibilities for All Associates

Troubleshoot instrumentation and ensure proper repair as needed
Maintain a high level of scientific integrity and laboratory safety
Record and manage experimental procedures and data in proper database and notebook structures
Organize maintain and manage small-scale laboratory equipment supplies and chemical inventory
Prepare setup operate tear down and clean all equipment materials and supplies for lab experiments
Translate and communicate research findings and complex statistical information to stakeholders
Prepare verbal and written technical reports and presentations to explain experimental findings

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/ABILITIES: The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate core competencies in the following areas:

Demonstrated success prioritizing and managing work requests from multiple sources and in meeting deadlines; superior time management skills and keen attention to detail are essential
Ability to exercise ethical prudent judgment and problem-solving in the absence of direct supervision
Ability to communicate collaborate and build strong working relationships with others
Ability to work independently learn new skills quickly and take initiative
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced performance-driven environment and assume personal ownership of R&D activities and outcomes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including mastery of correct grammar spelling punctuation syntax and tone
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written oral diagram or schedule form
Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry
Strong math skills including the use of statistic formulas charts and tables
Critical thinking and problem solving

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors degree in Chemistry Biology or related physical science field from an accredited university or college however candidates with two years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Has a university-level understanding of scientific methods chemistry and laboratory techniques
Day-1 Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook Excel PowerPoint and Word)
One or more years of laboratory research experience outside an academic setting
Experience with basic analytical chemistry (qualitative and quantitative analysis) as well as spectroscopy spectrophotometry and microscopy
Valid drivers license and ability to travel between multiple locations as needed
Background checks (criminal/education/employment/reference/credit/DMV) will be performed; results must be satisfactory to the company.
If hired must adhere to all company policies and procedures and other prescribed best practices/industry standards

DESIRED EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES (THESE ARE A PLUS!)

Demonstrated experience with lab design and setup
Basic understanding of agronomy soil science and greenhouse lab practices
Experience with computer programming
Material Science experience

SALARY RANGE:The anticipated annual salary range is $44000$50000. Compensation will be determined based on relevant experience skills and qualifications.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift 40 to 50 lbs (occasionally)
Infrequent sitting standing moving forward/back/side-to-side and working around laboratory equipment is required; where exposure to electrical currents vibrations fumes odors dusts gases chemicals oils sealants solvents and other compounds is possible
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time

This is an IMMEDIATE opportunity BUT we are looking for an awesome new team member so the position will remain open until filled.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This company does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
The Company reserves the right to alter change modify and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice or obligation. No recruiters please; principal applicants only.

***

* * *

Required Experience:

Junior IC