The R&D Scientist role will be responsible for developing and optimizing chemical formulations and applications involving Dixie products. The objective of this role is to formulate products, drive innovation, plant support, develop solutions, and support customer requirements. This position will require a strong focus on chemistry, collaboration, problem-solving, and effective communication to enhance product performance and meet market demands.
Formulation Development: Develop and optimize chemical formulations for various applications, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards.
Comprehensive and expert in understanding of procedures, processes related to organic and inorganic chemistries, fundamentals and implementation.
Conduct experiments, generate test data, help in maintaining inventory, follow present. Product and Application Testing: Conduct application testing and validation to ensure they perform as expected in end-use applications.
Production support for existing processes/products - Improve the overall economics of existing processes via: reduced raw material usage, less expensive raw materials, decreased waste production, decreased energy consumption, increased productivity, etc. Assist with trouble-shooting of manufacturing problems. Become the resident chemical expert for process/product assignments.
Product/process development for new products - Work within Dixie as well as external partners of Dixie to grow Dixie's business in adhesives, coatings and composites, alkaline paper sizing, fuel and lube additives/functional fluids and life sciences utilizing the company's raw material and unit operations strengths
Collaboration with Quality and operations: Work closely with the Operations team to assist on technical, process and quality issues.
Should be able to lead new product development in areas related to Dixie products and Competencies with minimal supervision and timeliness in completing projects.
Technical Documentation: Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including formulation recipes, SDS, TDS, test reports, regulatory documents and application guidelines.
Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in product performance, cost efficiency, and application processes.
Qualifications
PhD/Advanced degree in chemistry or applied chemistry is required.
At least 5-10 years of experience in chemical formulations, application development and wet chemistry laboratory environment in the capacity of a research scientist/chemist.
Managerial experience is a plus.
Fundamental knowledge of chemistry, reactions, processes and applications related to Dixie products.
Familiar with basic engineering principles, chemical manufacturing operations, and process steps in a batch manufacturing environment.
Proven track record in project management and successful commercialization of chemical technologies.
Experience in providing technical support and troubleshooting to customers is a plus.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and software for formulation and testing.
Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
Experience in working in an industrial environment, predominately batch chemistry (at least 3+ years)
Skilled in using Microsoft Word, Excel
Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team
Should be able to operate various laboratory equipment and analytical tools: GC, LC, FTIR, GC-MS, UV-Vis, etc.
Ability to manage multiple projects at any one time
