Senior Analytical Chemist / Scientist

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing

About the position

We are seeking an Analytical Chemist/Scientist with an in depth understanding of polymer structure, including both crystalline and amorphous phases. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with a variety of analytical techniques used for surface and material characterization. This role requires the ability to interpret complex data and provide expert insights into polymer structures and behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Apply FTIR microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, WAXS, SAXS, XRD and TOF SIMS to analyze and characterize materials and surfaces.
• Expertly interpret data to explain and differentiate between crystalline and amorphous phases of polymers.
• Develop and refine methodologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of material characterization.
• Utilize DHR (Dynamic Heat Rheometer), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), and DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) to investigate polymer rheology properties and thermal characteristics.
• Elucidate and analyze polymer phase behavior, including crystalline and amorphous characteristics, to support research and development efforts.
• Provide detailed analysis and recommendations to improve polymer performance and material properties.
• Use GSMS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) for the identification and separation of complex compounds and materials.
• Develop and validate analytical techniques for precise identification and separation in material science applications.
• Apply different techniques to complete analytical requests and write up detailed reports that summarize findings, interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Oversee the maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation.
• Design, validate, document and optimize analytical methods for applications in raw material analysis, technology and product development, and quality assurance.
• Engage with external organizations to acquire insights on new analytical techniques or conduct experiments.
• Provide training and guidance to technicians, engineers, and scientists on equipment usage, data analysis, and method development.
• Understand and analyze experimental results and draw meaningful conclusions using advanced techniques such as inferential data analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), chemometrics, etc.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative testing of chemicals, raw materials, and products using internal resources and external partners.
• Provide technical support for pilot and production film manufacturing to determine root causes of process failure and product defects.
• Work with scientists, engineers, and members of operations, sales, and marketing teams to interpret test results, develop new testing methodologies, and address development project needs.
• Partner with external vendors to develop new products and enhance current analytical techniques.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to manage sample submissions and coordinate analytical testing.

Requirements

• MS with research focus and/or PhD in Chemistry or Polymer Science (advanced degree preferred).
• Strong understanding of structure property relationships, polymer chemistry, fundamentals with solid conceptual skills.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise of thermal analysis and spectroscopy through at least 4-6 years work experience.
• Separation technique expertise preferred, e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS.
• Strong analytical, creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Good interpersonal skills to work with cross functional teams and with partners.
• Demonstrated understanding and use of basic statistics; familiar with Minitab, Jmp or similar statistical tools; familiar with six sigma, python, and relevant instrumentation software centers.
• Must be capable of working independently with limited supervision.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to direct technicians.
• Must have excellent organizational and project management skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurances.
• Short term disability and long term disability insurance.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Term life insurance and voluntary term life insurance.
• Transit flexible spending account (if applicable).
• Employee assistance program and identity theft protection.
• 401k and paid time off (vacation and sick days).