Research Associate I

1. Job Purpose 

(What is the main reason the job exists - what is the primary output or result? Example: “Plan, organise and control selling operations in order to achieve targeted sales turnover with reduced and controlled overhead costs.”)

Responsible for organizing, performing, and analyzing the results of chemical or product analysis, method development, applications and other directed and/or independent investigative testing. Responsible for interpretation of data and preparation and writing of associated formal reports.

2) Dimensions 

What quantifiable impact does the position have? Please overwrite the examples below.

Dimension

Metrics

Financial

N/A 

Staffing

No direct reports

Geographic

Global, but based in Taloja

Volume

~300 tests per month

Customers

All customers 

Technology

Analytical Techniques/Materials Analysis/Colloidal process

Work in the corporate technology center as a part of a collaborative team. May be called on to work on various projects as they arise with shifting priorities and timelines. Requires flexibility and curiosity for new assignments as well as persistence and diligence in routine tasks.

To be successful in this role, the incumbent must be well organized, detail oriented, self-motivated, and a team player.

To meet commitments and deadlines in face of high workload as follows: 

• Perform laboratory testing following all safety rules and with a good safety attitude
• Maintain data integrity (equipment, methods, and reporting)
• Obtain and deliver sufficient communication and information
• Balance an academic attitude with business objectives
• Have high throughput while maintaining housekeeping
• Continuously improve and operate as a world class testing lab

4) Principal Accountabilities

(4 – 8 major functions that comprise the job and the approximate portion of the year devoted to each)

1. Perform laboratory tests according to established procedures to further research projects.

• Analyze and characterize compositional aspects of carbon clack or formulation materials using specified testing procedures and all safe practice requirements.

45%

2. Method Development

• Develop and recommend new or improved test procedures.

10%

3. Calibrations and PM

• Maintain, calibrate, and monitor performance of testing instrumentation for best use.

20%

4. Report test results to support chemical analysis and analytical reporting.

5. Compile, analyze & interpret data, calculate results, report findings (LIMS) 
6. Create tabular and graphical representations of generated data (Report/Memo Writing)

15%

7. R&D Project Work

• Conduct independent and original investigative analyses.

 10%

5) Job Purpose of Direct Reports (delete if no direct reports)

No direct reports for this position

Position Requirements

Requirement 

Related Education & Experience 

Knowledge

• Knowledge of standard chemical laboratory practices
• Knowledge of instruments common to chemical laboratories
• Ability to follow established procedures
• Ability to attend to fine details
• Skill in written and verbal communications
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field with 3 - 5 years’ experience or,
• Master’s degree in science or related Field with 2 years of laboratory experience)
• Experience in a laboratory environment.

Skills

Skill in sample preparation, testing, and analyzing technical data as well as writing technical reports

Training on Microsoft office or technical writing

Preferred: 2-3 years guided research experience in a laboratory setting.

Ability

Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and provide basic diagnosis and decision making

Experience assisting or having responsibility for instrumentation upkeep.

Required Licenses /Certification

None

Misc. Requirements (travel, physical effort, work environment etc)

Ability to work in a chemical laboratory; handle solvents, carbon black, oils, nanomaterials.

Requires ability to wear personal protective equipment according to safety regulations and policy

Willing to travel and support plant QC laboratory approximately up to 10%, stand or sit for extended periods of time, willing to get dirty, present their self in a professional and courteous manner

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Analytical chemistry

Experience with analytical instrumentation, software, sample preparation, equipment repair, technical report writing and presentations.