Research Scientist

Job-ID: 14803; Location(s): Broomfield, CO 

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Responsible for assessing compliance of Viega’s plastics products to regulatory requirements through sample creation, testing and analysis of data.  Research of materials, additives, and processes to develop new products and improve standard products.  Serves as a primary contact for all chemistry related topics including formulations, chemical compatibility, and test method development. Supports the development of plastics using technical and chemical equipment, microscopic software programs and communication skills. Help select materials for specific products and develop new ways to use existing materials. Works with cross-functional teams to resolve product or process issues.  Laboratory management responsibilities include coordination of laboratory functions, testing, analysis, inventory control, maintenance of databases and equipment.

JOB DESCRIPTION DETAILS

Regulatory Toxicology Analysis

• Assess compliance for Viega’s products through simulating testing conditions of regulatory agencies according to specific standards including NSF 61, EPA 625 and other methods.
• Analyze and provide data interpretation for organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, and reactions; utilizing chromatography, spectroscopy and other analytical techniques.
•  Review internally and externally generated data and converts raw data into usable formats; ensures raw data is further refined specific to NSF testing guidelines.
• Develops new analytical methods and refines current methods to meet project needs
• Prepares toxicological samples for testing specific to NSF chemical pass/fail criteria.
• Attend industry related regulatory meetings to remain current in test methods, exposures and analysis.
• Prepares data analysis and status reports for various departments, including but not limited to R&D, Quality, Legal and Production as requested; effectively communicates status, progress and challenges internally and externally in written and verbal formats; ensures data and results are geared toward each project/audience.

Project Research and Testing

• Research of materials, processes, additives, applications, and treatments to improve product quality, performance, and toxicology; reviews areas of concern for potential needs to develop and increase testing capabilities.
• Develops and generates various statistical reports and formats in order to analyze applicable and non-applicable testing methods, chemical analysis and other data as needed; ensures statistical analysis performed is appropriate for each project.
• Primary resource for all chemistry related questions and testing including but not limited to product formulations, product applications, process interactions, lab equipment, analysis and environmental evaluations.
• Performs testing of competitor products to determine how they operate and compare with Viega’s products.
• Accurately completes data entry in laboratory notebooks, logbooks and reports.
• Identifies and maintains relationship with 3rd party testing laboratories to conduct testing that is outside of our internal capabilities.

Analytical Lab Management

• Provides maintenance and troubleshooting on gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer (GC/MS) machines and equipment, including but not limited to calibrating and tuning, cleaning detectors, trimming, and changing columns; septa changes; oil changes of vacuum system; inlet cleaning and inlet to detector changeovers, etc.; prepares and maintains troubleshooting and tune-up logs and reports.
• Maintains an inventory of lab supplies and coordinates with Purchasing to acquire new supplies.
• Maintains and updates laboratory databases; provides raw results and literature research as requested.
• Maintains Chemical Log by cataloging expiration dates of standards and chemicals.
• Researches and determines additional chemicals needed for future research and testing and ensures proper disposal of all expired chemicals.

Cross – Functional Support

• Works closely with cross-functional teams to coordinate lab functions, testing and critical projects; ensures required testing is complete, including outside testing if necessary and that all critical parameters are evaluated.
• Works with cross-functional teams troubleshooting product issues through systematic review of potential drivers; development of internal or external testing and validation to define the course for resolution.
• Creates adequate documentation of research for all work performed, including conclusions and recommendations.
• Coordinates with cross-functional teams to understand product line strategies; ensures products are in alignments with goals.
• Works with Customer Service to approve or disapprove product exposure to typical job site chemicals to ensure no negative impact to physical or toxicological characteristics.
• Assist cross-functional teams with innovative and development efforts for new products, processes, and technologies.

Other

• Attends meetings as required and/or assigned.
• Performs other duties as required and/or assigned.

Special Job Dimensions

• Will be required to travel up to 10% of the time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, SAP
• Excellent organization skills with high attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization
• Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate a high level of responsibility and multiple priorities
• Ability to present ideas utilizing user-friendly language
• Ability to be self-motivated and directed
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals, procedural documentation and OEM guides
• Ability to direct and manage a high functional team
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Ability to perform with superior service, reflecting a positive company image while sustaining a positive attitude with those you interact with; always going above and beyond to help others out, regardless of their position or department.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standards of quality while continually performing at the highest possible level.

Education, Certification/License & Work Experience

• BS Degree in analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, material science, or related discipline
• AND
• 5 - 10 years of analytical laboratory experience and or scientific research/ material science.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Are you ready to be part of Viega’s adventure?

Total Rewards Package: 

Compensation: 

• Base: $107,000 - $140,000 annually (CO), based on specific compensable factors including, but not limited to education, work experience, and geographic market. 
• Bonus: This role will be eligible for participation in a discretionary annual bonus program, pursuant to which an employee may be awarded a percentage of their salary based on the company’s performance and their own individual performance.

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Wellness Program
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Voluntary Benefits (Life, AD&D, Disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7.5% company contribution
• Time Off Programs - 22 days Paid Time Off (PTO), 9 Company Holidays, 2 Volunteer Days

Application Window: 

• Posting Date: 09/04/2024
• The application deadline for this job is: 09/27/2024

Your contact person:

Johnathan Nuthall  -  John.Nuthall@viega.us - +1 (620) 798-9059 

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