Research Scientist (Sylacauga, AL)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION  

• Leads various laboratory and pilot scale projects focused on the development of new polymer coated products, innovative polymer coating technology, chemical manufacturing processes and improvements of existing commercial processes used to produce polymer coated products. 

• Develops and conducts experiments and formulations using coated fertilizer products or polymer coating formulations with agricultural additives such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fillers, micro-nutrients, amendments, stimulants, or growth regulators.  

• Directs, coordinates, or advises scientific or technical personnel in test procedures for analyzing test products or materials’ physical properties. 

• Develops new products or production methods. 

• Analyzes compounds or products using scientific instrumentation to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactants. 

• Writes standard operating procedures (SOP’s), technical reports, patent applications, and assists with safety materials. Maintain product formulation documents. 

• Responsible for data collection, organization, analysis and communication of projects. 

• Works independently and as part of a multi-functional team, under the direction of the group leader, to determine experimental programs for product development.  

• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots and tests laboratory equipment and relevant documentation. 

• Proficient with manufacturing equipment, process design, and functionality 

• Skilled in Excel, Word, and related programs for planning experiments, organizing data, and summarizing test results. 

• Ability to develop a strong working knowledge of the lab, pilot plant, and plant operating procedures. 

EDUCATION: A Master’s or Ph.D.  in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline OR completion of bachelor’s degree in a C.A.S.E. field with 10+ years of research experience. 

WORK EXPERIENCE: Work experience in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers is most preferred, experience in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or bio-polymer research is preferred, 1-5 years of professional experience preferred. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: None 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Able to work independently and plan own work. 

• Works with team members to maximize productivity and efficiency. 

• Collaborates with 3rd parties to develop or evaluate new technologies or products. 

• Provides technical expertise and guidance for various applications. 

• Communicates frequently with management to develop experimental plans, discuss results, and propose appropriate next steps. 

• Establishes and writes standards for products, processes, or procedures. 

• Works diligently to anticipate and meet the needs of our customers. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• The use of a computer and phone – Must be able to see, type, write, finger, grasp, and sit; must be able to use a mobile phone. 

• Communicating with internal and external customers – must be able to talk, hear, see, and comprehend.  

• Mobility of arms – Must be able to reach and use arms to manipulate small objects. 

• Mobility inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machines, and supplies – must be able to move about the office space, stand for extended period of time, reach, bend, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. 

• Physically fit for work primarily in a lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing environment, which includes long periods of standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 30 pounds. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• Work is routinely performed in the laboratory and plant environment. 

• Hearing protection may be required in certain areas. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: 

• Safety eyewear, footwear, earplugs and gloves are required to be worn in work areas. 

• Recommended (area specific): Respirator, Back brace, and safety suit, others. Will be provided by Harrell’s upon request.  

• Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in accordance with SDS recommendations.  

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTION  

• Leads various laboratory and pilot scale projects focused on the development of new polymer coated products, innovative polymer coating technology, chemical manufacturing processes and improvements of existing commercial processes used to produce polymer coated products. 

• Develops and conducts experiments and formulations using coated fertilizer products or polymer coating formulations with agricultural additives such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fillers, micro-nutrients, amendments, stimulants, or growth regulators.  

• Directs, coordinates, or advises scientific or technical personnel in test procedures for analyzing test products or materials’ physical properties. 

• Develops new products or production methods. 

• Analyzes compounds or products using scientific instrumentation to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactants. 

• Writes standard operating procedures (SOP’s), technical reports, patent applications, and assists with safety materials. Maintain product formulation documents. 

• Responsible for data collection, organization, analysis and communication of projects. 

• Works independently and as part of a multi-functional team, under the direction of the group leader, to determine experimental programs for product development.  

• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots and tests laboratory equipment and relevant documentation. 

• Proficient with manufacturing equipment, process design, and functionality 

• Skilled in Excel, Word, and related programs for planning experiments, organizing data, and summarizing test results. 

• Ability to develop a strong working knowledge of the lab, pilot plant, and plant operating procedures. 

•  

   

  SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Able to work independently and plan own work. 

• Works with team members to maximize productivity and efficiency. 

• Collaborates with 3rd parties to develop or evaluate new technologies or products. 

• Provides technical expertise and guidance for various applications. 

• Communicates frequently with management to develop experimental plans, discuss results, and propose appropriate next steps. 

• Establishes and writes standards for products, processes, or procedures. 

• Works diligently to anticipate and meet the needs of our customers. 

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• The use of a computer and phone – Must be able to see, type, write, finger, grasp, and sit; must be able to use a mobile phone. 

• Communicating with internal and external customers – must be able to talk, hear, see, and comprehend.  

• Mobility of arms – Must be able to reach and use arms to manipulate small objects. 

• Mobility inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machines, and supplies – must be able to move about the office space, stand for extended period of time, reach, bend, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. 

• Physically fit for work primarily in a lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing environment, which includes long periods of standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 30 pounds. 

•  

  WORKING CONDITIONS: 

   

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• Work is routinely performed in the laboratory and plant environment. 

• Hearing protection may be required in certain areas. 

• PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: 

• Safety eyewear, footwear, earplugs and gloves are required to be worn in work areas. 

• Recommended (area specific): Respirator, Back brace, and safety suit, others. Will be provided by Harrell’s upon request.  

• Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in accordance with SDS recommendations.  

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTION  

• Leads various laboratory and pilot scale projects focused on the development of new polymer coated products, innovative polymer coating technology, chemical manufacturing processes and improvements of existing commercial processes used to produce polymer coated products. 

• Develops and conducts experiments and formulations using coated fertilizer products or polymer coating formulations with agricultural additives such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fillers, micro-nutrients, amendments, stimulants, or growth regulators.  

• Directs, coordinates, or advises scientific or technical personnel in test procedures for analyzing test products or materials’ physical properties. 

• Develops new products or production methods. 

• Analyzes compounds or products using scientific instrumentation to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactants. 

• Writes standard operating procedures (SOP’s), technical reports, patent applications, and assists with safety materials. Maintain product formulation documents. 

• Responsible for data collection, organization, analysis and communication of projects. 

• Works independently and as part of a multi-functional team, under the direction of the group leader, to determine experimental programs for product development.  

• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots and tests laboratory equipment and relevant documentation. 

• Proficient with manufacturing equipment, process design, and functionality 

• Skilled in Excel, Word, and related programs for planning experiments, organizing data, and summarizing test results. 

• Ability to develop a strong working knowledge of the lab, pilot plant, and plant operating procedures. 

•  

   

  SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Able to work independently and plan own work. 

• Works with team members to maximize productivity and efficiency. 

• Collaborates with 3rd parties to develop or evaluate new technologies or products. 

• Provides technical expertise and guidance for various applications. 

• Communicates frequently with management to develop experimental plans, discuss results, and propose appropriate next steps. 

• Establishes and writes standards for products, processes, or procedures. 

• Works diligently to anticipate and meet the needs of our customers. 

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• The use of a computer and phone – Must be able to see, type, write, finger, grasp, and sit; must be able to use a mobile phone. 

• Communicating with internal and external customers – must be able to talk, hear, see, and comprehend.  

• Mobility of arms – Must be able to reach and use arms to manipulate small objects. 

• Mobility inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machines, and supplies – must be able to move about the office space, stand for extended period of time, reach, bend, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. 

• Physically fit for work primarily in a lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing environment, which includes long periods of standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 30 pounds. 

•  

  WORKING CONDITIONS: 

   

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• Work is routinely performed in the laboratory and plant environment. 

• Hearing protection may be required in certain areas. 

• PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: 

• Safety eyewear, footwear, earplugs and gloves are required to be worn in work areas. 

• Recommended (area specific): Respirator, Back brace, and safety suit, others. Will be provided by Harrell’s upon request.  

• Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in accordance with SDS recommendations.  

•  

  EDUCATION: A Master’s or Ph.D.  in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline OR completion of bachelor’s degree in a C.A.S.E. field with 10+ years of research experience. 

  WORK EXPERIENCE: Work experience in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers is most preferred, experience in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or bio-polymer research is preferred, 1-5 years of professional experience preferred. 

  LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: None 

•  

  EDUCATION: A Master’s or Ph.D.  in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline OR completion of bachelor’s degree in a C.A.S.E. field with 10+ years of research experience. 

  WORK EXPERIENCE: Work experience in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers is most preferred, experience in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or bio-polymer research is preferred, 1-5 years of professional experience preferred. 

  LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: None 

This is a full time position
Pay Range: