Airswift is looking for a Research Specialist to work within their facility in Allentown, PA, for a 1-year assignment.
The position exists to support lab experimentation associated with the development and transfer of technology from lab scale to commercialization. The incumbent will be involved in lab operations including chemical synthesis, purification and analysis. The candidate will be required to function effectively independently and in work teams. The position is responsible for safe operation of their lab unit and thorough documentation of observations and results
Job Responsibilities:
- Laboratory synthesis in support of new product development, cost reduction and optimization projects.
- Able to work with a lead researcher to design and execute experimental programs.
- Skilled in the operation of a variety of types of equipment and has understanding of the critical aspects of each type of experiment to ensure meaningful results.
- Work focuses on reaction fundamentals, operating limit determinations and separations.
- Analysis of laboratory and plant samples using various techniques including but not limited to chromatography, spectroscopy, rheology and titrations.
- Shares knowledge of specific expertise with other colleagues to advance overall competency of the technology team.
- Design and mechanical construction of complex or non-standard types of laboratory setups and equipment. It can also include specification and procurement of components such as flow controllers, pumps, thermostats, etc.
- May have responsibility for maintenance and operation of multiple pieces of equipment or lab systems.
- Interfaces with vendors and contractors to execute lab projects.
- Assisting with plant trials at manufacturing locations to help with technology transfer.
- Effective communication and documentation of laboratory results, collection of lab data, some basic calculations and interpretation of results from technical experimentation.
- Preparation of summary reports.
- Active participation in lab safety program including training, laboratory inspections, job safety analysis, identification of hazard potentials and task observations.
- Lead or participate in a site safety subcommittee or assume responsibility for a specific safety program or task.
- Write safe work practices and participates in or leads design hazard reviews and management of change reviews.
- Follows the client’s site safety policies scrupulously and maintains an accurate chemical inventory.
- Owns the lab safety documentation and management of one or more process research laboratory units.
Required Skills:
- Good verbal and written communications skills.
- Proficiency with standard software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experienced in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all the basic analytical tools used in the team's projects.
- Can adjust analytical methods to ensure meaningful and accurate data.
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds of lab equipment or pails of material.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor or Associates degree in Chemistry or similar field.
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience, including work in a chemical laboratory research environment or pilot plant.
- 10+ years of relevant work experience in a chemical laboratory research environment preferred.
- Experience with organic or polymer synthesis required.
- Experience handling high pressure systems and catalysts is preferred.