The Product Development Chemist will be responsible for developing new functional additives that can be utilized in an array of applications such as textiles, polymers and coatings. The incumbent will be responsible for creating new solutions and help drive the projects through Microban's innovation pipeline.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Identify new and improved existing chemistries for application in textiles and other materials. Additional experience with polymers is preferred. • Contribute to front end innovation to target customer unmet needs. Interviewing for voice of customer and extrapolating technical solutions. • Take ownership for projects from concept through development. • Discover new chemistries or combinations thereof through literature searches, market adjacencies and other background research. • Develop and commercialize functional (antimicrobial, odor reducing and others) additives that drive growth in key business segments. • Develop data to support proof of concept, which includes but is not limited to, stability testing, materials costing, performance testing, prototype development, and process development. • Design solutions with regulatory, safety, cost and sourcing availability in mind. • Collaborate with cross functional teams, such as regulatory, sales, marketing and supply. • Maintain detailed and accurate records for all experiments to ensure procedures and results are understood by colleagues and customers as well as to ensure potential marketing and patent claims can be supported.
SOFT SKILLS REQUIRED • Curiosity to consider new possibilities and look beyond the conventional. • Strong communication skills with the ability to adjust to the audience, especially when delivering scientific messaging. • Effective presentations skills that can influence internal stakeholders. • Effective ownership for assigned projects, despite obstacles. • Self-motivated and not deterred by taking risks or breaking new ground. • Driven by a need for excellence and supporting the business' growth. • Flexible enough to manage projects in various applications and objectives simultaneously.
QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university • Three to five years related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time.