Sr R&D Chemist - Polymer Chemist - NewMarket Services Corporation

ABOUT US:

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY:              

Conducts complex and/or non-standard research, development, and/or performance testing activities to meet stated objectives of the Technology Development team. Focused on using theory and mechanism to drive innovation. May act as overall or technical project lead and direct the work of other technical team members assigned to the project.  High level of communication and presentation skill required.  Often responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time.

1. Performs and/or manages formulation, synthesis, and/or testing activities to meet established project objectives. Effective use and leadership of the Afton Product Development Process.  Designs approach, test plans, and milestones to project completion.
2. Develop fundamental understanding of lubricating oil performance, including developing structure/function relationships of componentry, reaction kinetics, dose-response relationships, and other mechanistic tools to deepen our understanding of our products. Use mechanistic understanding to design, and synthesize new components. Be able to practically characterize those components using standard analytical techniques, including NMR, MS, and spectroscopy.
3. Evaluates and interprets data, performance, and deliverables. Provides recommendations to R&D and project leaders regarding results, deliverables, progress and challenges.  Identifies and eliminates hurdles to successful project completion.  Conducts special projects as assigned.
4. Participates in technical and/or project reviews and presents findings as appropriates. Engages with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, process, marketing, etc. Assists in determining future direction.
5. Complete complex analytical testing procedures, in-depth analysis and interpretation and provide a detailed and accurate test report to the customer in a timely manner. Evaluate all test/project data to ensure accuracy, completeness and reasonability of conclusions. 
6. Complete collation of data, final interpretation and written test reports. Consult with the customer as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective and ensure that project goals are being met.
7. Lead or direct special research projects independently. Oversee technical activities and/or supervise technical team members assigned to the project.
8. Understand, comply, and promote safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
9. Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in Quality System related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
10. Represent Afton in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities. Maintain adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc.  Stay informed of advanced developments inside and outside of Afton.
11. Participate in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• BS/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• BS/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science and Engineering.
• Experience in different polymerization techniques, oligomer/polymer synthesis, monomer synthesis, surfactant synthesis, kinetic and mechanism study, and material characterization are necessary. Experience or background in polymer physics, polymer chemistry, surfactant chemistry, heterogenous systems, homogenous systems, polymer solution, polymer rheology, application of polymer science   
• Strong utilization of theory and mechanism to drive inquiry and find applicable solutions
• Ability to build structure activity relations in highly complex systems
• Use of statistical analysis software for analyzing large data sets is preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Decision Making - Decision making in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines and pressure; while based upon appropriate risk and authority
• Business Insight - The understanding of the basis for our business model and how that is realized in the market. The understanding of how business and operations are intimately linked. The ability to use information, practices & trends, affecting the business to engage and drive new strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.
• Analysis and Problem Solving - Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and questions all likely sources for answers; can solve complex problems and recognize complex patterns; utilizing all appropriate tools to reach a robust answer.
• Communication - The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively in an engaging and convincing manner.
• Coaching - The ability to provide the structure, environment and support for teaching, training and development of individuals and teams to enable them to achieve specific personal or professional results or goals.
• Managing Performance - Possessing the drive and focus to achieve challenging goals.
• Collaboration and Networking - The ability to work in and across Afton's organizational matrix to achieve business objectives, via engaging interactions and influencing without authority.
• Project Management - The ability to manage tasks and activities and achieve their completion within the agreed framework, across regional and organizational boundaries
• Innovation - The openness to new ideas and the ability to generate breakthrough solutions. Can develop, seek out, critically assess and implement new and value adding concepts.
• Dealing with Uncertainty - Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; doesn’t have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
• Demonstrates acceptable statistical applications to assigned area
• Consistent demonstration of safe lab practices and procedures

Working at Afton

Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits / Compensation - We offer competitive compensation and benefit packages that reflect our commitment to our employees. Our employees are our most treasured asset and we have dedicated resources that allow us to reward our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis - ensuring our compensation packages are competitive in the industry

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.