R&D Scientist - Keystone Industries

Company Overview:

We are passionate about our employees.  We strive to create an environment that is stimulating and motivating and a culture that fosters mutual respect, teamwork, and career development.  Come join the Keystone team so we can build your career together!

In addition to competitive starting salaries, we offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, perks and programs that provide our employees the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. 

Please visit our website at www.keystoneind.com to learn more about Keystone Industries and career opportunities.

Position Details:

• Title: R&D Scientist 
• Schedule: ~8:30 am - 5:00 pm, M-F, with some flexibility. *This position is ONSITE in an office/lab setting
• Ideal Candidates: Ideal candidates will have at least 1 year of lab experience. Preferred experience: cosmetic/coatings/polymers manufacturing processes; aqueous formulation, preservation, OTC drugs, sterilization, and/or aseptic techniques.
• Location: Gibbstown, NJ (08027)

Essential Functions

• Under the guidance of senior laboratory staff, develop products to meet customer needs.  
• Work with analytical and quality teams to support daily activities and support sales/ customer initiatives. 
• Develop and verify formulas.
• Modify existing formulations to achieve desired product.
• Identify important scale up parameters and plant equipment to safely manufacture new formulations.
• Perform basic formula generation/data review tasks in New Product Launch software.
• Create product specifications for samples that are in development.
• Test and evaluate raw materials, intermediates and finished products.
• Create, maintain, and organize standards, physical laboratory notebook, and electronic documentation.
• Perform and maintain records for product and packaging stability.
• Assist in the maintenance of quality system, including but not limited to batch cards, QCAs, COAs and retains.
• Complete assignments, projects and prepare reports/project summaries, as required.
• Operate and maintain analytical equipment.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of laboratory SOPs and test methods.
• Clearly and concisely present research and data.
• Generate and review customer specific documentation.
• Work with QA/RA teams to support customer initiatives.
• Assist quality group in product quality investigations and troubleshooting.
• Sourcing new raw materials for projects. Understanding handling, guidelines, and limitations.
• Sufficient experience to work on routine projects independently, with minimal guidance needed.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment and work collaboratively to solve problems.
• Work safely with hazardous chemicals and waste.
• Participate in general upkeep of the laboratory.
• Complete special assignments as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of practical experience in a laboratory atmosphere. 
• Experience with cosmetic/ coatings/ polymers industry manufacturing processes preferred. 
• Experience with (but not limited to) aqueous formulation, preservation, OTC drugs, sterilization, and/or aseptic techniques preferred. 
• Knowledge of equipment and validation requirements preferred.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good presentation skills.
• Good mathematical skills – unit conversion, ratio, percentage.
• Good organizational skills.
• Computer proficient.
• Proficiency with MS Office - especially Excel.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good decision-making skills.

Education

• 4-year college degree in a technical field (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Engineering or similar).

Benefits/Perks:

• Medical, RX, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Medical, Dependent Care, & Commuter
• 401K Plan with Employer Contribution
• Voluntary Term Life/AD&D Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Weekly Pay
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Company social events throughout the year including tickets to sports events and concerts
• Free Lunch Daily (Gibbstown)
• On-site free Fitness Center with personal trainer (Gibbstown)