Analytical Chemist

POSITION SUMMARY:
TPC is embarking on a growth phase with a focus on expanding technology which creates an excellent opportunity for someone to join our team and have a sizable impact. We are looking for an Analytical Chemist that can operate in two modes:

• Analytical Subject Matter Expert (SME) that interfaces with production resources ( process chemist and production engineers) in the identification and characterization of process unknowns and polymers from commercial processes in support of our CC4, PIB and Butadiene(BD) businesses. A deep knowledge of various analytical techniques such as GC/MS, FTIR, GPC and NMR is routinely leveraged. Experience in the characterization of inorganic solids & catalysts as well as polymerization and inhibition chemistry is a plus. Experience with online analyzers and their sample systems is also a plus.

• Research Chemist that interfaces with R&D scientists, technical service and commercial partners in the advancement and development of process improvements and/or new product derivatives core to TPC Group's interests. Experience in organic synthesis of new molecules and their various applications including formulation in various rubber chemicals as well as CASE, fuel and lube additives and their formulations is a plus.
  
  • The Research Chemist will help drive further growth in TPC's businesses through successful development and commercialization of new & improved processes & products.

A fundamental understanding of organic/polymer chemistry and reaction mechanisms is required. The successful candidate will be one that demonstrates their ability to work with ambiguous problems and create structure in a way that the problem can be investigated, solved and well understood and clearly communicated to stakeholders. Demonstrate proactive approaches to identifying and creating value from these analytical learnings. The successful candidate will demonstrate being a change agent and works with a sense of urgency, is excited about problem solving and implementing technical developments.
Responsibilities include:

• Passion for safety and working in an employee-lead safety organization.

• Designs and executes safe and efficient lab experimentation. Participates in laboratory safety activities and leads lab-based management of changes.
• Data collection utilizing available laboratory analytical equipment though hands on operation of such equipment complete with final documentation.
• Operates with significant independence in experimental planning/modeling through data presentation.
• Stays abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Awareness and participation in intellectual property development and identification of threats.
• Communicates frequently and documents work appropriately in the form of internal reports, technology manuals, knowledge management resources, external reports, and patents.

• Technical mentor to both experienced and less experienced personnel in the group as well as outside the group in technology/operations/commercial.

Role Specific Knowledge:

• Conducting analytical experiments to elucidate structures of unknown materials as well as new product development through organic synthesis.
• Conducting research and experiments to analyze data and test hypotheses to gain an understanding of products and processes
• Applying sophisticated scientific understanding to research and development or plant problems to provide inventive solutions in satisfying the customer's request
• Collaborating with research and manufacturing functions throughout the projects to ensure successful project delivery
• Communicating research results to stakeholders through reports and presentations.
• Working in R&D, product development, plant troubleshooting, and general chemistry troubleshooting
• Experience in designing and conducting lab development work using the highest standards using the scientific method.
• Be able to show excellent problem-solving, process improvement and analytical skills
• Must be willing and able to present information to various levels of the organization in a clear and concise manner

Specific:

• Strong Experience desired in: Gas Chromatography Mass Spectral analysis (GC-MS), Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectral Analysis (Py-GC/MS), general gas chromatography method development and troubleshooting, Infrared spectroscopy, Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), multi column on-line gas chromatographs.
• Experience in carbon/proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) may be required as well as wet testing methods and environmental analytical testing and support.
• Have significant experience and a fundamental understanding of the analyses of discrete organic molecules as well as polymers.
• Have the ability to develop new test methods for in-depth product characterization.
• Show a solid understanding of organic structure, formation and property relationships.
• Be able to show excellent problem-solving, process improvement and analytical skills.
• Experience in sampling systems and techniques.
• Experience in small scale laboratory synthesis.
• Experience in polymer failure analysis and material compatibility such as gasket and seal testing.
• Root Cause Investigation facilitation - Cause Map Methodology.
• Particular experience (a plus): general C4 hydrocarbon experience, extractive distillation (C4s), polyisobutylene, Catofin/Houdry dehydrogenation, MTBE/DIB, selective hydrogenations (acetylenes, dienes, etc).

Behaviors that lead to success at TPC:

• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work.
• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of TPC culture.
• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule.
• Ability to make conclusions with limited data yet drives to make data-based decisions and conclusions.
• Be comfortable working in multiple roles.
• Emphasize safety above all else.
• Respect for others.
• Creative problem solving.
• Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts.
• Relevant Competencies: Influences, collaborates, focus on performance, proactive, agile, thinks analytically, and creates the new and different.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, (Master's or PhD preferred) with
• 10+ years experience in Analytical Chemistry.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D, technology groups or similar.

Working Environment:

• Comfortable working in an industrial environment
• Able to lift and move up to 25 pounds, climb stairs & ladders.
• Able to (infrequently) work shifts during pilot plant campaigns and operational turnarounds.
• Able to travel 10%
• Take part in operational TA where entry into vessels, towers and reactors in which analytical sampling and analysis would be required. In addition, environmental sampling within the plat may be required.
• Flexible working schedule that allows for reasonable accommodations for working from home or remotely.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)