Snr Research Scientist

Purpose of Job

Support applications-focused research and development activities at the Lake Charles site, with emphasis on surfactant-based systems, in alignment with global business strategies and objectives to ensure profitable growth. Develop, formulate, and test new surfactant-based and specialty chemical products for use in application areas that include metalworking fluids and industrial lubricants.. Demonstrate the value of existing and experimental Sasol products, particularly alcohols and surfactants, in relevant markets to support specialty chemical sales. Provide technical support at conferences and customer meetings as needed. Mentor and develop less experienced R&D team members.

Key Accountabilities

• Supports research projects that address the technical objectives of the research group by providing formulation and application expertise utilizing existing and new products for a variety of applications that use surfactants and alcohols, preferably in metalworking fluids and industrial lubricants. .
• Identifies and leads the development of technical solutions to key problems/issues known within the R&D function.
• Provides technical expertise and support to research team; leads significant technical initiatives within R&D and the site and handles multiple projects simultaneously.
• Understands technical requirements and recommends R&D objectives, defines what is needed in terms of equipment, etc. and sets appropriate priorities and project goals with supervisor and project teams to meet technical needs
• Demonstrates competencies regarding key standard techniques commonly used in the laboratory
• Responsible for method development, operation and maintenance of instrumentation in their area(s) of expertise, and communication of accurate and timely analytical results
• Critically evaluates, documents, and presents technical results.  Use of electronic laboratory notebook required. 
• Attends, networks and presents at key conferences
• Works with global cross functional team to develop and commercialize new products.
• Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders within research group, LC R&D department, global R&D departments, sales and marketing.
• Responsible for reporting US R&D activity into Global Sales and R&D teams.
• Responsible for generating new ideas to identify unexplored applications and product offerings for developing intellectual property in the fields of metalworking fluids and industrial lubricants
• Ability to travel as needed
• Adheres to safety, health, and environmental procedures

Formal Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferred) or MS or BS in chemistry or other physical science

Working Experience

5 years relevant experience

Required Personal and Professional Skills

• Proven formulation expertise and hands-on experience, ideally including surfactant systems, alcohols and additives.
• Background in metalworking fluids and/or industrial lubricants preferred
• Formulation knowledge and experience required
• Knowledge of tribology preferred
• Experience providing technical support to customers required
• Experience commercializing new products required
• R&D Project management experience required: Plan, initiate, and run projects to conclusion with necessary interaction with R&D, Marketing and Sales, and customers
• Ability to effectively solve problems and reach data-based conclusions in multiple technical areas
• Effective interpersonal skills to work with internal and external customers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Customer Focused
• Solutions Driven