Chemist- Product Development
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![]() United States, Virginia, Charlottesville | |
![]() 1670 Discovery Drive (Show on map) | |
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Position Purpose: The Chemist will provide support to develop novel solutions for current and future projects encompassing chemistry, biochemistry, and other analytical techniques. This includes the utilization and development of instrumentation and approaches to perform chemical detection and identification as well as the utilization of data analysis approaches to produce novel chemical tools and capabilities.The chemist will analyze samples from various sources to provide information on compounds or quantities of compounds present, using analytical techniques and instrumentation, such as gas and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ion mobility spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy (infrared and ultraviolet, amongst others). The chemist will provides support in the design, development, testing, and evaluation of new products, applying knowledge of engineering and chemistry. The chemist will review and evaluate designs for improving performance or other factors, or to obtain data for development. The chemist will plan, research, analyze, synthesize, and experiment with substances for product development and application, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and improvement of chemical analysis methodologies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Develops and tests new products, applying knowledge of engineering and chemistry. * Analyzes the chemical nature and make-up of substances using a variety of modern analytical techniques, methods, and high technology instrumentation. * Collaborates with cross-functional teams and vendors to define, design and deliver new products, technical solutions, and enhancements that work cohesively and meet the needs of the company, its clients, and the end users. * Supports tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate approaches for improving performance or other factors, or to obtain data for development, standardization, and quality control. * Analyzes indicated and calculated test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modifies or adjusts equipment to meet specifications within strict configuration control guidelines. * Interprets data and adheres to strict guidelines on documentation when recording data. * Confers with scientific, engineering, and technical personnel to resolve testing problems, such as product or systems malfunctions, incomplete test data, and data interpretations considering such factors as conditions under which test was conducted and instrumentation, procedures, and phase of test used to obtain and record data. * Analyzes and interprets test data and prepares technical reports for use by product development lead and management personnel. * Determines nature of technical problems and possible solutions, such as product redesign, substitution of material or parts, or rearrangement of parts or processes. * Maintains awareness of and remains up to date with health and safety issues in all aspects of the testing undertaken. * Deliver technical instruction and training on develped products and chemical related threats. * Supports on site testing at customer sites for extended periods of time to support training and product development activities. * Interact with clients (on and off-site) and present technical data through presentations and report writing. * Help grow the Operational Solutions business area through the successful and timely execution of projects, positive interactions with clients, recognition of opportunities for follow-on work with existing clients, establishment of new opportunities with alternate clients, proposal development and writing support, and maintaining a presence at marketing and business development meetings/conferences. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Required KSA's * Ability to design and deliver technical presentations specific to the target audience * Excellent interpersonal skills * Proficient with MS Office * Attention to detail, and the ability to appropriately document work and adhere to safety protocols. * Ability to manage multiple on-going tasks efficiently and with little to no supervision. * Understanding of chemistry and product development * Oral and written communication skills * Analytical and problem-solving ability * Must be able to work as part of a team Desired KSA's * Aptitude for, and interest in instrument design and product development * Direct experience with instrumentation specifically gas and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ion mobility spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy (infrared and ultraviolet) Education/Experience: Successful candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry or a related scientific discipline. At least 2 years of directly relevant professional experience is desired. Relevant work in a graduate program will be considered in lieu of work experience. Certificates and Licenses: None Clearance: Candidates must be willing to submit and be eligible for a DoD secret clearance (i.e., must be subject to and pass a background investigation and must be a U.S. citizen). Candidates with an active security clearance will receive preference. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Working Conditions/ Equipment: The candidate is expected to work and/or be available during regular business hours. Extended work days and/or weekend work may be required during training events. The candidate is expected to work in a laboratory and/or field environment that will include working with chemical and environmental hazards. Domestic travel is required for up to 50% of the time.Will split time working in the laboratory and at a computer. Must be able to stand for extended periods while doing lab work, sit for extended periods and work at a computer, and carry light loads (<25 lbs) without assistance. The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. |