Research Technician

LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc. (LSPI) is the global leader in the science of drag reduction. In 2014 LSPI was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, having previously been a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips 66. LSPI provides flow improver solutions, delivering strategic value to its customers by maximizing the flow potential of pipelines while increasing their operational flexibility, capacity and economic performance. LSPI works with companies in more than 35 countries to solve pipeline flow needs, treating more than 12 million barrels of hydrocarbon liquids a day and providing customers with a total package solution that includes flow improver products and the right injection equipment. LSPI leading brands are LiquidPower™, ExtremePower® and RefinedPower™.

LSPI consistently recruits the best and brightest. Put your valuable skills to work and join us!

The research technician will provide technical support, primarily in laboratories or pilot plants, to LSPI Chemists or Engineers. The technician will be responsible for safety constructing and operating laboratory, pilot plant, and field equipment and instruments. All associates are trained according to the area they will be assigned as part of LSPI’s Training and Development program. This is a safety sensitive position. The position may include other duties as assigned.

- Conduct lab and pilot-scale experiments with functional guidance from an Engineer or Chemist.

- Responsible for safely constructing and operating laboratory, pilot plant, and field equipment and instruments.

- Responsible for collecting, documenting, and recording in appropriate manner and location test data and test observations.

- Responsible for maintaining equipment, instruments, supplies, and chemicals in accordance with company and laboratory procedures.

- Responsible for reporting and troubleshooting operating problems.

- Responsible for reading, understanding, and following lab-specific work instructions and procedures as well as other verbal and non-verbal instructions.

- Responsible for maintaining calibrations checks on critical instruments in accordance with lab-specific guidelines.

- Responsible for working safely and reporting all incidents.

- Handle/move material using forklift.

- Perform general housekeeping daily.

- Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Associates Degree or equivalent experience.

- Demonstrated mathematical skills, mechanical aptitude, and manual dexterity.

- Ability to serve as a productive team member.

- Organize and plan individual work.

- Knowledge and aptitude for PC-based computer systems.

- High level of awareness of site and OSHA safety rules and responsibilities.

- Understands ordering, packaging, shipping and disposal requirements for laboratory chemicals.

- Knowledgeable of ISO system and procedures

- Good communication skills: oral and written.

- Develop and maintain chemical waste disposal systems.

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

- Detailed knowledge of chemistry and laboratory research.

- Ability to propose, design, construct, and operate laboratory equipment for research.

- Operate and maintain flow improver injection equipment.

- Control Room experience.

- Ability to propose, design, construct, and operate small-scale process equipment for research.

- Lead small project teams of local employees to successful outcomes.

- Ability to interface and program PC-based systems to laboratory equipment using Camile, Lotus Approach or other instrument interfacing applications.

- Lead safety groups and champion safety culture.

- Develop and maintain chemical waste disposal systems.

- Experience in oil and gas industry preferred.

Physical Job Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Must be able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.

- Must regularly lift and/or move tools, parts, equipment, hoses and fittings that weigh up to 50 pounds, and must have the ability to climb steps and ladders.

- Must follow Safe Lifting guidelines and must be able to lift or carry 50 pounds occasionally, as well as pushing/pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds at least 200 feet.

- Must be able to operate and drive a pallet truck and use both feet to operate vehicle foot controls when necessary.

- Must be able to sit for one hour a day, stand for two hours a day, and walk four hours a day.

Work Environment Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

- Occasionally works in outside weather conditions, including extreme cold or extreme heat.

- Is occasionally exposed to fumes, dust, or gases.

- Is occasionally exposed to airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, or other potentially hazardous materials.

- Possess required vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

- Will experience noise level in the work environment which is usually moderate.