Scientist III

Job Overview

Western Research Institute RenuMAT (Renewable Upcycling, Materials, and Asphalt Technologies) Team (Full-time with benefits)

Scientist III

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Scientist III to join our dynamic research and development team. In this pivotal role, you will lead complex laboratory experiments, develop innovative analytical methods, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Your expertise will drive the advancement of our scientific initiatives, supporting product development, quality assurance, and regulatory submissions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects within a collaborative and fast-paced environment dedicated to scientific excellence.

SUMMARY:

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory experiments and analyses to determine the composition, molecular structure, and properties of substances to develop new materials and processes, and to investigate the transformations of the substances. Must be able to work with a wide range of solvents, temperatures, and pressures. A portion of work for this position will be dedicated towards running and maintaining analytical equipment including HPLC and GCMS. This position will also require significant high-temperature asphalt blending, aging, solvent extraction, solvent removal, and other asphalt-related duties. Attention to detail and good note keeping, labeling, cataloguing, and organization are necessary. Other duties such as maintaining safety equipment and maintaining chemical inventory are required. Understand overall goals for a project and how these goals will be achieved. Contribute to research projects from initial concept to completion. Training for, and supervision of, laboratory experiments and analysis.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Team Leader of Scientists who works under limited supervision and performs the most difficult and complex tasks of a Scientist.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervise and train Scientist I, II, and Technicians.

JOB DUTIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not prevent the assignment of work that is appropriately related to this class.

· Follow safety protocols at all times. Maintains clean and safe operations, equipment, and work environment.

· Conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses using lab instrumentation and chemical procedures.

· Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents.

· Analyze organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, utilizing analytical and wet chemistry techniques.

· Conduct research into composition, structure, properties, relationships, and reactions of matter.

· Operate chemical and mechanical testing equipment. Induces changes in composition of substances by introduction of heat, light, energy, pressure, vacuum and catalysts.

· Record observations and results from tests and experiments.

· Prepare data, write-ups, and analyses for supervisory review.

· Prepare data analyses and technical reports for review by the supervisor. Propose innovative solutions, new projects, initiates ideas for intellectual property, and support the development of new products, processes, and techniques to appropriate supervisor.

· Understand project objectives and how to efficiently achieve those objectives.

· Independently provide data interpretation and analyses.

· Propose and test creative methods to improve experimental design.

· Propose and validate methods to improve experimental and lab-flow efficiency.

· Interact with a high level of emotional intelligence to detect and inform supervisor of any actual or potential conflicts between employees.

· Collaborate in the cross-fertilization of knowledge and know-how between business units.

· Participate in developing new measuring methods.

· Communicate test results to clients when requested.

· Cognizant of deliverables for projects and whether the deliverables are being met under the constraints of a project.

· Maintain experimental apparatuses and laboratory equipment. Troubleshoot instrumentation, analytical equipment, and experiments as needed.

· Maintain laboratory inventory.

· Request and replace worn or damaged items.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or equivalent field.

Advanced technical training or relevant college coursework.

A master’s degree in chemistry or an equivalent field is preferred.

Experience:

Minimum two years of experience as a Scientist II.

Coordinating and serving as a functional first-line supervisor.

Knowledge of:

· Chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of chemical processes, and the transformations they undergo.

· Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications to the job duties.

· Safety policies and practices related to the safe handling, use, transportation, and disposal of chemicals.

· Appropriate software necessary to maintain records, report results, and prepare reports and presentations.

Ability to:

· Operate and troubleshoot experimental apparatus, analytical equipment, and instrumentation.

· Understand information contained in Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and act accordingly in all areas of chemical management.

· Read, understand, and follow safety protocols and practices.

· Use and wear personal protective equipment properly and consistently.

· Collect, record, analyze, and interpret data.

· Prepare advanced data interpretation, accurate and detailed reports, slides, and presentations.

· Adapt to changing circumstances and priorities and act proactively.

· Lift and move heavy objects in a safe manner.

· Work as a team leader, train team members. foster a cooperative work environment and contribute to advancing project goals.

· Collaborate with supervisor to advance project goals.

· Provide innovative solutions and initiate new ideas and projects.

· Collaborate across business units to share knowledge.

· Engage all employees and client with a high level of emotional intelligence.

· Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Physical and Mental Standards

The physical and mental standards described here are representative of those that must typically be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Frequently sit at a desk for extended periods of time.

· Frequently walk and stand in a laboratory environment for prolonged periods.

· Frequently use finger dexterity and operate a keyboard and laboratory equipment.

· Occasionally lift and carry 50 pounds.

· Frequently use vision to read documents, view computer screens, and see close and distant objects.

· Frequently use speech and hearing to engage in conversation, in person, and over the telephone.

· Frequently exposed to heat, noise, fire, and chemical hazards.

· Constant safety when navigating environments containing airborne particles, vapors/fumes/odors, and toxic or caustic chemicals.

· Regularly utilize mental and emotional acuity for detail recall, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.

· In the event of an emergency, employee may be required to run short distances to evacuate a facility.

· Able to comfortably multi-task between project/client objectives, supervisor directives, and subordinate needs.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Noise level is moderate and may require hearing protection.

· Subject to heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Respiratory personal protective equipment may be utilized.

· Mandatory use of personal protective equipment such as eye protection and gloves to protect against hazardous substances.

· Job duties may occasionally require working extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule with supervisor approval for laboratory work.

To apply please send Cover letter and resume to:

Sabrina Ecker

Human Resources and Administrative Coordinator

secker@uwyo.edu

Pay: $74,000.00 - $117,500.00 per year

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Flexible schedule

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person