Job Details
TPC is embarking on a growth phase with a focus on expanding technology and new products which creates an excellent opportunity for someone to join our team and have a sizable impact. We are looking for a corporate Research Scientist (PhD Chemist or ChemE) that:
- help drive further growth in TPC s businesses through successful development and commercialization of new & improved processes & products. Development work in this position involves design of experiments, raw materials evaluations, process and equipment evaluations, formulation, scale-up support from laboratory trials to production, plant support, and technical service in support of commercialization. Having experience with lab scale reactor and purification systems (glass and/or metal, pressure systems) is a must.
- Research Scientist will interface with other 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.
- role also includes a level of (i) the optimization of existing processes to maintain our low-cost positions, (ii) conceptual design of future processes & facilities, and (iii) the translation of new scientific discoveries to actionable designs. This role will partner heavily with TPC's operations, process chemistry, and engineering teams.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work with ambiguous problems and create structure in a way that the problem can be investigated, solved and well understood. Demonstrated creativity & proactive approaches to identifying and creating value is a must. The successful candidate will demonstrate being a change agent and one who works with a sense of urgency, who is excited about problem solving and implementing technical developments.
Responsibilities include:
- for safety and working in an employee-lead safety organization.
- and executes safe and efficient lab experimentation. Participates in laboratory safety activities and leads lab-based management of changes.
- development utilizing lab scale systems either though hands on operation of equipment/analytical & complete data workup in spreadsheets or with the assistance of a Research Technician.
- R&D portfolio of projects and provides project leadership in areas of responsibility. Communicates to steering teams and business teams for strategic decisions.
- with significant independence from experimental planning/modeling through data presentation.
- abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- and participation in intellectual property development and identification of threats.
- frequently and documents work appropriately in the form of internal reports, technology manuals, knowledge management resources, external reports, laboratory notebooks and patents.
- mentor to both experienced and less experienced personnel in the group as well as outside the group in technology/operations/commercial.
Role Specific Knowledge:
- in designing and conducting lab development work using the highest standards using the scientific method.
- with building and maintaining pilot plant/lab testing units. Improving and modifying to meet testing needs. Experience using and troubleshooting analytical, method development and data analysis.
- process control and excel macro coding experience a plus.
- experience evaluating feasibility and potential value of new technology opportunities. Experience managing external development programs is a plus.
- techno-economic assessments for existing and incumbent processes, and use these models to inform R&D targets, process KPIs, and commercial decisions
- a flowsheet model of existing demonstration plant and validate against process data.
- Process Development Packages to handover new concepts to the engineering team.
- to deliver presentations or reports that distill complex ideas into clear results and proposals; communicates appropriately to influence internal and external audiences, including senior management.
- sigma green/black belt experience (a plus).
- Cause Investigation facilitation Apollo and/or Cause Map.
- experience (a plus): extractive distillation (C4s), polyisobutylene, Catofin/Houdry dehydrogenation, MTBE/DIB, selective hydrogenations (acetylenes, dienes, etc).
Behaviors that lead to success at TPC:
- a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work.
- nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of TPC culture.
- to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule.
- to make conclusions with limited data yet drives to make data-based decisions and conclusions.
- comfortable working in multiple roles (ie, wearing multiple hats).
- safety above all else.
- for others.
- problem solving.
- to learn and research new engineering/science concepts.
- Competencies: Influences, collaborates, focus on performance, proactive, agile, thinks analytically, and creates the new and different.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
- with equivalent/relevant experience to be considered.
- years of experience in the industry.
- years of experience in R&D, technology groups or similar.
Working Environment:
- working in an industrial environment
- to lift and move up to 25 pounds, climb stairs & ladders.
- to (infrequently) work shifts during pilot plant campaigns and operational turnarounds.
- to travel 10%
- part in operational TA where entry into vessels, towers, reactors. Taking part in catalyst change outs with catalyst handling vendors.
Flexible working schedule that allows for reasonable accommodations for working from home or remotely.