Sr. Research Scientist

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of associates so classified.

USALCO is the leading provider of aluminum-based component products used in water treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, the making of catalysts for oil refining, the housing market and other sectors. The right individual will have a can-do attitude, the ability to be part of a team while operating independently and consistently performs to very high standards.

JOB SUMMARY:

In this position a successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development of new chemical-based innovations for improved water treatment solutions to solve challenging customer issues in municipal and industrial water treatment applications. The successful candidate will collaborate closely across functions throughout the organization including marketing, sales, product management, engineering and manufacturing. The Sr. Research Scientist will lead the technical aspects of innovation-based programs from initial ideation and prospecting through final validation and commercialization ensuring that all projects are aligned with the company's strategic goals and objectives, helping to drive the overall vision and mission forward. The candidate will spend time both doing hands-on research as well as directing activities of others. In addition, the candidate will utilize expertise in water treatment chemicals to support the Usalco business across the organization.

The position requires a minimum of a PhD in chemistry or related field and ten years progressive experience in Industrial R&D in the water treatment space. Specific experience in coagulants, flocculants, corrosion control chemistries, treatments for disinfection by-products, and approaches to address contaminants of concern is required.

This position reports directly to the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, and this role is based in Baltimore, MD.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBITIES:

• Lead the development of new chemical technical solutions from the initial ideation and prospecting stage through final validation and commercialization in collaboration with cross-functional team using Usalcos New Product Development (Stage Gate) process
• Oversee the management of projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Monitor all aspects of project progress and provide regular updates to senior management
• Optimize the use of resource allocation to ensure efficient use of personnel, budget, and materials
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across multiple functions across the organization
• Develop innovative chemistries for water treatment, with special emphasis on programs for coagulation, flocculation, disinfection, contaminants of concern
• Develop research approaches, design and run experiments
• Prepare formulations, characterize materials and analyze results
• Supervise day-to-day activities of direct reports and provide coaching and training to any direct reports
• Hold regular team meetings to ensure the project meets timelines and deliverables
• Present approaches, results and conclusions on a regular basis to a broad multi-functional team
• Utilize and collaborate on digital tools related to chemistry-based solutions is a plus
• Utilize expertise in water treatment chemistry to support the Usalco business across the organization collaborating closely with Product Management, Engineering, Quality and Operations
• Utilize strong understanding of standard analytical methodologies to support above research
• Present results and lead meetings with internal and external stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:

• Technical professional with a PhD in chemistry or related field (chemistry or chemical engineering is preferred) and with at least 10 years of relevant industrial experience in the specialty chemicals and water treatment industries in technical or R&D role
• Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, excellent
• Experience developing innovative chemical technologies for municipal and industrial water treatment applications. This experience should include leveraging knowledge of fundamental physical and chemical properties, structure activity relationships
• Experience and expertise working with diverse coagulant chemistries including aluminum- and iron-based coagulants
• Excellent presentation skills, and the ability to work well with all levels in the organization
• Ability to work in a high-paced collaborative environment
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple, complex, time-sensitive projects
• Ability to work in a team environment with a high degree of initiative and self-motivation and flexibility to monitor and move projects forward quickly and safely.
• Proficiency with digital tools for data management (SharePoint, Microsoft Office) and strong record keeping skills
• Highly motivated with a hands-on approach to laboratory work
• Ability to travel domestically or internationally up to 20%
• Experience leading research projects that leverage an understanding of fundamental physical/chemical properties and structure activity relationships

EDUCATION:

• PHD in Chemistry or related fields

USALCO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a general policy, USALCO does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.