Laboratory Technician – Catalysis Research

Job title: Laboratory Technician – Catalysis Research

About the Role

This role operates small reaction systems and benchtop lab process units to support materials synthesis and catalysis R&D. It involves performing material characterization, data analysis, and contributing to the development and optimization of catalytic materials. The position requires maintaining reactor systems and analytical equipment, and communicating technical results clearly.

What You'll Do

• Operate small reaction systems and benchtop lab process units in support of materials synthesis.
• Perform characterization of catalytic materials using advanced analytical techniques.
• Support research, development, and optimization of catalytic materials by providing critical data on thermal stability, surface properties, and active site density.
• Manage all aspects of benchtop formulation and/or lab reactor operations, including the safe and efficient execution of experimental programs defined by researchers.
• Maintain reactor systems and analytical equipment, troubleshooting, unit design, modification and management of spare part and chemical inventories.
• Demonstrate ability of succinct technical writing, electronic files, understanding complex unit P&IDs, and drawing unit flow diagrams.
• Exhibit good communication skills for understanding and describing scientific observations, experimental plans and results, equipment and material design concepts.

What We're Looking For

• B.S. degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or related field.
• Familiarity with pressurized equipment, pumps, compressors, gauges and sensors, piping, computerized unit controls and interfaces, data acquisition, and data processing.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory operations, such as operating batch and continuous laboratory reactors interfaced with Honeywell and/or LabVIEW control systems, titration, distillation, filtration, chromatography, extraction, catalyst formulation and working in glove box.
• Hands-on experience with characterization techniques, such as chemisorption, physisorption, GC, IR, NMR, DSC/TGA, XRD or SEM.
• Knowledge of scientific concepts, such as gas laws, chemical concentrations, mass and energy balances, chemical formulas and equations, as well as scientific calculations for chemical preparations, mass balances, quantification of chemical components.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and the ability to use software for controlling laboratory hardware and scientific calculations.
• Effective in a team working environment, enjoys challenges, and committed to lifelong learning.
• Strong familiarity with safe laboratory practices, handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• Organized, punctual, and takes full responsibility for laboratory procedural compliance and maintenance of a safe working environment.

Nice to Have

• Organic and / or inorganic synthesis skills are a plus.
• Experience with advanced sorption modeling and thermal analysis software.
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis and industrial applications.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Origin, MATLAB).

Compensation & Benefits

• Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life.
• Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match.
• Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as Flex your Day, providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing.
• Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you.
• Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness.