Chemist

PQ Corporation

 

Chemist – Conshohocken, PA

 


PQ Corporation is a leading producer of silicate, zeolite, and other performance materials serving the detergent, pulp and paper, chemical, petroleum, catalyst, water treatment, construction, and beverage markets. It is a global enterprise, operating in 19 countries on five continents, and along with its chemical businesses, includes Potters Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary, which is a leading producer of engineered glass materials serving the highway safety, polymer additive, metal finishing, and conductive particle markets.

 

This position will focus on preparing silica-supported polyolefin catalysts, conducting ethylene polymerization in bench slurry reactor and analyzing polyethylene properties.  Strong mechanical skills are required and knowledge in proper chemical and materials handling is desired.

 

Essential Job Functions:

 Prepare silica-supported catalyst on bench and pilot-scale.Conduct bench-scale catalyst activation and ethylene polymerization.Perform basic catalyst and polymer characterization.Plan experiments, analyze experimental results, document and report results to supervisor on assigned projects.Continuously refine and improve polymerization procedure.Share responsibilities of maintaining polymerization lab.Contribute to the overall HS&E in the technical community.

 

Job Requirements:

 Education/Experience – BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related physical sciences with 0 – 5 years of experience. Experience in inorganic synthesis and proper materials handling desired.Technical Knowledge/Skills – Good understanding of basic chemical and physical concepts. Knowledge in general chemical and material handling practices. Ability to plan and execute experiments with precision and accuracy, analyses of experimental results, carry out statistical analyses, and establish cause-effect relationships. Make suggestions and develop new investigative approaches on assigned projects. Specific skills are:

Ø  Knowledge in general chemical practices required.

Ø  Ability in following written procedures and improving upon existing procedures required.

Ø  Ability in conducting experiments with high precision and accuracy required.

Ø  Capability in analyzing and interpreting experimental results required.

Ø  Strong mechanical and instrumentation skills desired.

Ø  Knowledge in handling hazardous materials desired.

Ø  Hands-on experience in catalytic testing desired.

Ø  Knowledge in polymer chemistry desired.

 Freedom to Act/Supervision Received – Supervisor provides direction and guidance on assigned projects. Individual expected to contribute to the planning of the assigned projects, develop detailed experimental plans and execute plans. Discuss results and analyses with supervisor to drive the project to completion.Leadership – Acquire expertise in bench ethylene polymerization after 1-2 years in this position. Serve as the in-house “go to” person on issues related to bench polymerization.Communications – Routinely documents experimental observations and results through informal (such as Excel spreadsheet) or formal technical reports, or other established formats for distribution inside PQ.Budget Responsibility – Input to budget.

 

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k).  Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.