Research Associate

Job Summary

The Research Associate/Associate Scientist will work full time and will work with the R&D team to research new devices, design and perform studies to support various projects and depending on education and experience level, help develop and formulate new products. The candidate should have excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and be familiar with Good Laboratory Practices.

Essential Functions

• Complete required ISO, analytical and other characterization testing on products, formulations, and raw materials
• Design, plan and execute laboratory experiments within defined project objectives, using established methods, scientific literature, and guidance from senior R&D team
• Prepare test specimens, formulations, standards, reagents, and materials in accordance with approved protocols, test methods, and standard operating procedures
• Keep an accurate record of experiments, results, observations, and preliminary conclusions in written reports, technical summaries, presentations, and laboratory notebooks
• Troubleshoot problems and take corrective actions to solve issues that arise within the laboratory or production; present findings and suggest solutions to the R&D team
• Assist production and development activities by weighing ingredients, preparing laboratory batches, mixing materials and following standard operating procedures and documenting processing parameters and evaluating physical and performance characteristics
• Support product verification, validation, stability, aging, shelf-life, and design-change testing by executing approved protocols and documenting results
• Create, follow and maintain SOPs, records, supplies, cleaning, maintenance/management of all laboratory equipment and work areas
• Conduct laboratory work in safe, efficient manner that ensures a safe working environment for colleagues
• Monitor processes to ensure consistency and reliability
• Collaborate effectively with Research and Development, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Product, Marketing, and other functional groups while working under the general direction of the senior scientific team

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelors in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or related field with 0-5+ years of experience or Masters in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or related field with 0-2+ years of experience
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and analytical skills
• Knowledge of basic computer skills
• Aptitude in performing the detailed job requirements noted below safely and proficiently

Preferred Education & Experience

• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices
• Familiarity with batch chemical manufacturing
• Familiarity with dental materials and/or medical devices is a plus
• Experience and understanding of spectroscopy techniques including UV-Vis, FTIR and Spectrophotometry
• Familiarity with mechanical testing of polymers is a plus
• Familiarity with ISO testing procedures

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to be on site 100% of working time
• Ability to be exposed to loud equipment on occasion
• Ability to be exposed to a filtered light environment on occasion
• Ability to be exposed to acids and raw chemicals on occasion
• Ability to lift various objects up to 20lbs
• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods of time