PLA Lab Specialist
POSITION PURPOSE:
As a Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Lab Specialist, you will be responsible for providing crucial technical abilities, to support production and testing of PLA, a biodegradable and bio-based polymer.
Your role will involve the lactide molecule and PLA polymer, characterizing properties, optimizing processes, and ensuring quality control.
You will work in a laboratory setting, collaborating with a team of researchers, engineers, and product developers.
Improvement efforts and project focused work will be key tasks in this role.
Key
Responsibilities:
Characterization and Analysis:
Utilize analytical techniques to evaluate PLA properties, such as relative viscosity, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and spectroscopic methods.
Interpret and analyze data to understand lactide and PLA behavior and performance.
Process Development:
Collaborate with NatureWorks employees to trouble shoot lab, product, and plant issues (includes NatureWorks staff from other locations) Involvement in MOC support work and production improvements Quality Control:
Support and improve quality control measures to ensure consistent PLA product quality.
Conduct routine testing and analysis to monitor product specifications.
Help maintain and improve lab data management systems, and lab documentation.
Identify deviations, troubleshoot issues, and propose corrective actions.
Experimental Design:
Design and execute experiments to study PLA-related parameters and testing.
As directed, investigate the influence of additives, processing conditions, or polymer blending on PLA properties.
Analyze and interpret experimental data to guide decision-making.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, observations, and results.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and contribute to scientific documentation.
Share findings and updates with the research team and stakeholders.
Safety and Compliance:
Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and regulations.
Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and waste materials.
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including researchers, engineers, and product developers.
Provide technical expertise and support for PLA-related projects.
Contribute to brainstorming sessions and problem-solving initiatives.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
2
Years related Experience Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymerization techniques.
Experience with PLA synthesis and characterization techniques.
Familiarity with analytical instruments and techniques used in polymer analysis.
Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and record-keeping abilities.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with a diverse team.
Adherence to laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Standard work hours; this position requires participation in laboratory, process modeling and production activities.
On occasion, shift staffing coverage, and/or support for production trials may require extra work hours on weekends, shifts, or odd hours Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; will follow Company safety and ergonomic guidelines to avoid injury.
Recommended Skills Attention To Detail Business Process Improvement Chemical Engineering Communication Coordinating Data Analysis Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
As a Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Lab Specialist, you will be responsible for providing crucial technical abilities, to support production and testing of PLA, a biodegradable and bio-based polymer.
Your role will involve the lactide molecule and PLA polymer, characterizing properties, optimizing processes, and ensuring quality control.
You will work in a laboratory setting, collaborating with a team of researchers, engineers, and product developers.
Improvement efforts and project focused work will be key tasks in this role.
Key
Responsibilities:
Characterization and Analysis:
Utilize analytical techniques to evaluate PLA properties, such as relative viscosity, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and spectroscopic methods.
Interpret and analyze data to understand lactide and PLA behavior and performance.
Process Development:
Collaborate with NatureWorks employees to trouble shoot lab, product, and plant issues (includes NatureWorks staff from other locations) Involvement in MOC support work and production improvements Quality Control:
Support and improve quality control measures to ensure consistent PLA product quality.
Conduct routine testing and analysis to monitor product specifications.
Help maintain and improve lab data management systems, and lab documentation.
Identify deviations, troubleshoot issues, and propose corrective actions.
Experimental Design:
Design and execute experiments to study PLA-related parameters and testing.
As directed, investigate the influence of additives, processing conditions, or polymer blending on PLA properties.
Analyze and interpret experimental data to guide decision-making.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, observations, and results.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and contribute to scientific documentation.
Share findings and updates with the research team and stakeholders.
Safety and Compliance:
Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and regulations.
Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and waste materials.
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including researchers, engineers, and product developers.
Provide technical expertise and support for PLA-related projects.
Contribute to brainstorming sessions and problem-solving initiatives.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
2
Years related Experience Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymerization techniques.
Experience with PLA synthesis and characterization techniques.
Familiarity with analytical instruments and techniques used in polymer analysis.
Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and record-keeping abilities.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with a diverse team.
Adherence to laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Standard work hours; this position requires participation in laboratory, process modeling and production activities.
On occasion, shift staffing coverage, and/or support for production trials may require extra work hours on weekends, shifts, or odd hours Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; will follow Company safety and ergonomic guidelines to avoid injury.
Recommended Skills Attention To Detail Business Process Improvement Chemical Engineering Communication Coordinating Data Analysis Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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