Research Chemist

Position Summary

Active Minerals International (AMI), a JM Huber Corporation subsidiary and a leading global supplier of industrial mineral products, is looking for a motivated Research Chemist to provide technical support for various R&D projects in our R&D Center located in Houston, Texas. This position requires an individual with a background in chemistry or materials science and analytical instrument experience in chemical/analytical lab.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Executes experimental plans and assists in the planning, design and modification of experiments.
• Prepares, tests and evaluates industrial minerals-based materials using various sample preparation techniques and testing methods.
• Performs various new product application testing.
• Develops research plans and studies in support of specific program directions and initiatives.
• Interprets, evaluates, and interrelates research data and results.
• Provides technical support for plants and various internal departments and components of the company business.
• Characterize mineral phase, structure, morphology, chemistry using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (Rietveld refinement), X-ray fluorescence and other analytical instruments.
• Measures mineral physical properties such as particle size distribution, BET surface area, porosity, color, density, etc.
• Writes SOPs and/or work instructions for routine testing and project specific testing.
• Develops new sample testing procedures and processes.
• Analyzes, documents and organizes data and test results.
• Ensures timely and accurate delivery of reports
• Presents results to colleagues.
• Maintains a clean and safe lab working environment.
• Performs a pre-shift safety inspection daily; identifies/resolves and reports hazards.
• Working with EHS to maintain lab safety.
• Writing and reading technical papers, reports, reviews and specifications.
• Keeps up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments.
• Understands and performs testing to Customer, Quality, ISO, & ASTM requirements.
• Develop lab chemical inventory and hazardous waste storage and disposal program.
• Interprets, evaluates, and interrelates research data and results.
• Performs other duties and project as assigned.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• B.S. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geology, mineral engineering. M.S. preferred.
• Minimum 2 years post degree chemical/analytical lab working experience.
• Lab research experience with industrial minerals preferred.
• Hands-on instrument experience such as XRD (Rietveld refinement), SEM, XRF, BET surface area, particle size distribution analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and in writing computer programs for automated instrument data acquisition and processing.
• Valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions / Environment

Work is mainly performed in a chemical lab environment, with some work being performed in the field to include AMI and/or customer facilities.  Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in the lab and in the field. Able to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop and climb.  Able to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 pounds.  Manual dexterity required for operation of a computer keyboard and lab equipment. Vision and a sense of hearing are also required.

Key Competencies

Education

Total Rewards

J.M. Huber Corporation complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency.

Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as an applicant's skills, performance, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations.