Analytical Scientist - R&D

Make a +Difference at Kraton!

At Kraton, we make a +Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world.  We are looking to hire a key member of our Research & Development team at our Innovation Center in Savannah, Georgia. 

The Scientist primarily performs routine scientific work, evaluating, selecting and applying standardized scientific procedures and techniques to assignments with clear objectives or investigations with limited variables/complex features. For training purposes, assignments may include some work that is typically of a higher level.

We believe in making a +Difference, as a global manufacturer of sustainable specialty polymers and biobased pine chemicals, delivering innovative, high-performance solutions.                  
We’re proud to offer benefits that meaningfully support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. 

Some of the benefits offered are:                
                

• Medical Insurance, including TeleDoc - multiple plans available with Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account options                
• Dental & Vision Insurance                   
• Health Advocate – free support to help you understand your coverage and answer questions                 
• Life Insurance – base coverage paid for by Kraton with option for additional coverage                 
• 401k – Kraton provides matching contributions based on enrollment level                  
• Employee Assistance Program – provided at no cost to employees                        
• Accident, Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance                  

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct all facets of Analytical experimentation / testing required in the development and commercialization of new and improved products and services for Kraton Chemical customers.
• Evaluate new technologies to provide improved and novel Analytical solutions to support new product development and competitive intelligence.
• Work directly with internal and external partners to bring world-class technical solutions problems and assist the market and sales team in providing data and information that will enhance our competitive position.
• Support manufacturing initiatives to improve operational effectiveness by providing Analytical support to plant trials, performing required lab testing / characterizations, interpreting results, and providing recommendations on process conditions and changes.
• Maintain knowledge of competitive products and applications test procedures.
• Recommend, evaluate and interpret 3rd party Analytical data.
• Establish contacts and networks with internal/external customers with limited guidance.
• Independently assess and discuss customer needs, propose and execute proper approaches to problem solving.
• Independently report experimental results to internal/external customers or team members.
• Participate in the definition of own development needs in technical expertise, business, personal skills and application.
• Direct supervision of one or more exempt and/or non-exempt personnel is required.
• And other duties as assigned to safely perform.

Required Skills

• Minimum of 2-5 years of related experience. 
• Strong background in applications and methods development relating to chromatography, thermal analysis, molecular spectroscopy, and atomic spectroscopy.
• In-depth understanding of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures relevant to Analytical Chemistry, sufficient to follow and influence.
• Ability to direct/refine a research study by advancing new ideas and views.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, senior management, clients, customers, and general public.
• Ability to document, report and present work in written summary forms.
• Ability to provide training on topics within the field of expertise.
• Ability to work closely with internal/external customers and establish strong relationships to drive innovation projects.
• Ability to coach, mentor lower-level scientists.
• Ability to identify necessary workflow steps from project kick-off to achieve key milestones.
• Ability to use limited experience in making decisions on minor adaptations to assignments.
• Must be able to successfully manage small projects, timelines, and delegate to team members appropriately.

Education, Certifications & Licenses

• Master's or PhD highly preferred with up to 0-2 years related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or equivalent required, Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry highly preferred. 

--------------------------------------------------

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification.  Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Kraton’s internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies. We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.