Job Responsibilities
Oversee technology. Acquire from outside sources, license outside
company. Oversee research within company. Technical advisor for
technology tranfers to plants.
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Job Requirements
PhD in Organic Chemistry with experience in asymmetric synthesis
and homogeneous catalysis. Knowledge of fine chemicals industry
and contacts therein - only gained by working in the field for
some years.
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Uppers
Meeting many people with problems where you may have a solution. Troubleshooting
- never know what the next problem will be. working at the cutting edge of
science with applications related to human health.
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Downers
The industry is global and you have to see people face to face.
(many would consider travel a plus but after many years...)
Pressure is sometimes on to solve a problem with (new) technology
that just isn't suitable.
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Lifestyle
When seeing new customers or presenting at formal meetings, smart business but
rest of the time is casual. As you get to know customers and colleagues well,
there is no need to put on a business face. Work hours vary by time of year.
Summer is slow as Europe goes on vacation but Spring and Fall can mean almost
full time travelling. Weekend travel is expected.
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Compensation
Not an easy one to answer as I have a special situation. Salary
~$120K with performance bonus of 15%. DSM doesn't give stock
options in US. Full health benefits, life insurance and 401K
which is 60% matched.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Pharmaceuticals stil have to be made and the molecules are
getting more complicated. Process chemistry is the place to be
for target molecule synthesis. To get to the top in the fine
chemical technical arena need to be sociable and interact with
people as well as having a broad area of expertise.
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