Job Responsibilities
There are a variety - Troubleshoot current production issues (0 -
50% of my time any given week); Scope out totally new process
ideas (reactions, process conditions, etc.) (2 - 100%)(this is
typically what one is hired to do, but current operations wins
out often); Support technology licensing program (0 - 25%) (we
sell our process technology around the world and need to keep
ahead of any and all competitors); Other "firefighting" -
customer complaints, etc (0 - 25%).
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Job Requirements
The job I hold requires at least one advanced degree (MS or
Ph.D.) in chemistry (discipline either organic or analytical).
Additionally, the ability to interface effectively with
engineers, non-technical professionals within the company and non-
english speaking professionals from our licensees everyday.
Excellent computer skills (training in distributed control
systems would be a plus), excellent writing skills (patents,
research documentations, training programs, SOP's &/or lab
methods) are also needed.
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Uppers
The chance to work at scales from milligram to metric ton on the same process.
Interfacing with technical professionals from around the world. Being the global
expert in what you do.
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Downers
Lack of internal recognition some times because this job does not
track to the corporate bottom line in some years and the short
term vision needed to keep the stockholders happy is not
condusive to long term investment in R&D activities.
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Lifestyle
Relatively flexible time, you work when the project work is there. Personally,
I am travelling up to 20% of the time to internal manufacturing sites, supplier
sites (for audits), to customers (meetings and technical reviews), to our
licensing partner and occasionally to the licensees directly.
Social events may or may not include plant events, but usually include several
licensee events each year.
Dress code is always - lab wear. Diversity here is good, but in the technical
fields is limited to what is seen in the college graduates (certainly skewed to
the caucasian and asian males).
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Compensation
Base salary is fair, but not outstanding.
Here there is a bonus when refining makes money, based on grade
level, it can be quite substantial.
Benefits are not the best but certainly not the worst.
Stock options do not exist at my level, but may at higher levels.
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Advice to Jobseekers
This will be a tight field for the next decade or so as many of
us are in our early 40's or younger (there are very few in the
years approaching retirement). Also, few people seem to be
expanding their process chemistry areas, but this is very
cyclical and currently chemicals is at the bottom of an extended
downturn in the cycle. Someday soon we will be on top and hiring
again.
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