Senior Chemist

Lumina is looking for a hands-on creative chemist to conduct and lead lab work, pilot work, and scale-up of new technologies and applications related to highly filled masterbatches, additive delivery systems, compounding processes, mineral processing, and applications of polymers, additives, and minerals in paints and coatings, ceramics, glass, and other related fields. Much of this work will be based on interfacial chemistry, understanding and managing surface interactions and reactions at the molecular level, and developing experiments and processes to test, develop, and apply these technologies. Chemistry will involve both organic and inorganic aspects. The role requires direct lab work for approximately 50% of the time. This will include designing and running experiments, collecting data, and reporting on that data. Strong lab safety is required for the role. Many chemicals can be hazardous and all HSE and SDS-indicated precautions must be followed. The job will also include scaling up products and processes at the pilot and manufacturing levels which will require vendor discussion, equipment testing and selection, and process development.

Another part of the role involves scientific research into chemistry, materials, and industrial processes. This requires searching, reading, and understanding published scientific research, patents, and trade journals. Organizing and keeping track of research, experimental data, observations, and conclusions is required for success in this role.

The role also requires making samples and small production runs of products for customer sampling and qualification. This is very hands-on dirty work (especially when working with carbon black) with industrial equipment. The employee must be able to develop and follow all necessary safety and health precautions when working with industrial equipment and materials.

As Lumina is just opening its US operations, this employee will also play a key role in designing and operating the lab, including equipment selection and establishment of procedures. Anticipated equipment includes wet and dry lab benches, vented hoods, material testing equipment such as moisture analyzer, color meter, pycnometry, and polymer testing equipment for tensile and flexural strength. In addition, the lab may include material and mineral testing equipment such as particle size analyzers, SEM, XRF, loss on ignition, FR testing (UL-94), TGA, and other equipment required for high shear mixing, batch mixing, drying, sizing and classifying, surface treating, and more. Experience with polymer processing including extrusion, molding, and testing preferred, but not required.

Lab work and product development will involve diverse polymer applications including highly filled masterbatches. It will also involve work with our integrated mineral anorthosite (calcium aluminum silicate, or calcium feldspar). This mineral has unique properties and has never been used before in the US. Applications in plastic include film, wire and cable, engineered thermoplastic reinforcement, and outdoor durability in PVC and other resins. Lab work will also involve other minerals such as perlite, pyrophyllite, bauxite, barite and others.

Requirements

B.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, M.S. preferred, Ph.D. optional. 10+ years relevant experience in chemistry and/or polymer lab work, R&D, innovation, and/or manufacturing

This job will require approximately 50% standing, working in a lab, running lab equipment, working in an industrial environment, and/or running heavy machinery in a pilot plant or manufacturing site. The job will also require working on a computer for research, reporting, documentation, and other relevant work. The job will require interacting with customers, vendors, and other employees. One trip per month of travel is required.

Other Required skills: Computer skills including research, typing, spreadsheets, and other basic computer interactions. Must be able to communicate effectively in English (both oral and written).

The job requires independence and autonomy. The employee will need to work well in an unstructured environment and define his or her own pathway through research and experimentation. Priorities and projects may change quickly, and the employee will need to be able to manage multiple projects in multiple areas simultaneously.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience. Package includes paid vacation and holidays, annual performance bonus, medical and dental benefits, and 401k matching contributions

Lumina Sustainable Materials is a growing material science technology company tackling today’s manufacturing challenges of energy reduction, material usage reduction, and carbon reduction. We believe in advancing manufacturing with new innovation and materials to address these issues in a proactive, economically beneficial way. This role is a fully-funded entrepreneurial role to make a difference in the world of material science.