Sr Research Associate

The Sr. Research Associate will work in the lab and pilot plant area to help design, install, operate, and maintain equipment for chemical process development and customer sampling for the Battery Materials Process R&D group.  Work as part of a team to scale up pilot plant processes and attend Toller trials to assess technology platforms and generate large sample volumes for customers.  This position is for an individual with equipment and operations experience.  The expectation is to be a team player with involvement in multiple projects and maintaining a broad perspective of the larger team’s focus and strategy.

• Support process development projects in several ways.
  • Operate lab-scale processes, record process conditions, and collect samples for internal testing and customer or partner evaluation.
  • Coordinate analytical testing with BTC analytical team, project partner teams, and outside labs.
  • Gather process and analytical data to report out to the team and be willing to share ideas for challenges and new steps to improve.
  • Assist in new equipment installation and qualification for pilot scale. Must have strong mechanical skills and be willing to work with outside contractors and vendors on equipment installation/qualification.
  • Operation of pilot scale process to produce pilot scale samples and validate pilot process.
  • Assist in toller and equipment vendor trials to validate new process or equipment choices.
  • Coordinate sample shipping and inventory.
• Work closely with product and process development teams to help define appropriate process equipment, conditions for operations, conduct trials based on agreed to experimental plan, and conduct standard procedures and tests for various product types.
• Coordinate raw material deliveries, pre-batch planning, batch sheet preparation for pilot and commercial scale trials at toll manufacturers.
• Ensure safe operation at all stages of development, maintain a high-level of housekeeping, and be able to explain operations to others.
• Be a part of the team discussions to identify the next steps for scale up and identify critical process parameters based on operating knowledge of the pilot scale equipment
• Have good understanding of how the equipment/processes work, perform small mechanical work and fixes.

• Actively embrace Cabot’s safety culture

• Hands on experience and interest
• Experience with lab and/or pilot scales
• Brief knowledge and interest of chemical process design/development and unit operations
• Process chemistry knowledge and interest a plus
• Strong mechanical skills
• Computer literacy and ability to input data and requests into computer systems
• Well-developed problem-solving skills; Strong observation skills
• Quality and precision oriented. Displays great care in observing and following protocols
• Knowledge of process safety (hazard assessment, etc.) and capable to ensure safe operation of processes with flammables, corrosives, and high temperatures.
• Collaborative attitude and inter-personal skills; willing to share information and resources with peers. Team player; “Can do” attitude

How We’ll Support Your Success:

• Dynamic, Flexible, Hard Working, Team Environment – We are busy, collaborative, growing, and we are doing meaningful work.
• Growth – Great training, peer coaching and support, and the ability to personally grow your influence, position, and compensation.
• Meaningful Work that is Valued – Additives for the growing energy market segment are necessary for success.  The work we do is visible, and is helping to create a more abundant, affordable, and cleaner energy future.  It is a satisfying feeling to know you can make a difference by making a positive impact.
• Benefits, Vacation, Etc. – We offer a competitive package of benefits.
• Feedback – We are committed to giving and receiving feedback in a direct and open fashion.
• Support – You are part of a team and deserve to feel encouraged and supported. You will be part of a team that cares about you personally and professionally. Our success depends on your success.

Education/Experience

• Post-secondary degree (Bachelor’s/University) in a technical discipline; some related ~1-yr experience, OR
• Associates degree in technical discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience, OR
• Secondary degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience

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