Lab Technician

Lab Technician

General Summary 

Michelman has a great opportunity for you to join our Global Research & Development organization as a Technician. Under the direction of Scientists and/or Engineers, you will learn to evaluate a diverse set of novel technology (material and process) options for their fit with the needs of Michelman’s teams. Your curiosity and attention to detail will help us to identify which of those have the potential to enable unique benefits for our customers. Further, you will grow your data analysis skills with your thorough documentation and effective communication of the experimental results that you produce. Finally, your flexibility and desire to learn will enable you to quickly develop competency in the wide range of lab processes that you will need to use for evaluating, analyzing, and developing those new technologies. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment 
• Execute detailed product development experiments at the lab scale 
• Prepare prototype formulations and test them against the success criteria that have been established for their intended application  
• Create process-related data which will aid in the scale-up of product prototypes and lead to their commercialization including scale up in the plant.  
• Document thoroughly and accurately all experiments, analyses, and testing results 
• Ensure timely delivery of project-related information/results to company partners 
• Understand and follow established procedures 
• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates 
• Being able to operate the pilot coating line independently.  

Critical Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Follows all safety rules, corporate and lab-specific. 
• Basic understanding of chemistry, formulations, and processes. 
• Experience formulating water-based materials considered a plus 
• Basic laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and data collection. 
• Ability to work independently  
• Good analytical and observation skills 
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) 
• Report findings and observations to manager and team members. 
• Ability to proactively communicate the status while working to accomplish the assigned tasks 

Education and Experience 

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience or a minimum of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field  
• Fluency in French and working knowledge of English (B1) required. 

Other 

• Role may require heavy lifting from time to time (as much as 50 lbs. to waist level) 
• Follows all safety rules, corporate and lab-specific.  
• Role will demand appropriate use of PPE - including safety shoes 
• Enters Concern Reports (safety observation) and participates in safety audits/inspections. 
• Adherence to regulatory requirements and existing procedures 
• Able to travel by car or plane to visit customers when needed 
• Role may require long periods of standing and/or an extended work schedule, from time to time