Chemist

About the role

We are looking for a professional, friendly Research and Development Chemist to join our team at our Kieler, WI facility. This multidisciplinary role supports chemical product manufacturing facilities (internal and external) and drives innovation projects to enhance cleaning solutions, sanitizers, processing aids, and antimicrobial interventions.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize new sanitation/intervention formulations through public domain literature research.
• Design and execute experiments to produce new chemical formulations.
• Design and execute process improvement experiments for existing sanitation/interventions and manufacturing processes.
• Assist in product quality investigations that result in reworking plans or specification updates as part of the CAPA process.
• Work cooperatively with manufacturing plants, distributors, engineering, supply chain, procurement, R&D, and quality assurance in the transfer of new products to commercialization.
• Drive new product development projects from ideation to commercialization as assigned.
• Apply scientific skill to solve complex problems utilizing knowledge of Safe Foods & Fortrex customers and markets.
• Prepare and test chemical product formulations utilizing appropriate SOPs and test methods.
• Communicate with field staff and Technical Services on the improvement of existing sanitation/intervention formulations and allocation systems.
• Evaluate and approve new raw materials and raw material vendors following appropriate SOPs.
• Review and author technical reports, process and packaging specifications, recommend product quality enhancements, and commercialization materials.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or engineering (chemical, biochemical, materials) or other related scientific field.
• 1–3 years of related experience in a research and development, product development, and/or laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced technical degree in a related scientific field and less than 2 years of experience.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work proactively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with project management.
• Familiarity with food safety and/or the food manufacturing industry.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with working in a GLP/GMP environment and SQF for GFSI standards.
• Experience with EPA and/or DIN disinfectant regulations.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing plant environment with expected exposure to wet, hot, and cold conditions, various shifts, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Physical demands include:

• Constant (more than 66% of the time): Use of fingers and hands; lift/carry 10 lbs or less; push/pull 12 lbs or less.
• Frequent (33–66% of the time): Stand, climb stairs, walk, sit, reach outward, squat/kneel, bend; lift/carry 11–50 lbs; push/pull 13–40 lbs.
• Occasional (up to 33% of the time): Climb and crawl; lift/carry 51+ lbs; push/pull 41–100 lbs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Retirement plan.
• Paid holidays (varies by location).
• Paid vacation.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Training and development opportunities.