Chemist (Contract Role)

About the role

The Contract Chemist will support key programs in the application development lab for industrial coatings, adhesives, graphic arts, and personal care markets. This role involves lab-scale formulation and testing of products using various characterization equipment (DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA, FTIR, etc.) and reports to the R&D Manager.

Responsibilities

• Plan and safely conduct laboratory experimentation, including setting up equipment, preparing, characterizing, and testing formulation properties.
• Utilize analytical and applications testing equipment to collect data and solve problems, leveraging wider Arkema analytical and material testing capabilities.
• Perform data analysis and maintain a well-organized research notebook.
• Contribute to internal discussions and generate reports for internal distribution.
• Work as part of a cross-functional team (product development, business development, marketing, and sales) to screen and commercialize new technologies.
• Work safely, responsibly, and efficiently in a dynamic laboratory setting.
• Participate in relevant professional organizations to build external networks.

Key Activities

• Formulation development, application testing, and characterization of new resin blends:
  • Produce laboratory samples of new formulations using designated laboratory mixing equipment.
  • Test and evaluate new formulations using applications testing equipment.
  • Provide technical support for other Sartomer applications as needed.
  • Confirm testing is carried out in compliance with correct protocols (SOPs/JSAs/LHAs), whether Sartomer test procedures, externally agreed specifications, or recognized national/international standards.
• Other R&D duties as assigned:
  • Assist and support the project lead, R&D colleagues, business development, marketing, and sales teams.
  • Maintain a comprehensive lab notebook and/or electronic notebook for all project work.
  • Provide clear, concise oral and written reports in support of project work.
  • Perform general support tasks, including shipping products or samples, data analysis, preparing presentation slides, purchasing materials, logging new materials into chemical inventory, and training new co-ops and interns.
  • Operate in compliance with site safety policies, including material handling and waste disposal.
  • Ensure workspace is clean, well-organized, and manage storage of materials and samples.
  • Assist with technical training of new employees and students.

Context and Environment

This role involves working in a lab environment, formulating and testing Sartomer resins for applications such as coatings, adhesives, personal care, and graphic arts to maintain technological leadership in market segments. The position supports the site HES (Health, Environment, Safety) policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements, including participation in HES activities (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, SafeStart).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of applicable industry experience in a laboratory technical environment.
• Basic knowledge of organic chemistry, chemical synthesis methods, and materials testing.
• Proficiency with computer software applications and data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Good interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with formulation, including reactors, mixers, blenders, and characterization equipment (e.g., DSC, TGA, DMA, Instron, colorimeters, densitometers).
• Industrial experience with formulating solventborne, waterborne, or UV-curable coatings and/or adhesives.
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer structure-property relationships.
• Strong analytical/laboratory skills, precision, attention to detail, and record-keeping.
• Methodical and disciplined approach to problem-solving, including design of experiments.

Skills

• Plan and execute experimental work programs, analyze data, and document results in reports, tables, and databases.
• Communicate project progress at the team level both in writing and verbally.
• Proficient with computer software applications (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations).
• Maintain documentation and equipment, including testing equipment, process equipment, lab notebooks, electronic databases, and organized files.
• Actively promote safe behavior in the workgroup and take responsibility for personal safe lab operations.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe working environment.
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to solve problems independently.
• Open-minded, creative, innovative, and results-oriented.