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JOB TITLE: Scientist: R&D Innovation, Surfactants & Esters
DEPARTMENT: R&D
LOCATION: Kankakee, Illinois
SUPERVISOR: SVP of Innovation and Technology
JOB SUMMARY
Are you passionate about surfactants and formulations, and driven by the opportunity to create sustainable innovations that impact people’s daily lives? If you have a flair for designing new surfactants and enhancing existing chemistries to improve efficacy, then the role of Scientist: Surfactants & Esters might be your perfect fit!
As a key member of our Technology and Innovation team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction, driving innovation, and contributing to Kensing’s market growth. Reporting to the Vice President of Surfactant Innovation and New Business, you will be at the forefront of developing new and innovative products across our consumer markets, including personal care, home care, and agricultural specialties. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in diverse and impactful projects, from upstream research to process development and customer support, working closely with a variety of functions, from Marketing, to Sales, and Industrial Production, to bring Kensing’s solutions to the market.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to provide innovative solutions for internal and external customer needs.
- Play a pivotal role in the development and optimization of new and existing products in our Surfactants and Esters Product portfolio.
- Utilize your knowledge and expertise to create efficient, safe, environmentally friendly, and robust chemical processes and products.
- Offer timely troubleshooting and technical support to external and internal customers, including Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Safety teams.
- Demonstrate strong scientific skills and techniques, employing your expertise to tackle complex challenges.
- Communicate effectively through excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ensure compliance with Kensing, site, and safety policies and procedures.
- Embrace opportunities for growth and contribute to various projects within the team.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
- Preferred: MS (thesis preferred) in Organic Chemistry with a minimum of 3 years of related industrial experience.
- Required: BS in Chemistry with a minimum of 5 years of related industrial experience.
EXPERIENCE:
- Demonstrated expertise in organic chemistry and understanding of complex chemistry and processes.
- Specific experience in surfactant chemistry development and/or application is highly desirable.
- Hands-on experience with process development and scale-up is expected.
- Proven ability and enthusiasm to solve technically complex problems.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques.
KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
- Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and a passion for driving innovation.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven project management skills and a collaborative mindset to contribute effectively to team investigations.
- Ability to excel in a fast-paced team environment, even with resource limitations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- This is a laboratory-based role with the possibility of a hybrid work scenario for greater flexibility.
- Must be able to work on-site in Kankakee, IL location weekly.
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