Chemical Technician jobs in Saginaw, MI

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. 

About you and this role

Core R&D at Dow has an exciting opportunity for an R&D Technician in the Inorganic Synthesis group in Chemical Science Midland MI. Chemical Science delivers innovative technologies in the area of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, and organic, inorganic, and polymer synthesis, all of which are strongly complemented with high throughput research, computational chemistry, and cheminformatics. Our hypothesis-driven approach to innovation draws on mechanistic-based insight into chemical problems with a primary role in front-end discovery research to enable Dow’s next-generation products. We partner with businesses across the company to advance a wide range of Dow technologies through an in-depth, fundamental understanding in the areas of synthesis and catalysis.

In this role you will provide experimental support as a part of the inorganic synthesis team. You will assist in method development, sample testing, and data analysis in a cross-functional, multidisciplinary team of chemists, engineers, and technologists. Safe operation and maintenance of analytical characterization laboratory equipment as well as processing samples will constitute a significant portion of the job responsibilities along with carrying out basic inorganic synthesis. This job requires handling of chemicals in order to conduct experimental work in a laboratory setting.  Strong work ethic, attention to details, commitment to safety, and effective problem solving are required as are strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Working as part of a team in a laboratory supporting chemists and engineers in the coordination and execution of inorganic synthesis or reactor run experiments with research project partners in the preparation, data processing and reporting of experimental analytical activities
• Synthesis of inorganic materials and heterogeneous catalysts, along with the subsequent operation of analytical equipment and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Ownership for the safe operation and routine maintenance of lab instruments or equipment, troubleshooting faulty equipment, repairing and/or initiating repairs as appropriate 
• Maintaining inventories of consumable materials, chemicals, and supplies related to activities by anticipating usage rates, order lead times, and ordering/purchasing procedures
• Ownership for lab area and ensuring good housekeeping; communicating regularly with other lab coordinators to share learning and best practice
• Assisting with hazard assessments and developing mitigation plans; creating safe operating procedures; working closely with process safety experts and lab equipment owners to assure laboratory equipment complies with all safety standards
• Actively participating in work group team meetings to address safety, process improvement, problem solving, and other work group/department/functional topics
• Summarizing experimental and analytical data in graphs, tables, illustrations, and presentations and communicating results and progress to project teams and leadership
• Accurately documenting work in a timely fashion in data books, equipment logs, Dow internal reports, and patent disclosures as appropriate
• Promptly and effectively communicating issues in order to enable or accelerate problem resolution

Qualifications

• A minimum of an Associates degree in a science related discipline OR 3 years of relevant military experience OR a high school diploma/GED and 3 years of relevant work experience.
• A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States.  No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Willing and able to meet physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes
• Stand or walk for extended periods of time
• Frequently bend, reach, and lift

Preferred Skills

• 1 year of relevant work experience
• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Previous R&D lab experience, preferably involving material handling, inorganic
• chemistry, characterization techniques, and/or related operations.
• Experience with industrial safety practices, including the proper handling of laboratory chemicals and the use of personal protective equipment.
• Knowledge of chemical catalysis and/or processes typically used to evaluate and assess chemical reactions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, such as Word and Excel
• Strong organizational, interpersonal & communication skills
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills, including attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and work effectively on diverse, multifunctional teams
• A self-starter who can identify, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks
• Ensuring a safe work environment by working safely and complying with environmental, health and safety standards

Additional notes

We do not offer relocation assistance for Dow jobs like this position. This includes reimbursement for travel expenses incurred to and from test sessions/interviews. If you apply for a position that is not within the area in which you reside, you will be responsible for all costs that you incur

Benefits – What Dow offers you 

We invest in you. 

Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career.  You bring your background, talent and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.  

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee: 

• Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives. 
• Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental and emotional well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it. 
• Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals. 
• Become a Dow shareholder through various employee stock programs.
• Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building. 
• Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs. 
• Global Paid Time Off (PTO) policies:
  • Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).  
  • ​Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.  
  • Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation. 

Join our team, we can make a difference together. 

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth; asset integration and scale; focused innovation and materials science expertise; leading business positions; and environmental, social and governance leadership to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. The Company's ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. Dow's portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated, science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Dow operates manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 37,800 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $57 billion in 2022. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment.  We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.