Research and Development Associate jobs in West Des Moines, IA

Description

Research Assistant/Lab co-ops will get the opportunity to actively investigate subjects in a vast range of chemistry and engineering disciplines.

These co-ops will begin in January 2024 thru August 2024 or May 2024 thru December 2024. 

Predominately, we focus around chemical processing engineering but other fields, such as biosystems, mechanical and materials engineering along with chemistry and other lab research disciplines are used routinely. We truly cover every aspect of process development; from conception through research and development and onto engineering scale-up (from lab to pilot to full/commercial) and engineering implementation.

This is combined with all other requirements in engineering analysis, including product viability and justification from an economic stand point, prediction in total process variability and design considerations therein, etc.

Responsibilities include:

• Ability to perform research experiments and utilize critical thinking skills for short and long term analysis
• Helps designing and builds scale up of lab research and process improvement into project scale models.
• Prepares technical reports or related documentation, delivers presentations and recommends further study or action based on research data.
• Adheres to all Company protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Collects scientific research data or investigative findings and analyzes using mathematical or statistical methods as needed.
• Analyzes test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
• Develops, improves, and customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
• Operates laboratory equipment to perform tests as needed.
• Sets up and conducts tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
• Assists in implementation from project scale models to full scale models.
• Interprets engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, or formulas and assists engineers in developing, building, or testing prototypes or new products, processes, or procedures.
• Practices proper safety procedures in dealing with chemicals, reagents, and other potentially hazardous substances.
• Responsible for maintaining an orderly, clean, and safe work environment.
• Provides technical support or assistance to chemists and engineers.
• Acts as a resource to operations and trains operations to ensure understanding of new processes, procedures, equipment, etc.
• Contributes to a positive work environment.
• Communicates with project supervisors or other team members to assess progress and discuss needed changes.

Requirements

• Junior or senior in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering or Biology
• Knowledge in organic chemistry and wet chemistry is preferred
• Experience with analytical equipment such as Gas and/or liquid Chromatographs and spectrophotometric instruments is preferred
• Working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Excel