Research Assistant (Analytical) - Kuraray America

Title: Research Assistant (Analytical)

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position summary:

The Technical Services & Development Research Assistant is responsible for conducting routine and special analyses and processing of EVOH and other polymers to determine product characteristics and to report findings in both standard report format and summaries for TS&D Engineer and customer communications. In accomplishing these tasks, safety has the highest priority, ensuring personal safety and the safety of coworkers.

Responsibilities:

• Perform analytical and pilot scale polymer processing
• Complete modifications to equipment as required to produce non-standard samples for chemist, engineers, and customers for the purpose of market study, technical service, and R&D programs
• Generate processing related data and samples as requested by engineers, chemists and customers to assist in market study, technical service and R&D programs by operating the processing equipment at Kuraray America Inc. Research & Technical Center (KRTC)
• Compile data, perform mathematical calculations and submit reports including interpretation that help engineers/chemists to reach conclusions
• Accurately interpret test results and summarize findings
• Maintain and calibrate equipment to ensure experimental data is always accurate, consistent and repeatable
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Chemistry, Biology or other Scientific Discipline
• Familiarity with basic laboratory analytical instruments and process equipment
• Five years working experience in a laboratory environment
• Hands-on experience with the operation of analytical laboratory equipment including Microscope, FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and DSC
• Excellent communication skills - interpreting work requests (verbal, written), communication of experimental results (verbal, written).
• Flexibility - ability to perform multiple tasks and a track record of dependability
• Ability to interface effectively and professionally with external/internal customers and vendors
• Technical Knowledge
• Good knowledge of material and job safety, especially when operating extruding and processing equipment
• Good knowledge of statistics and statistical analysis
• Basic knowledge of chemistry and processing of polymers
• Basic knowledge of analytical method and theory behind
• Physical/chemical properties and testing of polymer materials
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology or other Scientific Discipline
• 10 years working in a laboratory environment
• Hands-on experience with the operation of analytical laboratory equipment including SEM - Electron Microscope, and Optical Microscope
• Familiarity and operating experience with some of the basic analytical instruments and process equipment (Mocon permeation testing, Capillary, Microtome, Parallel Plate, Drop Tester, Gardner Haze Meter,TGA Melt Indexer, Lab Oven, Karl Fisher, Carver Press, Polymer compounding and extrusion)

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Please apply online at: http://www.kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer AA M/F/disability/protected veteran status.