Associate Scientist, Formulations - Valent BioSciences LLC

About Us:

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

Description of Job: In this role, the Associate Scientist (Formulation Pilot Plant) will support the Formulation Research Team to manufacture novel biorational prototypes and intermediates in the fields of Crop Protection, Crop Enhancement, Public Health/Forest Health and Biostimulants. This role will support and collaborate with Formulation Scientists and other pilot plant personnel while interacting with scientists across the R&D organization. In addition to pilot scale production, this role will also lead pilot equipment operations by maintaining equipment and developing relevant procedures and work instructions while prioritizing safe operations. The Associate Scientist is also responsible for conducting a variety of tests on formulated products following industry-recognized standard methods. Finally, this position is responsible for the safe disposal of chemical and biological wastes generated by the Formulation Team and for maintaining appropriate documentation of these operations.

Principal Responsibilities:

Pilot plant operations. Examples include:

• Operate spray dryers to turn liquids into appropriate powdery material
• Use a Granulator / Fluid Bed Dryer to turn powder material into flowable granules
• Use various mills (both Dry and Wet mills) to reduce particle sizes
• Use various sieves to evaluate or to separate particles
• Use various mixers / homogenizer / pumps to blend / disperse and to transfer liquids

Physical property evaluations of intermediates and formulations, such as:

• Particle size analyses via wet or dry methods
• Measurement of pH, Density, Water Activity, Viscosity, Surface Tension, Moisture, Moisture Absorption, etc.
• Dispersion and Suspension evaluation

Lab and Pilot Plant maintenance, such as

• Perform or plan for preventative maintenance & instrument calibration
• Assist in disposal of obsolete formulations & ingredients
• Assist in Shipping / Packaging / Labelling
• Maintain accurate and timely experimental notebook records.

Requirements:

• Must be physically able to lift up to 50lbs regularly and be able to recognize different colors accurately.
• Must be motivated to learn, willing to hands-on and able to operate safely and accurately various equipment in lab / pilot plant environment.
• Experience in operating, preventative maintaining and repairing above-listed lab equipment is a plus.
• Strong problem solving, communication, and listening skills while working with multiple people
• Well organized and demonstrates excellent time management skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and to meet timelines with high quality results.
• Experience with hands-on formulation development and working in a chemistry and/or biology laboratory environment is a plus.

Education : Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Biology preferred, with a minimum of 5 years of laboratory experience or a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Biology preferred, with a minimum of 8 years of laboratory experience, with a record of delivering results of value to Company both as an individual and through team work as well as participation in project planning and/or new technique development.

Travel: about 5%

What We Offer

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from:

$69,500 to $86,900 . Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits:

• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Valent Group of Companies, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

• Valent U.S.A., Valent North America LLC, Valent BioSciences LLC and Mycorrhizal Applications LLC are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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