Sr Formulations Scientist III - Valent USA L.L.C

About us:

Valent U.S.A. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited, engages in the development, registration, sales, and marketing of integrated technological solutions for crop production and pest management that deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. A leading crop protection firm serving the agricultural and non-crop products markets in North America, Valent products help growers produce safe and abundant food and fiber crops, and horticultural professionals improve the quality of life for their customers. The corporate motto, Products That Work, From People Who Care®, describes the company's business philosophy. Valent seeks out and provides customers with innovative and effective solutions to their production challenges. Our vision is to be the best company delivering integrated solutions of biorational and traditional crop protection solutions to our customers. Valent is dedicated to creating a world that is healthier and more comfortable, and that has a sustainable abundance of quality, affordable food, helping crops to be the ultimate renewable resource.

General Description:

The purpose of this position is to conduct research and development efforts for Herbicide product development from conceptual phase through commercial production by working in coordination with the Senior Manager of Formulation Development and Analytical. The position is responsible to direct and execute all related scientific research and/or development strategies for Herbicide product development at the company through the research staff or individual studies which are critical. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Plan and executes lab research. Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories. Make major contributions to scientific literature and conferences. Serve as in-house and outside consultant. May act as spokesperson on corporate research and development and advise top management. Participate in development of patent applications. Responsible for the management and professional development of the junior Herbicide research staff. Interfaces with various departments. Uses professional concepts to contribute to the development of company concepts and principles to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Use expert knowledge to independently plan, execute, and/or direct complex research and development projects for new or improved/innovative formulations and formulation technology, particularly in herbicide product segment. Manage formulation development activities through all stages of the project: development of preliminary formulations for efficacy testing, formulation optimization and processing studies to establish formulation for regulatory studies and EPA registration, scale-up, and commercial production. Exercise wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches, selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Requires coordination and communication with other Valent teams, including, Product Development Managers, Regulatory Project Managers, Toxicology Manager, Supply Chain, and production facility personnel. Provide technical support services to Manufacturing, Product Development Managers, Marketing, and Sales to solve technical problems or customer complaints related to Valent formulations.
• Work directly and independently with Market/Product Managers, Technology Managers and Product Development specialists to investigate feasibility for exploratory projects and to identify, plan, and set objectives and timelines for development projects for new or improved/innovative formulations and formulation technology. Serve as a resource and source for ideas for product innovation. Interact with Sumitomo Group Companies’ formulation chemists, consultants, and industry personnel regarding research, development, and alternative technologies for formulation improvements. Evaluate formulation technology advances for application to Valent products and lead implementation efforts across product line. Viewed as an expert in all aspects of formulation research and development.
• Communicate proactively and effectively, both orally and in writing, with Senior Formulation Manager, Technology staff, personnel in other functional areas, and with appropriate external personnel, to ensure that projects are progressing on track and meet objectives and timelines: provide information on formulation project status and results; set priorities; resolve problems or issues; coordinate activities; and obtain feedback and needed information or assistance. Serve as consultant to management and as an external spokesperson for the company. Provide direction for strategic planning to meet company objectives. May serve on industry committees or task forces.
• Supervise Associate/Formulations Scientists; assign tasks/projects; train and develop; communicate priorities and objectives; conduct performance reviews. Serve as a resource/trainer/mentor for other members of the group. Follow safety and regulatory plans, and waste disposal procedures. Participate in all required safety meetings and training programs.
• Perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Make detailed observations, analyze data and interpret results. Exercise technical discretion in the design, execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses. Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature. Contribute to project process within his/her scientific discipline. Investigate, create and develop new methods and technologies for project advancement. Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals. May be responsible for identifying patentable inventions. Use professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• Manage all formulation development activities for potential products. This includes constant interfacing with the other members of the Seed Treatment, Fungicide, Insecticide and Herbicide Teams in both Field Development and Marketing. Maintain expertise in all aspects of technology including requirements for various formulations, application methods, and test methods. Utilize knowledge and expertise to develop formulations that can be registered, commercialized, and meet customer needs and expectations. Serve as formulation technology expert in meetings with various companies, customers, and prospective or established business partners.

Qualifications:

• MS, PhD, JD or equivalent, with 8+ years of related experience.
• Chemistry, related science degree.
• Experience in spreadsheets and word processing, problem solving, communication, detail oriented, evaluation and interpretation of data, instrument/equipment operation, maintenance and repair.
• In-depth knowledge of chemistry lab procedures, formulation development, manufacturing and packaging of agricultural chemicals and EPA approved inerts. Techniques for preparation and evaluation of formulations.
• More than 8 years of experience in preparation and evaluation of agricultural chemical formulations. More than 6 years experience in managing laboratory formulation research projects and technical support in the agricultural chemical industry.
• Demonstrated creativity, championing skills and deep technical knowledge of herbicide formulations and performance/stability requirements.

Physical Demands and Work Environment (LAB Position)

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physical Demands include constant sitting, walking, standing, bending at the neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting at the neck and waist, simple grasping, power grasping, and fine manipulation with hands, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, and lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.; and occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs. Will require the employee to lift and carry up to a 2.5-gallon jug containing liquid formulations and products. May be required to work in powder room environment to test or develop dry formulation products. This includes milling activities for solid formulations (granular and powder) in a dusty environment that will require the use of respirator and other personal protective equipment.
• Work Environment includes exposure to or working in or around moving cars, trucks, forklifts, equipment and machinery including a computer keyboard and mouse; uneven ground; excessive noise; extremes in temperature, humidity, or wetness; dust, gas, fumes, or chemicals; heights; operation of foot controls or repetitive foot movement. May be required to wear a respirator and other personnel protective equipment (including special visual or auditory equipment).
• May require occasional travel.
• Requires on-site laboratory base of operation.
• Frequency Definitions: Constant = Over 40% / Frequent = Up to 40% / Occasional = Up to 10%

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:

$95,400 to $123,600 . 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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