Technical Services Chemist

Our client, leading Chemical Manufacturing company based in Durban, is looking to fill the position of Technical Service Chemist - Composites.

Purpose of the Role:

The Technical Service Chemist provides laboratory-based and field-based technical support to procurement, operations, sales, and customers within a resin manufacturing environment. The role ensures resin quality, supports product optimization, assists with sales/customer technical queries and requests, and contributes to the development of cost-effective and high-performance solutions.

Key Responsibilities / Key Performance Indicators:

Experimental Training & Development:

• Satisfy the requirements of the Technology Development Curve (1 - 8, or as amended).                                                                                                                   

Technical Service:

• Knowledge of the company’s products and accessories and their applications.
• Good knowledge of the IMS-SOP's and test methods relating to the technical department as well as those relating to the QC testing of manufactured products.
• Conduct short term technical evaluations/development that require immediate & urgent attention, and long-term projects as assigned by a TSM.
• Modify existing resin systems to meet customer requirements and generates formulation packages for such modifications.
• Prepare customer samples for trial purposes.
• Prepare and update technical data sheets, safety data sheets and master certificates of analysis.
• Determine suitable work-off/blend-off for rejected, expired and over-stocked products.                                                                                                    
• Evaluate alternative raw materials.
• Execute ad hoc requests from TSM’s.
• Provide cross-functional technical support to other departments, including QC, operations, procurement and commercial.

Customer Complaint Assistance:

• Assist with customer complaint investigations.

Product Optimisation:

• Assist with product optimisations as recommended by QC through SHEQsys.

Product Development:

• Conduct lab work for projects generated via technical project requests & SHEQ (quality & customer complaints) and follow new product launch procedure.
• Generate and maintain the formulation packages and technical literature.

Research & Development:

• Conduct research & development on existing, competitive, new and alternate products/raw materials/application techniques with special focus on new polymers, circularity and green technology to assist sales.

HSE Tasks:

• Assists in the management of the section by:

• Maintaining a safe and productive laboratory.   
• Maintaining equipment in good working order and ensuring equipment is calibrated.
• Ensuring that housekeeping in the laboratory is maintained at a high a standard as possible. 
• Actively engages in Lean/6S initiatives in the laboratory.                                                                                          

Travel:

• Visit customers to conduct trials, assist with technical problem-solving, offer guidance and recommendations on the use of company products whilst also identifying technical opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Occasional attendance to trade shows/conferences.

Project Management:

• Take ownership of tech service initiatives.
• Plan and execute lab work.
• Identify/co-ordinate and utilize resources to drive projects.
• Prepares detailed technical reports (e.g. evaluations, customer visits/ trials, complaint investigations) and ensures proper filing for traceability.
• Prepare, update and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure safe, consistent practices and effective knowledge transfer.
• Maintain timely communication with project stakeholders.

Innovation:

• Evaluate opportunities in new markets/new applications for company products.
• Lead product tweak/development initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Grade 12 Senior Certificate
• Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree: Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/ Polymer Science
• Minimum of 2 years in a polymer related/technical service laboratory function

If you are interested in applying for this role, please send a detailed copy of your CV to [email protected]

If you have not been contacted within two (2) weeks, please consider your application as unsuccessful.