Materials Characterization Scientist

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP

Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious, solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?

Are you always solving?

Then we’d like to meet you and bet you’d like to meet us.

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Materials Characterization Scientist to join our R&D / Analytical Services team at our Wilmington, DE site. This is a visible and impactful role within the organization supporting critical laboratory operations and analytical workflows. This position will report to Material Characterization Team Leader.

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Independently perform routine and moderately complex analytical testing using spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal analysis, and chromatography techniques
• Take ownership of the optical laboratory, including leading and supporting FT-IR and UV-Vis workflows, ensuring high-quality, reliable, and timely analytical results, day-to-day operations, workflow efficiency, and instrumentation oversight.
• Own optical microscopy and phase contrast microscopy workflows, including sample preparation, analysis, and documentation
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation in accordance with established procedures and safety standards
• Accurately record, process, and report data using laboratory notebooks, Excel, and LIMS systems
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment
• Support laboratory relocations, equipment setup, and transitions as needed
• Safely perform tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs, changing gas cylinders, and handling liquid nitrogen dewars

• Actively contribute to organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on objectives, and maintaining a strong focus on performance and safety
• Improve organizational capability through a can-do attitude, collaboration, effective communication, and positive influence

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working in a materials characterization or analytical laboratory environment
• Hands-on experience with UV-Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy and microscopy instruments
• Working knowledge of polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, and material properties
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications and LIMS systems
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation
• Physical ability to safely perform required laboratory tasks (including lifting and equipment handling)

• Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times
• Ability to drive value through business understanding, sound decision-making, and innovative thinking

The following skill sets are preferred by the business unit:

• Experience with chromatography systems and Empower software
• Experience in wet chemistry techniques
• Experience maintaining thermal analysis instrumentation
• Prior experience owning laboratory workflows or instrumentation areas
• Strong experience in data analysis and reporting using Excel
• Familiarity with laboratory relocation or setup activities

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer.
 
At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch. In fact our people, employees, customers and vendors define who we are. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
 
Not only do we value our customers but we value our employees, and we work to offer them a dynamic and challenging environment. We hold ourselves to high standards at Ashland, and we value integrity and honesty.
 
Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. NOTE:  We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters for any of our openings unless we have a signed recruiting agreement in place to fill a specific position.