Research and development chemist for oil-based paint, aerosols and chemical cleaner products. Work with lead chemist, as well as laboratory manager on continuously improving current products with regards to performance, price and regulation compliance. Assist sales force in answering questions generated by members and current market trends, and also troubleshoot batch deviation during the manufacturing process.

Working in R&D assisting lead chemists.

In this role, I work with the laboratory manager and VP of Lab services to complete laboratory projects presented by the customer. Projects include, but are not limited to: brake parts cleaner, carburetor cleaner, general purpose cleaner/degreaser, furniture polish and dusters, penetrants, insect repellent, air fresheners, carpet/upholstery cleaners, shoe care and waterproofing, red grease and lubricants. Other responsibilities include working with plant production teams to analyze product batches and all incoming raw materials. In charge of laboratory inventory, including chemical samples as well as laboratory equipment.

While a specifications coordinator, I was responsible for electronically constructing a finished goods model for the manufacturing lines. After receiving the batch formula and a list of components from the salesperson and R&D chemist, I would construct a finished good list using VISUAL Enterprise Manufacturing database. This list would contain all materials needed to assemble the finished product, as well as manufacturing specifications to allow for a range of compliancies while in production. Strong communications skills needed as I interacted with multiple divisions within the company on a daily basis.

As a Q.A. chemist, I was responsible for sampling, testing and approving all incoming raw materials and solvents for production use. During sampling, each individual lot was tested for each material. Upon approval, I contacted the inventory coordinator to have the materials moved to their proper storage. If paperwork was missing, the purchasing coordinator was contacted. Additional duties included filling-in for the Q.A. manager in sampling, testing and approving production batches. Tests included, but were not limited to:long-term retain of samples, pH, refractive index, titrations to determine %resin and %neutralization of samples, GC for aerosol blends and non-volatiles on batches.

Worked as a laboratory assistant in the R&D department. Helped R&D chemists prepare stability samples as well as new product samples for the general public. Conducted analytic testing on batches to insure quality is met throughout batching. Tests included, but were not limited to: pH, IR, melting point determination, viscosity, UV-Vis. Conducted long-term stability testing on samples for up to one year in length in three different temperatures - observed weight lost in samples and function within the product.

I prepared solutions and calibrated laboratory instruments needed to conduct weekly general chemistry and organic chemistry labs. I also assisted Lab coordinators in grading lab papers and offering assistance with laboratory problem-solving concerns.