Chemist I / Chemist II – R&D
Schedule: Full-Time | Core Hours: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, with flexibility at the beginning or end of the workday
Position Level: Chemist I or Chemist II
Work Environment: On-site
Position Overview
We are seeking a Chemist I or Chemist II to join an R&D team supporting the development, testing, and evaluation of coatings and wood-finishing products. The level of the position will be determined based on the candidate’s education, technical experience, and level of independence.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on chemist who enjoys laboratory work, formulation, analytical testing, and working in a collaborative R&D environment.
Chemist I - $28–$30/hour
The Chemist I is an early-career opportunity focused primarily on analytical testing, color matching, and laboratory support under close supervision.
Responsibilities
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Perform routine analytical testing and laboratory evaluations.
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Support color matching and product comparison activities.
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Prepare samples and conduct laboratory testing according to established procedures.
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Record, organize, and communicate experimental results accurately.
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Assist senior chemists with formulation and development activities.
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Maintain laboratory organization, equipment, and supplies.
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Follow established laboratory, quality, and safety procedures.
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Collaborate with other members of the R&D team on assigned projects.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific field.
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Prior internship experience in an R&D laboratory setting.
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Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
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Ability to follow established procedures and work effectively under close supervision.
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Interest in coatings, formulation chemistry, analytical testing, or related areas.
Chemist II - $40–$45/hour
The Chemist II is a more experienced formulation-focused role for a chemist who has progressed beyond entry-level analytical testing and can work with greater independence.
Responsibilities
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Develop and optimize solvent-borne coating formulations.
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Conduct formulation studies involving alkyd and amino chemistries with acid-cure systems.
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Evaluate formulation performance and make data-driven adjustments.
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Conduct analytical testing to characterize materials and finished products.
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Troubleshoot formulation and performance issues.
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Design and execute laboratory experiments with limited supervision.
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Document experimental procedures, observations, and results using electronic laboratory documentation systems.
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Collaborate with R&D team members to evaluate and improve existing formulations.
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Communicate technical findings and recommendations to R&D leadership and project stakeholders.
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Maintain laboratory organization, equipment, and safety standards.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific field.
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3+ years of formulation or development experience, specifically involving solvent-borne coating systems.
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Experience with alkyd and amino chemistries and acid-cure systems.
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Experience in coatings, specialty chemicals, or a related industry preferred.
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Demonstrated progression beyond entry-level analytical laboratory work into formulation-focused responsibilities.
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Ability to independently plan and execute laboratory experiments.
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Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
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Experience with electronic or AI-enabled laboratory notebook systems is a plus.
Work Environment & Training
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Collaborative, open laboratory environment with dedicated laboratory workspace and individual work areas.
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Modern, state-of-the-art laboratory facility.
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Web-based safety training provided.
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Hands-on, on-the-job training and support.
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Opportunity to work alongside experienced R&D chemists and contribute to real-world formulation and product development projects.
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