Research Scientist I

As the Research Scientist I, you will be involved with the development of new technologies and product offerings for Specialty Agriculture and Ornamental Horticulture market channels. You will be a key contributor on complex R&D projects.  In addition, you will conduct independent research, lead small project teams, and frequently collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality.

 

This position reports to the North American R&D Senior Manager but can receive guidance from other Senior Scientists within the R&D department.

I’m interested! What will I get to do in this position? 

• Serve as a subject matter expert for product formulations, standard operational procedures, and raw materials for a variety of controlled-release fertilizers and water-soluble fertilizers.  With knowledge acquisition, responsibilities can expand to agricultural surfactants and plant protection products.
• Create protocols and execute research trials to evaluate and qualify new raw materials or assess various alternative product formulation blends. Will use knowledge of materials to ensure compatibility and stability of final product blends.
• Conduct experiments on lab and pilot-scale production equipment. Identify creative ways to simulate production on a lab or pilot-scale. 
• Identify and source new equipment to be used for research purposes.
• Partner with operations to identify opportunities for cost savings and quality improvements. 
• Assist operations with troubleshooting processing and formulation issues.
• Develop or improve analytical methods for evaluating products and materials.
• Assist in the generation of intellectual property.
• Maintain awareness of emerging scientific and regulatory trends.
• Train entry level R&D staff. Supervise and mentor Co-Op and Intern students working in the department.

What skills and experience do I need to be successful in this role? 

• Project management skills: organizing and executing work efficiently against a timeline and budget.
• Experimental design skills: create a set of procedures to systematically test relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse set of departmental functions, build a consensus and overcome obstacles.
• Excellent communication skills; able to present data and information in clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience performing patent and technical literature searches.
• Minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Material Science, or related field. 
• 2 years laboratory experience preferred. 
• Creativity to resolve complex problems and for new product ideation.
• Occasional domestic and international travel will be required. Frequency of travel is driven by project and/or business needs. 
• Physical requirements of the job are those common to working in a laboratory, pilot production facility and in field / greenhouse research plots. Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment as required.

What will set me apart?

• Prior experience with fertilizer coating (polymer) chemistry.
• 4 years of laboratory experience.
• Detailed knowledge of analytical instruments and methods commonly used in polymer science applications.
• Familiarity with common chemical processing equipment and instrumentation such as pumps, valves, actuators, static mixers, agitators, flow meters, pressure gauges, and classifiers.
• Prior experience with capital equipment purchasing.
• Demonstrated ability to make informed decisions of a complex nature. 
• Master’s degree or Ph.D in Chemistry, Material Science, or other relevant scientific field.

Compensation at ICL: If you are hired at ICL, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. We also offer a generous benefits package (more information on benefits listed below).

Salary Range: $72,000 - $99,000 

Annual Bonus Target: 5%, subject to plan provisions.

We've Got You Covered
ICL is committed to offering you a comprehensive set of benefits to empower you and your family physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. The benefits we offer to our diverse and inclusive workforce include:

• Competitive base pay and performance bonus
• Medical, dental, vision, and life benefits that start quickly – the first of the month after hire. Wellness Incentive Program to lower your health insurance cost
• Inclusive benefits for growing fami