R&D SR. SCIENTIST, SYNTHETIC CHEMISTRY

 We value: Safety, Integrity, Ownership, Collaboration, Service, Sustainability

Moses Lake Industries, Inc. (MLI) is a rapidly growing producer of ultra-pure chemical products, serving the semiconductor and flat-panel screen industries worldwide. We deliver world class products to the leaders of the industries we serve.

You will be working for a midsized company with great people and a history of steady growth and profitability. Sound like a match? If you are prepared to work in an exciting and rewarding environment, we look forward to considering your experience and qualifications.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, onsite, Moses Lake, WA

WHAT YOU WILL BE WORKING ON

• Contribute to developing new products and enhancing existing products based on customer, market, or technology needs working both independently and within teams receiving direction from a supervisor or senior scientist(s) to establish priorities and requirements.
• Research, develop, and execute synthetic methods for target molecules, applying technical expertise to identify the most promising methods taking into account complex trade-offs including but not limited to safety, IP strategy, development and manufacturing cost, scalability, timeline, and risk.
• Use technical expertise and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to design and execute efficient, well though-out experiments with clear problem statements, hypothesis, well defined controls and baselines, and data-supported conclusions that are timely, consistent, meaningful, and accurate.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work including but not limited to assembling, using and maintaining common laboratory equipment such as glassware, syringes, Schlenk lines, inert atmosphere chambers, rotary evaporators, recirculating chillers/heaters, pressure vessels, high precision balances, and dosing and vacuum pumps, maintaining all working areas and equipment in a clean, well-organized manner at all times.
• Understand and apply complex or advanced chemical concepts in a laboratory setting.  Examples include: generating balanced chemical equations; assessing stoichiometry; analyzing multicomponent mixtures to assess composition and impurity levels; correlating relative contribution of process or chemical variables to specific success criteria; comparing data to hypothetical or theoretical values; identifying key performance indicators and control variables such as pressures, temperatures, mixing rates, solvent effects, pH effects, etc. in reaction schemes; understanding and consistent application of significant digits and dimensional analysis; etc.
• Analyze data using technical expertise, statistical methods, and other relevant methods including but not limited to: development of models with correlation to experimental data; plotting meaningful linear, non-linear and three dimensional graphical representations of data; calculation of standard deviations, control and specification limits; analysis of variation (ANOVA); calculation  and application of confidence intervals; application of statistical process control (SPC) methodologies, etc.
• Generate concise written summaries, procedures, specifications and other documents as needed expressing ideas and opinions clearly in properly structured, well-organized and grammatically correct reports and documents utilizing language and terminology that is understandable and relevant for the target audience and contains conclusions supported by data
• Drive troubleshooting and development of response-flow checklists (RFCs) using technical expertise and standard methodologies including but not limited to: Taguchi/fishbone analysis; 5-whys; Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA); Design of Experiments (DOE); population assessments such as p- and t-tests; etc.
• Maintain a laboratory notebook with detailed and legible records of data, observations, and projects to support generation of MLI Intellectual Property (IP).
• Read, understand and apply information in chemical literature, safety data sheets (SDS), and other relevant information sources to identify and mitigate risks of working with hazardous chemicals and processes.  Hazards may include but are not limited to: use of toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, flammable, pyrophoric, highly reactive, materials in high pressure, negative pressure, extremely hot or cold, or other reaction profiles and equipment. 
• Consistently focus on and prioritize safety including applying administrative, engineering and personal protective equipment and protocols at all times to ensure the safety of yourself, your colleagues and our community including safeguarding the environment and properly identifying, managing, and minimizing waste.
• Collect and consolidate data from multiple sources including laboratory notebooks records, metrology reports, and chemical literature to enable evaluation of experimental outcomes by identifying important information, tracing possible causes of problems, and searching for practical solutions. 
• Prepare a weekly summary of specific activities, describing key activities accomplished, projects in progress with milestones and estimated completion dates, observations and opportunities for continuous improvement, requests for help needed, risks for completion of projects/tasks on schedule, and other relevant information
• Generate project plans and proposals with clear success criteria, well defined milestones, robust schedules, risk assessments with mitigation strategies, and resource needs well defined.
• Uphold all MLI policies and “MLI Code of Conduct.”
• Strict compliance with Environmental and Safety regulations.
• Compliance and individual accountability with the MLI Quality System and ISO Registration is required.  It is the employee’s commitment to ensure that the Company’s actual practices and procedures are exercised as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support and sustain a high performing team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related discipline such as biology or physics or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of computers and MS Office software.
• Working knowledge of arithmetic and grammar.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Follow written and verbal instructions in English.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in order to meet established deadlines.
• Work as a team and/or independently.
• Perform tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five or more years of relevant experience in an industrial or academic laboratory setting (preferred not required).

SALARY & BENEFITS

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $80K-$130K.

Located in central Washington, an outdoor recreational oasis, we offer the following benefits: compensation, medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits.

• Generous PTO: Your off time is important.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Majority of premiums paid by MLI. Includes virtual medical and mental health options.
• Additional Health Coverage: FSA and HSA available. Voluntary insurance options include life and AD&D, accident, hospitalization, and critical illness.
• Earn More: We offer a generous discretionary bonus program in addition to salary/wage.
• 401(k) Savings Plan: Jump start your retirement with MLI’s employer matching contributions.
• Company-Paid Benefits: Long-Term Disability Insurance, EAP, Fitness Club Membership Program, & Education Assistance Program. Relocation Assistance available.
• Additional Benefits: We provide position-based clothing, travel expenses, training and additional materials needed on a case-by-case basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are generally performed indoors in an office/lab and high purity manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees will work in a covered Process Safety Management (PSM) environment containing threshold quantities of flammable liquids and/or gasses that have a potential for fire or explosion. Employees working in this environment are required to be free from devices that are not considered intrinsically safe. Examples of devices that may not be intrinsically safe include Insulin Pumps, Pacemakers, Pain Management devices, etc.  The employee may work in the presence of fumes or airborne particles, hot, toxic, or corrosive chemicals, water, liquids, and electrical equipment.   When working in the presence of safety hazards, the employee is expected to follow company safety rules and use proper personal protective equipment such as: respirator, hardhat, protective clothing, safety glasses, safety footwear, and full leather shoes, etc.