Research Associate

About the Role

The Research Associate/Associate Scientist will work full-time with the R&D team to research new devices, design and perform studies to support various projects, and depending on education and experience level, help develop and formulate new products.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete required ISO, analytical, and other characterization testing on products, formulations, and raw materials.
• Design, plan, and execute laboratory experiments within defined project objectives, using established methods, scientific literature, and guidance from senior R&D team.
• Prepare test specimens, formulations, standards, reagents, and materials in accordance with approved protocols, test methods, and standard operating procedures.
• Keep an accurate record of experiments, results, observations, and preliminary conclusions in written reports, technical summaries, presentations, and laboratory notebooks.
• Troubleshoot problems and take corrective actions to solve issues that arise within the laboratory or production. Present findings and suggest solutions to the R&D team.
• Assist production and development activities by weighing ingredients, preparing laboratory batches, mixing materials, and following standard operating procedures, documenting processing parameters and evaluating physical and performance characteristics.
• Support product verification, validation, stability, aging, shelf-life, and design-change testing by executing approved protocols and documenting results.
• Create, follow, and maintain SOPs, records, supplies, cleaning, and maintenance/management of all laboratory equipment and work areas.
• Conduct laboratory work in a safe, efficient manner that ensures a safe working environment for colleagues.
• Monitor processes to ensure consistency and reliability.
• Collaborate effectively with Research and Development, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Product, Marketing, and other functional groups while working under the general direction of the senior scientific team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Excellent organization skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices.
• Basic computer skills.
• Aptitude in performing detailed job requirements safely and proficiently.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or related field with 0-5+ years of experience OR
• Masters in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or related field with 0-2+ years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Familiarity with batch chemical manufacturing.
• Familiarity with dental materials and/or medical devices is a plus.
• Experience and understanding of spectroscopy techniques including UV-Vis, FTIR, and Spectrophotometry.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing of polymers is a plus.
• Familiarity with ISO testing procedures.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to be on site 100% of working time.
• Ability to be exposed to loud equipment on occasion.
• Ability to be exposed to a filtered light environment on occasion.
• Ability to be exposed to acids and raw chemicals on occasion.
• Ability to lift various objects up to 20lbs.
• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.