Laboratory Technician

Responsible for making adhesives batches, conducting lab test on paste and cured elastomers or structural adhesives, organizing and preparing substrates, data collection and documentation. This role supports new product development and existing product maintenance and requires working in close cooperation with chemists, other technicians, customers and suppliers.

Description
This role supports new product development and existing product maintenance and requires working in close cooperation with chemists, other technicians, customers and suppliers. The incumbent will actively participate in the development, testing, qualification and scale-up of adhesive formulations.

Key role and responsibilities
• Co-develop new products according to customer needs, specifications and business strategy
• Responsible for making adhesives batches, conducting lab test on paste and cured elastomers or structural adhesives, organizing and preparing substrates, data collection and documentation
• Work in teams for successful scale-up of products, according to existing procedure and process capabilities
• Collaborate with others to learn best lab practices, become competent to complete lab responsibilities and work independently, safely and efficiently
• Ensures product quality and performance standards meet customer needs by staying abreast of customer performance requirements and specifications
• Understands environmental, health and safety practices and work proactively to improve the level of safety in R&D, must be a positive example for others
• Evaluate new materials or components
• Maintain lab equipment as ERP (equipment responsible person)
• Conduct experiments with high quality, analyze data and understand results
• Capable to learn and operate some analytical instruments: FTIR, DSC, DMA, TGA,

Essential Functions
• Preparing prepolymer and adhesives batches
Daily lifting and moving of pails up to 50 lbs
Weighing raw materials and charging them into mixers
Scraping mixer bowls, removing adhesives and cleaning out mixers
Transfer and packaging samples into containers, condition environments
• Characterizing / testing adhesives
Completing liquid property testing (viscosity, rheology, sag panels)
Applying adhesives to substrates using manual or auto caulking guns
Test lap shear, quick knife, dispense force and other mechanical properties
• Lab preparation
Inventory, order, organize and distribute materials regularly
Keep lab benches clean, dispose materials and replenish supplies from storage area
• Project preparation and documentation
Use Electronic Lab Notebook to document plans, work and data daily
Conduct and document health and safety audits

Qualifications
• An Associates degree in the STEM field is required, and a Bachelors degree is preferred
• Previous working laboratory experience in an industrial or R&D environment is required
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and passion for working safely and efficiently
• Self-motivated, able to work in a fast-paced environment, eager to learn new skills, and has practiced ability to effectively prioritize, organize, and plan responsibilities
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills, enjoys working with a diverse team of people
• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Products - Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft Teams Meetings
• Comfortable entering data and doing basic analysis in Excel (Sum, Average, Standard Deviation) with ability to identify when data is abnormal
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written
• Able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
• Knowledge or working experience with polymers is preferred, but not required

Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.

Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.