Would you like to join a company whose diverse products/solutions promote productivity and profitability, even in challenging economic times? Are you attracted to a collaborative work culture that supports and drives innovation and technology advancement? Does the idea of becoming part of a team in a state-of-the-art R&D facility excite you? Are you looking for a career, not a job, with a company that respects work/life balance?

If so, read on ... The Willamette Valley Company, LLC (WVCO) in Eugene, Oregon is looking to hire a dynamic, forward-thinking R&D chemist – ideally with both laboratory and industrial experience. The preferred candidate should have a BS or MS or PhD degree with lab experience, who has preferably worked in a related industry (e.g., polymer, coatings, paint, sealants, or adhesives, wood products, etc.).

Do you have the discipline of a lab chemist with an open mind to developing competitive solutions to meet clients’ requirements and needs? To be successful in this position, one should have fundamental understanding of chemistry (preferably polymer science), good laboratory skills, preferably hands-on formulation experience coupled with demonstrated success in scaling-up and interacting with production and customers.

The Company

Seventy years ago, The WVCO, launched a chemical business focused on solutions for the wood products industry, which today has positioned it as a leader in providing a wide range of high-performance solutions from industrial coatings, polymeric materials, adhesives, and adhesive extenders to robotics, parts, and engineering. Their global client base, seeking custom solutions to specific challenges, is highly diverse. WVCO understands the value of customer relationship management – partnering with their customers to support their business in every possible way – ensuring they are contributing to their customers’ ongoing prosperity and success. WVCO offers: An interesting and impactful role in a growing company, support of a motivated team, exposure to advanced technology, and the possibility to advance your career as you develop new skills and master new tasks

The Position

In this position, you will work under a group leader’s supervision, independently, and as a part of the team on developing Innovative epoxy, polyurethane, silane, water-base, solvent-base, and radiation curable products. As a chemist, you are expected to stay aware of the state-of-the-art in the field of coatings and related innovative applications. Major efforts include the development of, oversight of, manufacturing of, setting up quality control parameters for, and providing customer technical support for all coating type product lines for my client’s current/future markets.

You will have the opportunity to work in an excellent job environment with a clear pathway of success and future progression. Depending on your qualifications, related experience and performance, your job responsibilities may vary and/or increase, as needed, at the direction of your immediate supervisor. A basic knowledge of fundamental scientific principles, including general and organic chemistry is required. To be successful, you must be methodical, detail-oriented, focused and demonstrate a high work standard.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory formulating, utilizing designed experiments to generate new products.
• Analyze complex data and other facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Excellent documentation of all discoveries and developments.
• Stay current on state-of-the-art technologies and competitive activities to determine the effect such advancements will have on the Company’s products.
• Compile and communicate results and conclusions in the form of project reports and presentations.
• Strictly follow all safety rules and regulations as set forth by the Company
• Be a team player and self-motivated researcher.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Learn, use and actively support the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Perform miscellaneous duties as requested by supervisor.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) or M.S. or PhD from a four-year college or university with a related science degree – i.e., chemistry/polymer science/materials science/wood science/chemical engineering /or related field.
• Ideally, 3-5 years of related lab experience and/or training in industrial or academic set up. Or, equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job.
• Industry experience – ideally in a related industry, i.e., polymer, adhesives, coatings, sealants, adhesives, etc.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, polymers and polymer structure-properties and basic knowledge would be preferable.
• Fundamental statistical concepts.
• Hands-on experience with wood-working tools or, if not, a willingness to work with such tools.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills – verbally and in writing.
• Strong listening skills – really hears what others are saying.
• Proactive, self-reliant – takes initiative – driven to excel.
• Highly interactive – engaging; strong team-based; yet, can take ownership and work independently.
• Organized / Methodical – follows procedures and established practices, yet a creative thinker.
• Hands-on – equally comfortable in a pristine lab setting or in a mill setting.
• Energized by challenges – with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Systematic, research-focused, and structured mindset.
• Committed to looking for cost savings’ opportunities for both the company and customers.
• Can work tactically on immediate projects, but also has perspectives to see big pictures.
• Capable and willing to travel.
• Keen understanding of working with different audiences – stakeholders, sales, production etc.
• Safety and quality conscious.
• Demonstrates integrity, strong work ethic, respect for others.