Sr. Staff Technician Job

Location: Columbus (R&D labs collocated with Harmon Plant) 

Situation in organization: This position reports to Senior Research Scientist

Job dimensions: This position performs lab cooks and formulates adhesives as designed by the chemists, prepares wood boards, bonds into billets and later cuts into test specimens, and performs evaluation tests utilizing analytical methods and instrumentation. Documents and analyzes in lab notebook. Additional duties include, but are not limited to, basic maintenance of lab equipment, maintaining chemical inventory of lab chemicals, keeping labs and wood shop clean and organized, maintaining and properly conditioning wood inventory for upcoming tests. 

Activities:

Daily Lab Operations (75 %)

• Run lab cooks, formulate products, evaluate performance of chemicals / compounds / experiments, document and analyze results overall
• Pick the correct wood according to the test requirements, cutting the large wood boards into desired dimensions, joint and plane the surface for adhesive bonding. – need to be comfortable operating various wood and metal cutting saws and equipment  
• Following instructions from the chemists, bond the boards into billets, and press for specific time
• Cut the bonded assemblies into individual testing specimens, then performs various performance tests. Document and analyze results in lab and electronic notebook
• Participate in special projects at the direction of the  Scientists, Chemists and Engineers.
• Conduct adhesives performance testing efficiently and with high accuracy.

• Proper and safe handling. labeling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous lab wastes.

• Participate and track lab trainings, provide lab training to new employees

• Participate in required safety trainings; review and follow JSAs, SDSs, and SOPs, and assist with updates as needed to support safe and compliant lab operations.

• Maintain clean, safe and organized work environment and report any issues to Management.
• Perform general housekeeping duties  as needed to maintain a clean working environment
• Sort, track and condition wood inventory by species, densities, grain patterns, moisture levels;.lift wood boards up to 20+ lbs(ability to drive forklift is a plus)
• Perform basic maintenance on wood cutting tools wood bonding equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation
• Attend applicable seminars, conferences, and training programs as requested.

• Prepare customer samples, panels, or demonstration materials

• Maintain accurate records in laboratory and electronic notebook, Other duties or training as required or requested.

Materials Handling (5 %)

• Maintain current knowledge of safe chemical handling procedures and Safety Data Sheets for final products, raw materials and chemicals used in the laboratory.
• Proper handling and disposal waste chemicals and tested samples.
• Demonstrate ability to perform hazard analysis of new chemicals brought into the facility.
• Familiarity with safe PPE use and chemical storage practices

Equipment, Basic Care and Maintenance (20%)

• Operation of equipment necessary to perform in-process and final product testing.
• Ensure all equipment is functional, properly calibrated and used according to operating procedures.
• Perform basic care routines and repairs, in depth troubleshooting including equipment cleaning, lubrication, condition monitoring, and replacing worn parts.

Accountabilities

• Demonstrate strong troubleshooting abilities and attention to details
• Ability to work independently, and safely. Confident at operating various cutting saws and shop equipment
• Collaborate effectively with scientists, other technicians, tech services, and manufacturing personnel.
• Good communications skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Critical thinking and data analysis skills.
• Effectively manage multiple tasks and adapt to shifting priorities in fast-paced R&D setting.

Qualifications / experience required

• A minimum of an associate degree, preferably a bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 1 Year of Chemical Laboratory Experience required with degree
• Computer experience with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong attention to details, responsible for accuracy of data and precision of test equipment 
• Ability to work in a laboratory handling chemicals, conducting experiments, operating wood cutting and bonding equipment
• Mechanical aptitude
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment where equipment and ideas are shared
• Strong math skills, computer skills (excel, word, PowerPoint) and the ability to compile data accurately
• Follow all safety rules, work safely, participate and/or lead laboratory safety initiatives
• Must be authorized to work in the United States