Our client, leading Chemical Manufacturing company based in Durban, is looking to fill the position of Technical Service Chemist - Composites.
Purpose of the Role:The Technical Service Chemist provides laboratory-based and field-based technical support to procurement, operations, sales, and customers within a resin manufacturing environment. The role ensures resin quality, supports product optimization, assists with sales/customer technical queries and requests, and contributes to the development of cost-effective and high-performance solutions.
Key Responsibilities / Key Performance Indicators:Experimental Training & Development:
Satisfy the requirements of the Technology Development Curve (1 - 8, or as amended).
Technical Service:
Knowledge of the company's products and accessories and their applications.
Good knowledge of the IMS-SOP's and test methods relating to the technical department as well as those relating to the QC testing of manufactured products.
Conduct short term technical evaluations/development that require immediate & urgent attention, and long-term projects as assigned by a TSM.
Modify existing resin systems to meet customer requirements and generates formulation packages for such modifications.
Prepare customer samples for trial purposes.
Prepare and update technical data sheets, safety data sheets and master certificates of analysis.
Determine suitable work-off/blend-off for rejected, expired and over-stocked products.
Evaluate alternative raw materials.
Execute ad hoc requests from TSM's.
Provide cross-functional technical support to other departments, including QC, operations, procurement and commercial.
Customer Complaint Assistance:
Assist with customer complaint investigations.
Product Optimisation:
Assist with product optimisations as recommended by QC through SHEQsys.
Product Development:
Conduct lab work for projects generated via technical project requests & SHEQ (quality & customer complaints) and follow new product launch procedure.
Generate and maintain the formulation packages and technical literature.
Research & Development:
Conduct research & development on existing, competitive, new and alternate products/raw materials/application techniques with special focus on new polymers, circularity and green technology to assist sales.
HSE Tasks:
Assists in the management of the section by:
Maintaining a safe and productive laboratory.
Maintaining equipment in good working order and ensuring equipment is calibrated.
Ensuring that housekeeping in the laboratory is maintained at a high a standard as possible.
Actively engages in Lean/6S initiatives in the laboratory.
Travel:
Visit customers to conduct trials, assist with technical problem-solving, offer guidance and recommendations on the use of company products whilst also identifying technical opportunities for improvement and growth.
Occasional attendance to trade shows/conferences.
Project Management:
Take ownership of tech service initiatives.
Plan and execute lab work.
Identify/co-ordinate and utilize resources to drive projects.
Prepares detailed technical reports (e.g. evaluations, customer visits/ trials, complaint investigations) and ensures proper filing for traceability.
Prepare, update and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure safe, consistent practices and effective knowledge transfer.
Maintain timely communication with project stakeholders.
Innovation:
Evaluate opportunities in new markets/new applications for company products.
Lead product tweak/development initiatives.
Qualifications and Experience:
Grade 12 Senior Certificate
Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree: Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/ Polymer Science
Minimum of 2 years in a polymer related/technical service laboratory function
If you are interested in applying for this role, please send a detailed copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed]If you have not been contacted within two (2) weeks, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Desired Skills:
technical service
Laboratory
Development
Research