Laboratory Research Specialist

Your Job

Koch Technology Solutions (KTS), a Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) company and a leader in technology licensing, is looking to add a Laboratory Research Specialist to our Chadds Ford, PA location.

The Laboratory Research Specialist will be an integral part of the KTS lab and pilot plant facility, supporting our Li-Pro business of direct lithium extraction (DLE).

Our Team

Chadds Ford, PA laboratory is a satellite location of KTS. We are a lean team that rapidly evaluates the technical novelty of new offerings for our licensing business. We focus primarily on early-stage proof of concept to pilot scale operations. We operate with an entrepreneurial start up mentality, wearing various hats throughout the day.

What You Will Do

• Always maintain laboratory safety as the highest priority. Ensure that safety protocols and checks are rigorously followed and immediately report any safety or compliance concerns. Work safely with potentially hazardous chemicals, including strong acids, oxidizers, and flammable solvents, always adhering to best practices.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory analysis, including sample preparation and operating instruments such as ICP, GC, and FT-IR and UV-Vis spectrometers. Perform acid/base titrations, measure catalyst particle size distributions, and other necessary tests. You will be directly involved in critical data collection processes.
• Accurately document all data, observations, and experimental outcomes. Maintain a thorough laboratory notebook and regularly consolidate data to draft detailed summary reports.
• Contribute as a motivated and engaged team member, collaborating effectively with fellow researchers, senior scientists, and the broader KTS team which can be in a remote setting. Foster an environment where shared knowledge, mutual support, and open communication are key to achieving team goals.
• Take ownership of laboratory work related to the quality control of KTS' proprietary catalysts and sorbents. This will include performing tasks such as titrations or batch polymerizations.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of laboratory chemicals, including high-pressure gas cylinders. You will be responsible for safely disposing of waste chemicals in compliance with company and township regulations.
• Perform calibrations, regular maintenance, and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment to ensure consistent, high-quality results.

The Experience You Will Bring

Requirements (Basic Qualifications):

• Demonstrated experience working safely in a wet chemistry research laboratory, ensuring the safe handling of hazardous chemicals and are comfortable working with high-temperature or high-pressure equipment.
• Experience using hand tools (wrench, screwdriver) to assemble laboratory test equipment under supervisor guidance, general knowledge of laboratory equipment (balances, pipette transfer, titrations, types of glassware and safe handling) and exposure to analytical instruments (GC, FT-IR or ICP-OES)
• Previous experience summarizing experimental data and discussing observations with senior scientists.

What Will Put You Ahead:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Experience maintaining, calibrating, and developing methods for analytical instruments.
• Experience in following strict Standard Operating Procedures and issuing CoAs to support sales of specialty chemicals, catalysts or adsorbents
• Proficiency in using Swagelok pressure fittings, valves, and gauges.
• Experience interpreting line diagrams and P&IDs to construct test equipment based on designs.
• Experience with Hazard Safety Reviews
• Previous experience working in a collaborative environment that required minimal supervision.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy. #LI-RP3

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Koch Technology Solutions (KTS) is the world's leading licensor of technology Polyester, Nylon and Polyurethane value chains. KTS has over 40 years of continuous licensing experience with a global team of technology and licensing experts. We can combine our exclusive technologies, expertise, and capabilities with those of other KES companies to deliver best in class technologies to the market.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: http://www.kochcareers.com/doc/Everify.pdf