Sr. Research Scientist, Analytical

The Heritage Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned business focused on construction and materials, environmental services and specialty chemicals. Over the last 90+ years, the Heritage portfolio has grown to include more than 50 companies that employ more than 6,000 people. What unites this diverse group of businesses and individuals is our commitment to create a safer, more enriching, and sustainable world by harnessing the power of family.

The Heritage Research Group assists The Heritage Group companies, customers, and partners in evolving and adapting to an ever-changing marketplace. Heritage Research Group provides innovative products, processes, and training that constantly improve the way The Heritage Group companies serve their clients and deliver solutions to address the myriad of challenges their clients face. It also creates new technologies that fuel further business opportunities for The Heritage Group.

We are seeking a highly motivated hands-on experienced Senior Research Scientist to join our innovative research and development team. You will play a crucial role in advancing our material science capabilities. Your expertise in material science of polymers and other complex matrices (emulsions, asphalt, fuels) will contribute to solving complex characterization challenges across The Heritage family of companies and products.

If you are passionate about analytical chemistry, thrive in a research-driven setting, and want to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and be part of shaping the future of our industry!
***This position is based on-site in Indianapolis, IN. Qualified candidates must currently be located in the Indianapolis, IN area or be willing to relocate.***

Essential Functions

• 1. Advanced Analytical Techniques:
• Utilize your expertise in advanced material science and using the following techniques: FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and thermal analysis to analyze and interpret data (Hands-on).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address unmet needs and drive innovation.
• 2. Knowledge:
• The knowledge that was acquired through your advanced materials characterization working with polymers, other complex matrices, and deformulation will allow for innovative solutions to unique challenges.
• Train and develop scientists and engineers.
• Aim high to identify unmet technical and scientific needs that create new opportunities for Heritage Research Group (HRG).
• Knowledgeable in scientific specialties and practices within the Departments and The Heritage Family companies and products.
• 3. Leadership:
• Provide technical, scientific and user insights to drive best practices throughout HRG.
• Scientific and technical drive for innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with all HRG team members on research projects related to trouble shooting and problem solving.
• Work well in a team setting to design and execute experiments to improve product quality and performance (Hands-on).
• Regularly report progress through team meetings and written communication.
• Deliver expertise and knowledge to the senior management team in research. Mentor and lead junior staff.
• Contribute to HRG vision and strategy.
• 4. Method Development and Validation:
• Develop and validate analytical methods for raw material identification, product quality assessment, and stability testing (Hands-on).
• Maintain an organized and safe work environment.
• 5. Intellectual Property:
• Key contributor to the development and maintenance of intellectual property assets.
• Collaborate and partner with Heritage stakeholders on solutions to challenges:
• Contribute scientific and technical expertise to multiple project teams focused on various technical disciplines.
• Consults with other HRG scientists in the planning and conducting of a study, in the analysis of data, and the interpretation of findings, organizes and manages all statistical aspects of successful research projects.
• Continually challenge, develop capability, and best practices and drive new ways of technical thinking across the wider HRG and THG community.
• Act as an independent reviewer for the reports generated in the Analytical Research Group.

Education Qualifications

• Preferred PhD PhD in Chemistry
• Required Master's Degree

Experience Qualifications

• Required 10+ years with industrial experience and PhD in Chemistry or 15+ years with industrial experience and a MS degree.

Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive scientific knowledge, experience in advanced material science characterization and analytical chemistry.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in GPC, FTIR, NMR, and thermal analysis.
• Strong material science and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with method validation, transfer, and stability testing.
• Understanding and implementation of safe laboratory practices.
• Creative problem-solving skills to develop solutions to new and ongoing business opportunities.
• Experience handling hazardous waste and knowledge of hazardous waste classifications is preferred.
• Direct hands-on experience with a range of material characterization techniques is a plus: CHNOS Analyzers, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Macro-TGA, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Flash Chromatography, Saturates-Asphaltenes-Resins-Aromatics (SARA) Analysis, Optical Microscopy (including hot stage microscopy), Acid Number Determination, Karl Fischer.
• Demonstrated application of scientific principles, theory, and experimental design.
• Experience with Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Serves as a peer coach and provides constructive advice on projects within the team while accepting peer advice.
• Strong organizational and communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to use independent judgement and to abstract form specific problems to generate solutions.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Standing and sitting in a lab and office environment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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