Analytical Chemist and R&D Lab Manager

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Job Description

Corian® Design is a global business within DuPont that creates and provides industry-leading decorative surfacing products to residential and commercial customers, as specified by architects, designers, and consumers.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Analytical Chemist & R&D Lab Manager to join the Corian® Design R&D team in Buffalo, NY. This role is a key contributor to both the core business and innovation pipeline, combining analytical chemistry expertise with laboratory leadership.

The successful candidate will lead analytical activities that support product development, product stewardship, manufacturing troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance while managing laboratory operations and a team of technicians. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, performance, and reliability of Corian® products worldwide.

This is an on-site position based in Buffalo, NY.

Key Responsibilities

Analytical Chemistry Leadership

Lead analytical support for the global Corian® business, including product characterization, qualification, and performance validation to ensure products meet technical specifications and customer expectations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting product development through advanced materials characterization and testing
• Leading competitive product and materials analyses
• Troubleshooting chemistry-related issues across manufacturing operations
• Supporting product certifications, regulatory compliance, and code-related initiatives
• Serving as a technical resource for cross-functional business and manufacturing teams

Laboratory Leadership

Lead laboratory operations and a team of technicians responsible for analytical testing and product evaluation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring laboratory capabilities, equipment, and resources support business priorities
• Maintaining high standards for data quality, integrity, and traceability
• Prioritizing work and allocating resources to meet project and business needs
• Developing team capability through coaching, training, and performance management
• Fostering a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement

Additional Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Capability Management

• Generate high-quality, reliable, and traceable analytical data
• Maintain documentation of test methods, conditions, and results
• Oversee equipment calibration, maintenance, and capability planning
• Continuously enhance laboratory capabilities to support evolving business needs

Product Responsible Person (PRP) – Corian® Product Portfolio

• Maintain product specifications and supporting internal and third-party test data
• Lead or support certification activities and regulatory audits
• Serve as a product performance subject matter expert for commercial, marketing, and customer inquiries

Leadership of Laboratory Personnel

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of laboratory technicians
• Allocate resources to support testing, development, and project timelines
• Improve laboratory systems and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Serve on the R&D Leadership Team to support safe operations, resource planning, and priority alignment

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with sales, marketing, manufacturing, and quality teams to address technical and business needs
• Support plant operations on issues impacting product quality, reliability, and productivity

Talent & Safety Leadership

• Recruit, coach, and develop laboratory personnel
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and well-organized laboratory environment

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a related discipline
• 2+ years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment
• Hands-on experience with chromatographic techniques (GC-MS, HPLC, GPC) and polymer characterization methods (TGA, DSC, TMA)
• Strong analytical problem-solving and data interpretation skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across functions
• Ability to travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or supervising laboratory personnel
• Experience supporting regulatory testing, product stewardship, and compliance programs
• Experience with polymer and materials characterization
• Familiarity with quality systems, SOP-driven environments, and LIMS platforms
• Six Sigma training or certification

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