Research & Development Associate I - Polymer Research Support en The LYCRA Company

The LYCRA Company is a premier supplier of differentiated fiber products from a global manufacturing base with assets in the USA, Europe, Mexico, Brazil, China, and Singapore.

Our Apparel business works with leading consumer brands, retailers, and fabric mills all over the world to leverage our innovative offerings including LYCRA® fiber, COOLMAX® fiber, THERMOLITE® fiber, SUPPLEX® fiber and TACTEL® fiber.  The LYCRA Company is a leading supplier in the global apparel markets including ready-to-wear, intimate apparel, swimwear, activewear, outdoor and career apparel.

Location:    Benger Laboratory, Waynesboro, VA, USA  

The position of R&DA supports our development efforts at Benger Laboratory, the global headquarters for The LYCRA Company’s R&D team. This position will report directly to the R&D Team Leader. 

This opening will be primarily focused on the area of polymer chemistry research and development with a secondary focus in yarn analysis support and fiber testing.

Key Responsibilities and expectations:

• Conducts experiments under the supervision of chemists and engineers following appropriate procedures and instructions, while communicating results in a timely manner.
• Performs basic analysis and presentation of test results in requisite form, utilizing electronic reporting tools.
• Completes assigned tasks with only general supervision, while striving for a high level of proficiency and quality of results.
• Operates, calibrates, maintains, and services lab equipment in their assigned areas of responsibility.
• Assists in installation, start-up, and operation of new equipment as needed by chemists and engineers.
• Assists in the development of new test methods and writes job procedures including job safety analyses when needed, in consultation with chemists and engineers.
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and experience in conducting laboratory bench-scale tests and safely handles chemicals including familiarity with SDS and GHS Hazards communications systems.
• Be responsible for experimental setup, troubleshooting, and analytical sampling and testing

Demonstrated Behaviors:

• Uses troubleshooting skills to solve problems, while seeking best knowledge to ensure safety and compliance. 
• Demonstrates self-motivated behavior, identifies ways to improve efficiency and productivity, and works to implement creative improvements. 
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills including the ability to collaborate well with others. 
• Possesses strong observational, innovative and critical thinking skills. 
• Demonstrates agility to prioritize multiple tasks and complete them in a timely manner.
• Safety mindset with strong risk identification skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• The ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as is required by the operating areas (i.e., safety glasses, protective footwear, hearing protection, a half-face respirator occasionally, and compliance with the respiratory protection program which requires employees to be clean shaven each day other than a small mustache)
• The ability to sit, stand (up to 5 hours), walk (up to 4 hours), bend/stoop, twist, crouch, kneel, balance, and reach at shoulder level and below shoulder level, climb stairs, work indoors and occasionally outdoors
• Occasionally lift up to 20-75 pounds. 
• Occasionally push/pull up to 100 pounds
• Occasionally carry 20-75 pounds
• Must pass a physical abilities test. 

Qualifications (required):

• Associate degree or higher in Chemistry, Science, or Engineering and/or 2 years of relevant experience in the R&DA Support Role
• Experience with MS Office Software 
  • Excel – working knowledge of spreadsheets and statistical analysis 
  • Word – document creation/editing
  • PowerPoint – presentation creation/editing
• Available to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm (or 7:00am – 3:30pm) and overtime when rarely needed. 

Qualifications (preferred):

• Training and/or experience in polymer chemistry.
• Experience working for a research and development group.
• Courses in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and statistics.
• Chemical laboratory experience, job procedure creation, and chemical hygiene knowledge.