Research Technician

Purpose Of Job:

• This position is located at our Fairmount, GA Technical Center with the purpose of performing lab testing toward achieving technical service and new product development objectives working with a Technology Manager.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities:

• Computer Aptitude –Understands and is able to use PC and MS Excel, Word and Power Point software.
• Documentation – Demonstrates the ability to keep a neat, accurate, laboratory notebook.
• Testing – Has advanced knowledge of mineral powder characterization tests as well as advanced knowledge of physical test methods and procedures.
• Safety – Conducts safety meetings and/or training meetings.
• Self-Directed – Works with minimum supervision.
• Communication Skills – Writing – Writes clear, concise and grammatically correct memos reports and instructions which clearly state the intended message in a manner that is professional, yet easy for others to understand.  Efficiently prepares various statistical and/or other reports.
• Able to use standard laboratory scale polymer compounding and testing equipment;
• Sets up and operates a wide range of laboratory test equipment; Familiar with all lab instrument and equipment in use and basis maintenance.
• Familiar with plant QC procedures and be able to run QC tests.
• Problem-Solving – Analyses and understands why problems occur; generates creative yet practical solutions.
• Technical Troubleshooting – Accurately diagnoses the technical problems with equipment and applications and designs expedient solutions for internal and external customers.
• Conduct/support production trials at a customer location or in Huber operations when needed.
• Training – Fully competent and able to train others in the performance of standard laboratory equipment and procedures.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
Specialized or Technical Knowledge/Skills:

• Associates Degree in Chemistry, Materials, Laboratory Science or related field preferred but not required.
• 5+ years of related field/industry experience or combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Must be proficient in MS Office software applications.
• Verbally transmits ideas, instructions and information so they are clearly understood by others in formal or in-formal face-to-face situations. 
• Must understand, read, write and speak the English language.
• Respects deadlines and works to closure.
• Quickly & effectively adjusts behavior to meet a goal and/or changing circumstances, e.g., changed work schedules, customer needs, strategic directions of the company.
• Demonstrates a level of listening skill such that departmental needs, issues, problems, etc. are heard and possibly resolved.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of others, includes tactfulness and a helping orientation; must be a team player.
• Ability to learn and apply Six Sigma Concepts and Techniques in everyday activities.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision to achieve team goals.

Major Challenges:

• Works in a non-climate-controlled laboratory exposed to heat, cold, dust and chemicals.
• Balancing the needs of multiple projects based on interaction with supervisor(s) in order to gain appropriate understanding of the importance of various projects in the commercialization process, and the delivery of superior service and data.
• Ability to safely handle many different raw materials, internal and external products, applications and instrumentation’s in accordance with Huber and government policies and regulations.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies with the assistance of peers and/or supervisor(s).
• Maintaining accurate documentation to support patent filings and other Huber processes.
• Must lift and move up to 50 lbs.