About the position
Our client, leading Chemical Manufacturing company based in Durban, is looking to fill the position of Technical Service Chemist - Composites.
Purpose of the Role:
The Technical Service Chemist provides laboratory-based and field-based technical support to procurement, operations, sales, and customers within a resin manufacturing environment. The role ensures resin quality, supports product optimization, assists with sales/customer technical queries and requests, and contributes to the development of cost-effective and high-performance solutions.
Key Responsibilities / Key Performance Indicators:
Experimental Training & Development:
- Satisfy the requirements of the Technology Development Curve (1 - 8, or as amended).
Technical Service:
- Knowledge of the company's products and accessories and their applications.
- Good knowledge of the IMS-SOP's and test methods relating to the technical department as well as those relating to the QC testing of manufactured products.
- Conduct short term technical evaluations/development that require immediate & urgent attention, and long-term projects as assigned by a TSM.
- Modify existing resin systems to meet customer requirements and generates formulation packages for such modifications.
- Prepare customer samples for trial purposes.
- Prepare and update technical data sheets, safety data sheets and master certificates of analysis.
- Determine suitable work-off/blend-off for rejected, expired and over-stocked products.
- Evaluate alternative raw materials.
- Execute ad hoc requests from TSM's.
- Provide cross-functional technical support to other departments, including QC, operations, procurement and commercial.
Customer Complaint Assistance:
- Assist with customer complaint investigations.
Product Optimisation:
- Assist with product optimisations as recommended by QC through SHEQsys.
Product Development:
- Conduct lab work for projects generated via technical project requests & SHEQ (quality & customer complaints) and follow new product launch procedure.
- Generate and maintain the formulation packages and technical literature.
Research & Development:
- Conduct research & development on existing, competitive, new and alternate products/raw materials/application techniques with special focus on new polymers, circularity and green technology to assist sales.
HSE Tasks:
- Assists in the management of the section by:
- Maintaining a safe and productive laboratory.
- Maintaining equipment in good working order and ensuring equipment is calibrated.
- Ensuring that housekeeping in the laboratory is maintained at a high a standard as possible.
- Actively engages in Lean/6S initiatives in the laboratory.
Travel:
- Visit customers to conduct trials, assist with technical problem-solving, offer guidance and recommendations on the use of company products whilst also identifying technical opportunities for improvement and growth.
- Occasional attendance to trade shows/conferences.
Project Management:
- Take ownership of tech service initiatives.
- Plan and execute lab work.
- Identify/co-ordinate and utilize resources to drive projects.
- Prepares detailed technical reports (e.g. evaluations, customer visits/ trials, complaint investigations) and ensures proper filing for traceability.
- Prepare, update and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure safe, consistent practices and effective knowledge transfer.
- Maintain timely communication with project stakeholders.
Innovation:
- Evaluate opportunities in new markets/new applications for company products.
- Lead product tweak/development initiatives.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Grade 12 Senior Certificate
- Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree: Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/ Polymer Science
- Minimum of 2 years in a polymer related/technical service laboratory function
If you are interested in applying for this role, please send a detailed copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed]
If you have not been contacted within two (2) weeks, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Desired Skills:
- technical service
- Laboratory
- Development
- Research
