BYK Additives & Instruments is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives and measuring instruments. Around the world, the additives of BYK ensure that coatings and plastics precisely obtain the desired properties and the correct quality.
We’re looking for a highly motivated, experienced R&D Group Leader to join our team!

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefit plans eligible to enroll within 30 days of hire!
• Annual Merit increases, Bonuses, and 401K Discretionary company match up to 5%!
• Opportunity for advancement and training opportunities for all employees!

The R&D group leader is a key role in the technical leadership of projects within the Research and Development group in Gonzales. This role manages projects from inception to completion for new product development, raw material qualification, process improvements, or technical service for commercial initiatives. These efforts include all aspects needed for successful completion of technical projects including providing technical expertise for scientific advancement, managing bench chemists/lab technicians, stakeholder engagement, and project management.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical leadership and manage new product development projects, new process and process improvement projects, and technical service projects. This includes the design and execution of experimental laboratory work.
• Lead and direct the work of bench chemists and technicians to execute project tasks and experimental plans.
• Engagement with stakeholders from various departments and international locations to achieve project goals and drive projects to completion within projected timeline and resource budget.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to Operations, Commercial, Regulatory, Purchasing, and other cross functional teams.
• Assist in raw material evaluations and qualifications.
• Coordinate with Quality for customer complaint investigation and provide technical support to the Quality department.
• Assist in the development and implementation of technical training for rheology and clay technologies to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Input of product composition, physical properties and known hazards data into SAP-EHS.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Expertise in chemistry, clay science, and/or colloidal science. Significant knowledge and experience in analytical disciplines is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills with positive attitude and ability to inspire others
• Knowledge of laboratory and general safety practices, working ability with environmental and regulatory requirements and processes.
• Experience in project management
• Advanced technical analysis and problem solving
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph D in Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science (or MS with significant experience) preferred)
• 4-5 years of industrial R&D experience
• Six Sigma Yellow/Green/Black belt is desired

This job is not eligible for sponsorship.
In the ALTANA Group, you will work in a unique culture of innovation where the utmost importance is attached to promoting individual ideas and abilities as well as open, trusting interaction. ALTANA AG and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work within the United States?

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Industrial Research & development: 5 years (Required)
• Clay & Mineral: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Gonzales, TX 78629 (Required)

Work Location: In person