Polymer Analyst | EAG Laboratories

Eurofins Scientific is a global leader in providing a unique range of analytical testing services to multiple industries. With over 200,000 analytical methods, Eurofins Scientific helps make life and our environment safer, healthier, and more sustainable. Our network of over 62,000 employees across a network of more than 950 laboratories in 60 countries, strengthens Eurofins Scientific as a leader in scientific testing services.

EAG Laboratories, a Eurofins company has over 40 years’ experience in materials and engineering testing services. EAG is a global leader in scientific services with a portfolio of analytical methods. We offer a consultative multi-disciplinary approach to solving your materials and engineering related product problems. As thought leaders in investigative science, we set the global standard for materials and engineering testing services.

EAG is actively seeking a Polymer Analyst to assist in chemical testing of industrial and consumer products. Our laboratory in Maryland Heights, Missouri provides organic chemistry testing specializing in investigative analytical chemistry.  Examples of this include evaluating the label claims of consumer products, reverse engineering pharmaceuticals/nutritional supplements, contaminant identification, determining sources of off odors/flavors/colors, extractables and leachables of consumer electronics, testing medical devices and much, much more.

The Polymer group specializes in non-routine problem solving that encompasses:

• Failure analysis in molded parts, delamination of films, adhesives and coating, processing/curing issues, chemical compatibility, blisters and surface defects. 
• Examples of polymeric materials we evaluate include raw materials in polymer formulations, adhesives, coatings, molded, extruded and cast components.

Case Study:

Client needs to phase transition temperature of a plastic material. Analyst receives the assignment from the manager, performs sample preparation and gets it on DSC. Data is reviewed and communicated to clients. Testing can include other instruments (TGA, DMA, TMA, pyrolysis GCMS) Opportunities to join a call with manager and client.

Examples of equipment you will use:

• Chromatography (GPC, GC-MS, pyrolysis GC-MS, HPLC/LC-MS),
• Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman, NMR),
• Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA)
• Physical properties (DMA, TMA)
• Rheometer

In this position, you will be responsible for:

• Applying standard and non-standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to carry out a sequence of related tasks to determine the composition, properties and/or structure of materials. 
• Performing sample preparation. 
• Recording test data providing some basic analysis and interpretations. 
• Maintaining specified records of scientific data. 
• Preparing reports on analytical results for customers. 
• Protecting confidential information and proprietary processes. 
• Handling customer materials and company equipment in a responsible and efficient manner.
• Employees are expected to comply with ISO 27001 standard and company requirements for Information security. 

This role is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) therefore all accepted applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR: U.S. Person is a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

• BS/MS degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Polymer Chemistry 
• 1+ years of industrial or analytical testing lab experience 
• Previous experience operating either a DSC, TGA, or GPC Instrument
• Previous knowledge of polymer characterization techniques is preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel in particular
• Excellent professional, verbal, and written communication skills

What would set you apart?

The Ideal candidate would be able to recognize a DSC thermogram and identify transitions. They would be able to explain the purpose of TGA analysis and recognize TGA thermogram features. They would be proficient at GC-MS and have experience with pyro-GC-MS. They would be able to recognize various polymer types and associate them with expected properties (i.e., knowing that HDPE melts at 120-130°C). Finally, having hands-on experience with DMA/Rheometry would also be a big plus.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.      

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 80% of the time. 
• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer or lab equipment for extended periods of time (4 or more hours). 
• Ability to operate a keyboard and other lab equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead    
• Ability to communicate clearly and understandably ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting. 
• Ability to handle small and fragile devices with tweezers and /or fingers.
• Require close distance visual acuity with or without correction (Glasses, Contacts, etc.) 
• Must be willing and able to wear PPE such as hard-hat, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, laboratory coat and/or any other devices or equipment that is required.  
• Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, ability to communicate with visitors, ability to complete tasks in situations that have a speed or productivity quota.  
• Ability to move equipment or items up to 50 lbs. 

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.      

We will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability or special need, we would like to know how we can better accommodate you.   

Schedule: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm 

Salary is commensurate with experience and degree of technical expertise.

What It’s Like to Work Here:

• Teamwork: be inspired by your leaders, be encouraged by your teammates, and be supported in all parts of your journey while you work with us.

• Learning & Development: take on career development programs and goal setting to create big possibilities for your career and life. Develop within the company; be mentored and grow as a leader.

• Diversity & Authenticity: we work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Benefits & Perks to Foster Work/Life Balance:

✓ Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

✓ 401k Company Matching

✓ Paid Time Off

✓ Wellness Program

✓ Education Assistance

✓ …and more!

Eurofins EAG Laboratories is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all of our employment practices. Eurofins EAG Laboratories recruits, hires, trains, promotes and administers all employment-related matters based on an individual's qualifications, abilities, and efforts.  Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, military and/or protected veteran status, and/or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.    

Eurofins USA Material Sciences is a Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer

If you enjoy being immersed in science or engineering, tackling problems head-on, finding solutions through teamwork, and taking pride in accomplishments, join us today!

Check out our other opportunities: www.eag.com/about/careers/ 

Eurofins USA Material Sciences is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Eurofins USA Material Sciences is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.