Research Associate

With a strategy centered on people and sustainability, Braskem is engaged in contributing to the value chain to strengthen the Circular Economy. Braskem’s 9,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improving people's lives through sustainable solutions in chemicals and plastics. With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse industries, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, health and hygiene, and more. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in over 70 countries.

Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and a New Renewable Innovation Center in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa.

Department: Innovation & Technology 

Location: Lexington, MA 

Travel: 0-5%

Job Type: On-site

 

Description: 

Braskem, a global leader in the production of sustainable materials, has recently opened a new renewable research and development facility in Lexington, MA. This new 35,000 SFT facility will bring together scientists and engineers from various disciplines to ideate and develop novel technologies for producing renewable chemicals and materials.
We are looking for a motivated research associate to join our catalysis team! The research associate will participate in the discovery and development of catalytic materials for renewable chemicals to contribute to sustainable development.

Detailed responsibilities include:

• Safe operation: Stay current on all safety training, participate in necessary safety audits, and effectively manage and maintain excellent laboratory housekeeping as well as standard operating procedures.
• Synthesizing, characterizing, and evaluating catalysts
• Building, operating, and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Analyzing, interpreting, and communicating results to team members
• Working in a team environment to solve problems

Requirements: 

• The ideal candidate must follow a safety mindset and be driven to deliver quality results in a self-motivated and proactive manner. 
• They should have good verbal and written communication skills, demonstrate critical judgment in decision-making, and be able to follow detailed procedures (including safety procedures). 
• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory environment is required.
• The candidate should have a good understanding of data analysis and be familiar with computer software (Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Outlook, etc.). 
• The ideal candidate must be inquisitive (curious), willing to learn (and teach others) and grow in responsibilities.

Preferred Skills, Education, and Experience:

• BS and/or MS in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields.
• Minimum 2 years of wet lab experience. 
• Experience in catalyst discovery and development, such as synthesis, characterization, or evaluation, is desired.
• Experience with lab digitalization is a plus.
• Goal Zero mindset. Basic safety skills include SDS awareness, chemical storage, waste disposal, proper handling of toxic or hazardous materials, and familiarity with safe laboratory operating principles.
• Ability to work with colleagues within a project team.
• Strong writing and presentation skills

 

What we offer

At Braskem, we offer more than just a competitive pay package. Our total rewards package includes a wide range of benefits you need for every stage of your life. Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Retirement Benefits
• Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Teladoc
• A wide range of voluntary benefits like Pet Insurance, Legal and ID Theft Insurance
• Flexible work schedules like 9/80 schedules for eligible team members

Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level and/or ladder.

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States without the need for any type of sponsorship now or in the future. Braskem is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees according to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.