Research and Development Technician

ASR Group is the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of more than 6 million tons of sugar. The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group owns and operates six sugar refineries, located in Louisiana, New York, California, Maryland, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, the company owns and operates sugar refineries in England and Portugal. ASR Group also owns and operates mills in Mexico and Belize. The company’s brand portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s® and Sidul®.

OVERVIEW

The Research and Development Technician is responsible for conducting research, trials, and experiments in the lab and pilot plant, they will perform standard testing and process procedures in the development of new processes and products. Their duties include setting up and breaking down pilot equipment, conducting experimentation of different materials' chemicals and physical makeup effects, performing quality control tests on current experiments, and creating technical reports and papers on the specifications and outcomes of tests, products, and processes.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Setup, running, and breakdown of pilot scale equipment.
• Develop, improve, and customize equipment, products, formulas, analytical methods and processes
• Prepare compounds, test solutions and reagents to conduct tests and experiments, then advise and coordinate on test procedures
• Consult with engineers and scientists on the analysis, interpretation, and development of tests
• Collect and analyze lab and process data and generate reports based on that analysis
• Document findings in technical papers and reports, preparing specifications and testing standards
• Clean and maintain pilot plant and laboratory instruments and equipment, making sure that all the technology is working correctly; if it is not, troubleshoot the issue or problem.
• Write lab procedures for the operation of new or existing processes and/or equipment

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic pulp & paper chemistry techniques
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel is a plus
• Ability to interpret data, perform analytical calculations and statistical analysis
• Must be able to work in a cross-functional environment to interact with multiple departments
• Willing and able to lift 30lbs on occasion
• Willing and able to work flexible hours, including overtime, as business needs require
• Education: Undergraduate degree in pulp and paper technology preferred, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, or a related field, B.S. in Chemistry (or another related field)
• Experience: one or more years of experience working in a laboratory or R&D setting
• Experience with one or more of the following instrumentation techniques is a plus: pH, moisture, color, burst strength, tensile, stiffness, tear, porosity

SKILLS

• Self-motivated to prioritize and execute projects
• Be able to troubleshoot independently or with limited supervision
• Perform routine, and non-routine testing, method development, and perform statistical analysis of data
• Good communication skills to work with others effectively. Written communication skills are necessary to provide written technical reports and lab test summaries
• Possess meticulous attention to detail
• Being able to manage time well to meet research deadlines is a key skill.
• Analytical mind to analyze lots of data.
• Strong organizational skills to keep track of data and document all processes.
• Patience and determination to find a solution that may require much effort, time, repeated experimentation, and determination
• Work safely and collaboratively in a high-performance, fast-paced research and development environment, which includes interaction with cross-functional teams
• Ability in mathematics to correctly apply formulas in experiments and document them correctly.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Customer Orientation - Keeps internal and/or external customer(s) in mind at all times. Strives to proactively address customer concerns and needs.
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner by tailoring one's message to fit the interests and needs of the audience.
• Establishes Trust – Gaining the confidence and faith of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, integrious and vulnerable.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability, identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others.
• Adaptability/Flexibility – Maintaining effectiveness in varying environments and with different tasks, responsibilities and people.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Travel frequency will be minimal and will be based on business needs.

LOCATION:

• Boca Raton, FL

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.