Manager of Laboratory Services

Manager of Laboratory Services

Reaxis, Inc. is a specialty chemical manufacturing company, located in McDonald, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh, PA and has been in operation since 1935. Reaxis, Inc. manufactures an extensive range of products that are used in numerous industries including plastics, coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, hydrogen peroxide, oil/gas drilling additives and lubricants.

The company’s standard and specialty products are applicable in a wide range of chemistries including catalysts for esterification, polyurethane reactions as well as finishing chemistries.

As a result of its business growth, Reaxis, Inc. is seeking to fill the newly created position of Manager of Laboratory Services. Reporting to the Vice President of Process Development, the new incumbent would be responsible for developing a fully functional laboratory services department that supplies the full array of laboratory services to the Manufacturing, R&D and Process Development departments of Reaxis, Inc.

The key duties of this position (Manager of Laboratory Services) include:

Manufacturing support

• Finished product analysis
• In process analysis

-              Develop/implement criteria and systems to assure quality of incoming materials, documents, test results and finished products

-              Troubleshoot and solve technical problems and help plant operations when required

• Establish actions and implement systems to achieve process improvements and efficiencies to address shortcomings in processes and systems

R&D laboratory support

• Assist with the planning and execution of complex technical projects with broad scope
• Perform data analysis and draw scientifically and logically sound conclusions
• Document conclusions in writing
• Evaluate protocols, procedures, documents and results for scientific and/or business merit

Pilot plant operations  

• Producing new chemical products in developmental quantities (5 to 55 gallons)

Development and implementation of analytical methods for new products and new product specifications

• Evaluate new emerging analytical technologies for incorporation into laboratory use
• Develop and recommend improvements or enhancements to methods

Management of the laboratory and coaching and development of 2 R&D Chemists, 2 shift chemists and 1 lab technician

• Cross train lab services personnel (shift chemists and lab technician)
• Plan, acquire and implement the equipment resources necessary to maintain laboratory services productivity
• Manage the laboratory services operating budget

Key Requirements

• M.S. Degree In Chemistry
• Strong background in general chemistry, competent in analytical chemistry and ability to quickly learn tin chemistry and organic/inorganic chemistry in catalysts
• Five (5) or more years of experience managing a chemical laboratory, including budgets, capital equipment and chemist/laboratory personnel
• Ability to manage the laboratory service requirements of multiple groups such as Operations, R&D, Sales/Marketing
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfortable dealing with a wide variety of people and departments
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software and ERP systems
• Demonstrable communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong communication skills relative to diagnosing, understanding and interpeting the needs of laboratory services internal customers
• Strong initiative and ability/willingness to establish a newly created position
• US Citizenry, Permanent resident status (Green Card) or L1 Visa required for consideration

Reaxis, Inc. is a privately held, management owned organization that values initiative, action orientation, learning agility and teamwork and has a strong family like work environment. Interested applicants are to apply by clicking the Apply To Job link right on this page with salary history and requirements.