ABOUT US:

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide. 

SUMMARY:

Conducts research, development, and/or performance testing activities for the respective SBU. Performs assigned projects under the supervision of a senior R&D team member or leader though may conduct independent studies, manage projects, and work on large, complex projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Perform formulation, synthesis, and/or testing activities to meet established project objectives. Effectively uses the Afton Product Development Process.
2. Evaluate and preliminarily interprets data. Provide technical recommendations to senior R&D team member or leader regarding results, chemistry and component viability, and necessary characterizations.
3. Participate in technical and/or project reviews and presents findings as appropriate. Engage with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, process, marketing, etc.
4. Maintain accurate, up-to-date lab notebooks in accordance with established procedures. Ensure objectivity and accuracy in reporting and recording data. May direct/supervise the activities of other team members as appropriate.   
5. Understand, comply, and promotes safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
6. Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in Quality System related activities and maintain a current understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
7. Represent Afton at technical conferences, societies and other industry activities, and maintain an adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc. Stay informed of advanced developments inside and outside of Afton.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of applicable chemistry and/or engineering principles and application in a research and development environment typically acquired after at least 5 years of relevant experience

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Advanced degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Experience directly related to applicable product or product category

For NewMarket or Afton employees, an appropriate combination of experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Decision Making – Regularly deal with decision making in a methodical and calculated way. Make it a priority to clearly define the problem before examining solutions. Take available information and apply experience and intuition to make quick judgement calls. Excellent at organizing the data and presenting it in ways that help clarify the situation.
• Analysis and Problem Solving - Address multifaceted problems in a systematic manner by identifying the central issue and making a plan to move forward. Consider various scenarios and patterns to get to the root of the problem. Drive difficult situations to resolution with persistence and ingenuity.
• Collaboration and Networking – Develop constructive working relationships through positive interactions and has an awareness of own strengths and weaknesses.
• Project Management – Understand the principles of project management and key basic tools (e.g., Gannt charts). Effectively execute modest projects with accountability and facilitate the coordination of several workflows and support from other contributors.
• Dealing with Uncertainty - Can effectively cope with change and shift gears quickly. Can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty and can act without having the complete picture to keep projects moving forward.
• Personal Drive – Is action-oriented and seizes opportunities when they arise, while focusing the necessary energy and resources on the situation to resolve it.
• Chemical Performance – Understand how physical engineering and chemical parameters impact performance. Design experiments to test key parameters and modify approach as needed.
• Demonstrates acceptable statistical applications to assigned area.

Working at Afton

Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Benefits / Compensation - We offer competitive compensation and benefit packages that reflect our commitment to our employees. Our employees are our most treasured asset and we have dedicated resources that allow us to reward our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis - ensuring our compensation packages are competitive in the industry

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.