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Job Description

The Flame Retardant (FR) Applications and Customer Technical Service Director role involves managing flame retardant applications research and development activities including technical service for new and existing customers, support of new product development programs, and product advocacy and regulatory affairs technical support.  The position leads a team of applications scientists and chemical technical professionals that are focused on flame retardants.  Approximately 50% of the team have a Ph.D. degree in a relevant technical field, and the other approximately 50% are chemical technical professionals with primary job responsibilities focused on executing studies in the lab.

This position reports to the VP, Applications and Customer Technical Service & Global Analytical and is located at our Process Development Center Site in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

What You Will Do

• Lead the FR Applications and Customer Technical Service group; maintaining a highly engaged team and ensuring that needs of the Enterprise are met.
• Ensure that innovation projects are appropriately staffed to meet project timelines, milestones, and priorities.
• Be a thought and practice leader for laboratory safety.
• Ensure that FR Customer Technical Service needs of the Enterprise are met.
• Ensure that technical support needs for FR product advocacy and regulatory affairs are met.

What You Bring

Required:

• Graduate degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Deep technical knowledge of Chemistry and ability to fluidly discuss complex Chemistry concepts with experts both internally and externally.
• At least 7 years of industry experience with at least 2 years of those in an administrative leadership position.
• At least 2 years of experience in a customer-facing role.
• Experience leading technical teams.
• At least 2 years of experience managing complex research laboratories and ensuring compliance with EHS policies and procedures.
• Experience in the extrusion, compounding, molding and testing of plastics.
• Ability to successfully lead a team to achieve positive outcomes on short duration projects while continuing to progress longer duration projects in parallel.
• Proven project/program management experience.
• Ability to travel to customer sites or for other meetings.

Preferred:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of industry experience with at least 3 years of those in an administrative leadership position.
• Knowledgeable about FR codes and standards.
• Direct experience in the formulation of flame retardants in organic polymers to meet FR codes and standards.
• Experience in the preparation and testing of printed circuit boards.
• Experience in formulating and testing plastics for wire and cable applications.
• Significant experience and understanding of Materials Science of organic polymers.

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Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.