Phospholutions

Research Associate

State College, PA
Full Time
Entry Level
WE ARE MINDFUL, ORIGINAL, & BOLD
At Phospholutions, our mission is simple.  We are enhancing the efficiency of global phosphorus use. Phospholutions, Inc. is an award-winning and venture-backed agtech start-up company enhancing global phosphorus use. Phospholutions is experiencing exponential growth after the commercial launch and now rapid global expansion of our proprietary RhizoSorb® technology. This technology helps to lower the environmental impact of fertilizers and is optimizing the use of inputs for growers resulting in better plant health.

Supported by years of university research, extensive field testing, and backed by leading industry investors, our team is focused on the global expansion of RhizoSorb® technology. To support our team, we are hiring a Research Associate. This is an on-site position at our company’s headquarters in State College, PA and will report to our Senior Materials Scientist.

If you are a resourceful, focused and innovative research professional who enjoys problem solving, have great attention to detail, exercise good judgement, and are able to maintain a safe research laboratory, we highly encourage you to apply for this position!

JOB OBJECTIVE 
We value energy, passion, authenticity, creativity…and results! The individual hired for this position will assume ownership of and perform a diverse range of tasks, becoming an indispensable partner to our Research & Development (R&D) team by helping to manage, implement, and achieve critical R&D objectives and strategies. Immediate tasks include managing the intake, storage and rapid testing of granular fertilizer samples produced for both commercial and research use, independently planning and executing lab experiments and quality control testing while following standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensuring consistency in protocol execution. The Research Associate will serve as a liaison to internal colleagues regarding laboratory studies/projects and while work alongside other members of the R&D team, playing an instrumental role in the company by executing experiments that have material impact on our company’s success.

Among other responsibilities, this position requires the knowledge, skills and ability to understand and execute the following:
            Quality Control Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare samples of granular products for quality control experiments including pH analysis, moisture, bulk and tap density, crush strength, filtering, size distribution by sieving, measuring, etc.
  • Communicate with internal teams and outside partners across production, warehousing, and logistics to ensure samples are properly labeled, packaged, and shipped for quality control testing and to align research objectives with business needs
            Key Raw Materials Testing Responsibilities
  • Prepare standards and chemical reagents (i.e. acids, bases, alcohols, etc.) for use in completing experiments, troubleshooting, testing, and data acquisition
  • Support experimental design, research planning, and data analysis
  • Collaborate with other R&D team members to develop and carry out tests, experiments and studies to include:
    • Phosphorus adsorption and desorption studies
    • Raw material characterization
    • Soil and water testing
    • Nutrient leaching experiments
    • Soil nutrient incubation and nutrient release studies
  • Develop a company-specific scientific knowledge inventory of various materials and their impacts on phosphorus-soil behavior
  • Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis on raw materials using laboratory experimentation
Responsibilities for All Associates
  • Troubleshoot instrumentation and ensure proper repair as needed
  • Maintain a high level of scientific integrity and laboratory safety
  • Record and manage experimental procedures and data in proper database and notebook structures
  • Organize, maintain, and manage small-scale laboratory equipment, supplies, and chemical inventory
  • Prepare, setup, operate, tear down, and clean all equipment, materials, and supplies for lab experiments
  • Translate and communicate research findings and complex statistical information to stakeholders
  • Prepare verbal and written technical reports and presentations to explain experimental findings

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/ABILITIES: The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate core competencies in the following areas:  
  • Demonstrated success prioritizing and managing work requests from multiple sources and in meeting deadlines; superior time management skills and keen attention to detail are essential
  • Ability to exercise ethical, prudent judgment and problem-solving in the absence of direct supervision
  • Ability to communicate, collaborate, and build strong working relationships with others
  • Ability to work independently, learn new skills quickly, and take initiative
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment and assume personal ownership of R&D activities and outcomes
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including mastery of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax and tone
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form 
  • Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry
  • Strong math skills including the use of statistic, formulas, charts, and tables
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or related physical science field from an accredited university or college, however, candidates with two years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
  • Has a university-level understanding of scientific methods, chemistry, and laboratory techniques
  • “Day-1 Expert-level” proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
  • One or more years of laboratory research experience outside an academic setting
  • Experience with basic analytical chemistry (qualitative and quantitative analysis) as well as spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and microscopy
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between multiple locations as needed
  • Background checks (criminal/education/employment/reference/credit/DMV) will be performed; results must be satisfactory to the company.
  • If hired, must adhere to all company policies and procedures and other prescribed best practices/industry standards 
 
DESIRED EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (THESE ARE A PLUS!) 
  • Demonstrated experience with lab design and setup
  • Basic understanding of agronomy, soil science and greenhouse lab practices
  • Experience with computer programming
  • Material Science experience

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated annual salary range is $44,000–$50,000. Compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be able to lift 40 to 50 lbs (occasionally)
  • Infrequent sitting, standing, moving forward/back/side-to-side, and working around laboratory equipment is required; where exposure to electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, sealants, solvents, and other compounds is possible
  • Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time

POSITION LOCATION: The successful candidate must be able to report to work in State College, PA. This is not a remote position.

TO APPLY: Tell us why you are interested in this position and your desired salary in the cover letter section of this posting. Include your resume, answer a few questions, then click submit. It’s that easy to apply right now! 
  • This is an IMMEDIATE opportunity, BUT we are looking for an awesome new team member, so the position will remain open until filled. 
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This company does not sponsor applicants for work visas. 
  • The Company reserves the right to alter, change, modify and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice, or obligation. No recruiters, please; principal applicants only. 
 ***
The job is primarily performed indoors in a traditional office setting; The employee is constantly required to talk, hear, stand, or sit for extended periods of time while using a computer, telephone or other productivity devices to communicate with other personnel and conduct business. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently, uses hands to: finger, handle, feel or operate objects and computer keyboards. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl, squat, turn/twist, and smell. The employee must frequently lift, carry, push or pull up to 10 pounds and/or occasionally lift, carry, push or pull up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
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Phospholutions, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

 
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