Analytical Physical Properties Technician

Responsibilities

We are seeking an individual to work in the Analytical Technology Division in Rochester, NY.  The successful candidate will need to apply appropriate analytical characterization techniques on a diverse set of projects to understand observable chemical or physicochemical effects leading to a more complete system understanding of research materials and manufacturing systems.  This will involve working and thinking in both a team environment and as an independent scientist.  The candidate will need to understand and use a variety of physical analysis and some chemical techniques and know how to use the associated instrumentation, computer equipment, and software.  Excellent documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills will also be needed, along with troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities:
•    Independently perform laboratory activities, including but not limited to, sample preparation, laboratory cleaning, maintenance/monitoring of laboratory equipment, standard testing of client samples, and generation of reports
•    Working safely with a variety of materials and instrumentation
•    Provide analytical support for all areas within Eastman Kodak as well as various external clients located both within the Rochester area and across the country
•    Tasks will be focused on the following technical areas:
     o    Bulk Mechanical properties of a broad range of materials, including polymers, metals, and ceramics
     o    Micromechanical properties (scratch, abrasion, indentation) of a variety of materials
     o    Optical properties of bulk samples, thin films, and coatings
     o    Morphology characterization via optical microscopy
     o    Haze, gloss, transmittance, reflectance
     o    Colorimetry and goniospectrophotometry
     o    Surface characterization of bulk materials, thin films, and coatings
     o    Friction and wear
     o    Surface morphology characterization via Scanning Probe Microscopy
     o    Surface wettability
     o    Thermal characterization of a wide variety of materials
     o    Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Thermomechanical Analysis, Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis
•    Operation of NMR for standard analyses
•    Develop new test methods when the need arises to support specific manufacturing and research issues
•    Maintain all equipment and check calibrations on a regular basis
•    Work with all members of the ATD technical staff and provide help and support when needed

Required Qualifications:

•    Strong background in Chemistry, Math, and Material Science with a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent and 5 or more years of experience operating analytical equipment in a Laboratory environment or Associate degree in Chemistry and 2 or more years of experience operating analytical equipment or bachelor’s degree in chemistry and 1 year of experience in a Laboratory environment working with analytical equipment
•    High mechanical aptitude
•    Flexibility to work with different analytical disciplines as demands change
•    Good understanding of analytical chemistry and equipment
•    Good time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
•    Able to work safely and cleanly in a laboratory environment
•    Demonstrated ability and desire to quickly learn new analytical techniques and skills
•    Excellent written documentation and oral communication skills
•    Familiarity with a variety of computers, operating systems, and productivity software (MS Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
•    Well organized, detail oriented and able to prioritize multiple tasks
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work in a team environment
•    The ability to work and think both in a team environment and as an independent researcher
•    Ability to trouble shoot Instrument performance and make simple electronic repairs
•    Comfortable with basic statistics and using Excel spreadsheets for data reduction, math functions, and making graphs.