Technical Services Chemist Intern

About Verdant Specialty Solutions

Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemical company. Its customers include world-leading personal care and home care brands, energy solutions providers, and industrial companies. Verdant’s vision is to be the go-to provider of batch specialty surfactant-based chemistry for applications in the consumer and industrial markets. Based in Houston, the company has nine locations in the US and Europe. Verdant’s international team of 280 employees are committed to safety, quality, and supply reliability.

Why Join Verdant?

Opportunities for growth Verdant is a fast-growing company that has the spirit of a small business. The company was formed in May 2021, so every employee plays an important role in culture and performance. It offers a dynamic ‘start up’ atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.

Committed to safety Despite having the spirit of a small business, Verdant rivals against larger companies in its commitment to safety. Verdant prides itself on industry-leading environmental, safety, health, and quality standards. At Verdant, there is no priority higher than safety.

Position Summary: Verdant Specialty solutions have a vacancy for a Technical Services Chemist intern to work at our University Park, IL Site. Reporting to the Technical Services Manager, your primary areas of responsibility will be to operate within and maintain all appropriate Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards in order to ensure that the products and services provided by the site comply with regulatory and company standards and customer expectations. The purpose of the role is to provide support to the Technical Services and Commercial teams, and other departments as necessary.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Synthesizing products in the laboratory up to a scale of 5 Kg. This will involve utilizing the current processes at the plant or introducing new processes on-site. The main objective of this role is to provide customers with innovative products for testing and approval.
• Performing product analysis using the analytical methods currently used in the Quality Control (QC) laboratory or industry-standard methods.
• Collecting data for statistical analysis to interpret and identify patterns and trends.
• Developing formulations and/or blends of surfactants to meet specific customer requirements, followed by laboratory testing of these products.
• Conducting application and performance tests, including testing of physical parameters, on surfactants and formulations.
• Assisting in plant trials of new or developmental products.
• Maintaining cleanliness and tidiness of the laboratory/storerooms and conducting regular lab safety checks.
• Processing samples for customers.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Must be located in the United States and enrolled in a study program within the country.
• Possesses a foundational knowledge of surfactants and organic chemistry.
• Familiar with laboratory practical experiments and skilled in handling laboratory equipment.
• Exhibits excellent communication, mathematical, and IT skills (Proficiency in Excel is desirable).
• Demonstrates problem-solving abilities.
• Capable of independently managing workload, being proactive, and working without constant supervision.
• Able to effectively establish cooperative working relationships across different departments.