A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN R&D CHEMIST (IN MANUFACTURING CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS)
The job of an R&D Chemist is very varied and therefore no two days are ever identical. The job involves a mix of laboratory work, data analysis, collaboration with colleagues, attending meetings and completing all safety and project documentation.
Here is a breakdown of a typical day:
Key R&D Functions:
1. Research & Development
– Innovation: Developing new products that meet specific performance criteria and market needs.
– Experimentation: Conducting laboratory experiments to test hypotheses, refine formulations. study and then optimise the properties of different formulations.
– Literature Review: Staying updated with the latest scientific and technological advancements in the field of chemistry through papers and research and applying this knowledge to AGMA’s products.
2. Formulation and Testing
– Formulation: Creating and optimising chemical formulations to ensure they meet desired specifications, such as stability, effectiveness, regulatory compliance and safety.
– Testing: Designing and performing experiments to test the physical and chemical properties of products, including the pH, density, viscosity and corrosion resistance, undertaken to understand how well various coatings can protect metal substrates from corrosion. Corrosion inhibition is an important test that is undertaken to understand how well various coatings can protect metal substrates from corrosion
– Data Analysis: Analysing experimental data to draw conclusions and make recommendations for product improvement.
3. Scale-Up and Manufacturing Support
– Process Development: Developing scalable manufacturing processes that can be used to produce chemical solutions in the production facility.
– Pilot Plant Trials: Conducting trials in AGMA’s pilot plant to test and refine manufacturing processes from the laboratory before moving to full scale production.
– Quality Control: Working with the quality team to establish and implement suitable methods and quality control protocols to ensure consistency and quality of AGMA’s products.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Safety
– Compliance: Ensuring that all chemical products and processes comply with relevant regulatory standards and environmental regulations.
– Safety: Implementing safety protocols in the laboratory and manufacturing environments to protect personnel and the environment from chemical hazards.
5. Collaboration and Documentation
– Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working closely with other departments, such as quality, production, sales and marketing to ensure that the products R&D are developing are fit for purpose, meet all necessary requirements and meet customer expectations.
– Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of results and methods used by keeping lab notebooks up to date. Keeping records of product specifications for future reference as well as regulatory compliance to QMS ISO9001.
– Reporting: Keeping project documentation up to date and preparing technical reports and presentations to communicate findings to other departments, management, customers and regulatory agencies.
6. Problem-Solving and Technical Support
– Troubleshooting: Providing technical support to identify and resolve issues that arise during the manufacturing process or from a customer’s use of the product.
– Continuous Improvement: Continuously seeking ways to improve existing products and processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve product performance.
The role of an R&D chemist in manufacturing chemical solutions is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a strong foundation in chemistry, analytical skills, and the ability to innovate and collaborate. Their work is essential to developing new products, optimising manufacturing processes, and ensuring the quality and safety of chemical solutions.
