Staff Chemist
FLINN SCIENTIFIC INC (Addison, Illinois)

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Flinn Scientific Inc.

Position Description

Job Title:             Staff Scientist - New Product Development

Department:           Tech Services

Responsible To:        Director of Tech Services

FLSA Status:          Exempt

SUMMARY : As a member of the product development team working under the direction of the Director, conducts research and analysis for new product development in areas of scientific and pedagogical expertise. Identifies and develops ideas into new products, including demonstration kits, student laboratory kits, and teaching aids. Writes activity guides, directions, teacher’s notes, etc. for all new products, and also to improve existing products. Prepares and writes assigned catalog copy and provides technical product support to Flinn customers as well as to the marketing and manufacturing departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following and are intended to represent the principal elements of this position.  They are not totally inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

Assesses current product offerings in area(s) of expertise and identifies new product ideas, including student laboratory activity kits, demonstration kits, and other products as assigned.

Plans, evaluates, and carries out lab testing as needed for research and development of new products.

Formulates, writes, and edits activity guides, instructions, and teacher’s notes (i.e., ChemFaxes, BioFaxes, etc.) for all new products as needed. Generates accurate bills of materials, MSDS sheets, labels, and instructions for all new products. Reviews and edits work of other team members to ensure adherence to Flinn Scientific technical and typesetting standards.

Provides guidance in areas of expertise to the chemical, solution, and kit manufacturing departments at Flinn Scientific.

Writes and edits catalog copy for the Flinn Scientific Catalog/Reference Manual to maintain technical accuracy and increase pedagogical value in areas of expertise.

Manages assigned catalog section(s) for the Flinn Scientific Catalog/Reference Manual. Duties may include product evaluation, page design and layout, copy preparation, photography, artwork, and proofing.

As part of product development team, participates in the review, testing, and quality control of new vendor products in areas of expertise.

Generates and increases customer loyalty and sales by assisting with technical/product support to customers by:

·         responding to customer inquiries on the telephone, through on-line networks, and by mail

·         communicating with the customers to help them understand how to use the product properly 

·         identifying and suggesting appropriate products that may be useful to the teacher

Identifies ways to maintain and enhance Flinn Scientific product line through conversations with customers and by soliciting opinions from teachers, nurturing high caliber teachers, reading scientific journals, and other appropriate methods.

Working closely with the Marketing Department, attends conferences and conventions, develops and presents workshops, and also prepares written product promotional materials as assigned.

Prepares, writes and distributes management reports as required.

Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with appropriate course work in scientific area of expertise; Master’s degree, along with previous teaching and/or business experience, is preferred. Desire to support and enhance secondary education is essential.

OTHER COMPETENCIES/SKILLS REQUIRED

·         Recognizes the importance and performs responsibilities in accordance with the Flinn Scientific "Customer First" business philosophy.

·         Displays service-oriented behavior and is responsive to internal and external customers’ requests with the appropriate level of urgency.

·         Imagination and creativity—recognizes opportunities for potential new products and generates ideas to solve problems

·         Proficient computer literacy skills—ability to generate written reports and teaching guides, including charts, graphs, and database records, as well as other correspondence as necessary using appropriate software. 

·         Excellent presentation skills and telephone etiquette, including ability to effectively and professionally communicate with and persuade customers.

·         Excellent written communication skills, including knowledge of English grammar and punctuation.

·         Identifies, analyzes, and solves problems; utilizes good judgment in considering and recommending alternative courses of action.

·         Excellent time-management skills—ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects and responsibilities and bring projects to completion by required deadlines.

·         Develops and maintains effective working relationships through credibility in established field of expertise.

·         Able to motivate oneself and work independently.

·         Maintains confidentiality of new product development ideas and profit margin information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit at a desk/computer work station and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Normal office environment and some work in science laboratory. Position may require individual to occasionally work extended hours or weekends as required by responsibilities of position.  Occasional overnight travel to present or attend workshops and conventions is required.