Research Technologist Job Listing at Kelly Services in Baytown, TX (Job ID 10142200)

Description

Kelly Scientific has provided outstanding employment opportunities to the most talented individuals in the marketplace for over 60 years. Today, Kelly Scientific is searching for an experienced Thermal Analysis Technologist to join our team at one of the largest oil, gas and petrochemical companies in the world, located in Baytown, TX.
The Thermal Analysis Technologist is responsible for performing thermal characterization of polymer materials to support production, quality assurance, R&D, and troubleshooting activities. This role uses advanced thermal analysis instruments—such as DSC, TGA, OIT, and HPLC—to evaluate polymer behavior under controlled heating, cooling, and mechanical conditions. The technician ensures accurate data generation, interprets results, maintains laboratory equipment, and adheres to laboratory safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Thermal Testing & Data Analysis
• Perform routine and non-routine thermal analysis using:
o Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
o Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
o Moisture Analysis Using Vapor Pro XL
• Prepare polymer samples following standardized methods (ASTM, ISO).
• Analyze thermal curves and report key properties such as:
o Melting temperature (Tm)
o Glass transition temperature (Tg)
o Oxidative induction time (OIT)
o Decomposition temperature
o Crystallinity
• Provide clear, timely data to operations, engineering, and quality teams.
2. Quality & Compliance
• Maintain documentation in accordance with lab SOPs, ISO 17025, and plant quality systems.
• Support investigations of off-spec products, process upsets, and customer complaints.
• Ensure accuracy through calibration, instrument checks, and control standards.
3. Equipment Operation & Maintenance
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot thermal analysis instruments.
• Coordinate vendor service or maintenance when needed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work areas.
4. Technical Support
• Assist production units with polymer behavior insights during process changes or trials.
• Support R&D or improvement projects requiring thermal property verification.
• Train junior technicians or operations personnel in sampling and basic testing procedures.
5. Safety & Compliance
• Follow all plant safety policies, including PPE, chemical handling, and waste disposal.
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, and continuous improvement programs.
• Report unsafe conditions or equipment issues immediately.

Qualifications
Education
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Technology, or related field.
o Relevant experience may substitute for formal education depending on plant requirements.
Experience
• 1–3 years in a chemical, polymer, or industrial lab setting (preferred).
• Experience with DSC, TGA, or similar analytical tools is highly beneficial.
Technical Skills
• Familiarity with ASTM/ISO polymer test methods.
• Ability to interpret thermal analysis curves and identify anomalies.
• Strong data analysis and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency with lab software (TA Instruments, PerkinElmer, etc., depending on equipment).
Soft Skills
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Physical & Work Requirements
• Ability to stand for extended periods and handle small tools and samples.
• May involve occasional lifting (up to ~25–35 lbs depending on lab setup).
• Work environment includes exposure to chemicals, heat, and typical industrial lab conditions.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it's the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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