Senior Research Development Scientist

Thatcher Company, Inc. is a privately owned company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a diversified chemical manufacturer, compounder, re-packager and distributor. Thatcher Company, Inc and its affiliated companies have over 500 employees in 15 locations in the USA. The company was founded in 1967 and is financially strong with excellent growth prospects. The company has never had a losing year, has no outside debt and has financed all its growth internally. Thatcher’s diversification, coupled with ever broadening product offerings, allows us to provide job security to our employees and respond to the changing needs of our customers and the marketplace. Our core values include insuring safety in all our activities, proper environment stewardship, a focus on providing our customers superior products and service, insuring employee success, win-win relationships and continuous improvement. The founder of our company set up a defined contribution Profit Sharing Plan to reward the efforts and loyalty of all our employees.It is fully funded by the company and no employee contribution or match is an element of the plan. The plan allows for a yearly contribution of up to 25% of an employee’s salary. The results of company operations are reviewed every year to determine the contribution amount for each employee. 2019 marked the 46th consecutive year of maximum funding.

Senior Research Scientist, Agricultural Division

Thatcher Company is looking for a Senior Research Scientist to lead agricultural product development at Thatcher Company headquarters, located in Salt Lake City, UT. This position will report to the Vice President of Technical Services and Business Development.

Major Accountabilities

Lead the company’s development of new products/technologies for the Agriculture Market.

Develop manufacturing processes for new products and optimize existing manufacturing processes for the agricultural division of Thatcher Company.

Support Thatcher’s operational excellence group in the scale-up and launch of new products and processes.

Develop finished product specifications and validate analytical test methods which are needed to characterize new agricultural products.

Improve the existing agricultural product line and search for opportunities to optimize related manufacturing processes.

Collaborate with Thatcher’s marketing and sales departments to understand the needs of the agricultural industry and develop technical, customer-driven solutions.

Develop a thorough understanding of the agricultural market through market research and analysis of competitive agricultural offerings.

Understand and maintain a current knowledge of FDA, EPA, and USDA regulatory programs which apply to agricultural operations.

Manage multiple projects simultaneously and communicate project status through written technical reports and live presentations.

Evaluate and approve new raw materials or raw material substitutions as requested by Thatcher’s procurement team.

Provide storage and shelf-life recommendations supported by low temperature testing, corrosion studies, and ambient and accelerated aging studies.

Assist the marketing department with the development of technical marketing literature.

Provide both internal and external technical support and guidance.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Chemistry (or related field) with a minimum of 2 years of industrial research experience; or MS in Chemistry (or related field) with a minimum of 5 years of industrial research experience; or BS in Chemistry (or related field) with a minimum of 9 years of industrial research experience

Experience with product development and product characterization, preferably in agriculture or related industry. Background in plant science or soil science will be highly applicable.

Experience with standard wet chemistry techniques, autotitrators and other complex analytical instrumentation such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, IC, FTIR, GC, and HPLC.

Strong computer literacy and proficient with Microsoft office. Well qualified candidates will have experience working with enterprise resource planning software and laboratory instrumentation software such Masshunter, Empower, OpenLab, IC Magic, ICP Expert, and/or Tiamo.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Strong quantitative, problem solving, and decision-making skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have a high-level ability to communicate findings concisely and effectively.

Why Thatcher is right for you

Competitive salary

The founder of our company set up a defined contribution Profit Sharing Retirement Plan to reward the efforts and loyalty of all our employees. It is fully funded by the company and no employee contribution or match is an element of the plan. The plan allows for a yearly contribution of up to 25% of an employee’s salary. The results of company operations are reviewed every year to determine the contribution amount for each employee.2019 marked the 46th consecutive year of maximum funding.

Additional benefits including health, dental, life insurance, vacation, sick leave, paid holidays and 50% additional education reimbursement.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Excellent career opportunities with a growing company

A great work environment where your contribution can be recognized, and you can reach your full potential.