Overview:
Seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Asphalt Chemist with hands-on expertise in SAR-AD and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). This role supports the development, evaluation, and optimization of asphalt products, including emulsions, polymer-modified asphalt (PMA), and performance-graded binders. The ideal candidate will work closely with the R&D, production, and QC teams to analyze chemical properties, evaluate product stability, and support product innovation and compliance.
This is a key technical role for someone passionate about material science, analytical chemistry, and asphalt performance.
Key Responsibilities:
Analytical Testing & Characterization
- Conduct and interpret SAR-AD fractionation to determine asphalt composition (saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes).
- Perform Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) to analyze molecular weight distributions of asphalt binders and polymer-modified systems.
- Analyze and interpret chromatographic, rheological, and chemical test data to assess asphalt performance characteristics.
Research & Product Development
- Support formulation development of asphalt emulsions, PMA, and specialty binders.
- Participate in product improvement initiatives and formulation adjustments based on analytical data.
- Provide recommendations to enhance product durability, elasticity, aging resistance, and compatibility with additives.
Reporting & Documentation
- Document test procedures, results, and interpretations in technical reports.
- Maintain accurate lab records in compliance with internal QA/QC protocols and external standards (AASHTO, ASTM, DOT).
- Assist in the creation of technical bulletins, specification sheets, and performance summaries.
Cross-Functional Support
- Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot formulation or stability issues.
- Provide technical insights to sales, marketing, and customer support teams.
- Participate in customer support investigations and field performance reviews as needed.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with SAR-AD and GPC in a petroleum, asphalt, or materials lab.
- Strong knowledge of asphalt chemistry, binder testing, and formulation practices.
- Familiarity with AASHTO, ASTM, and DOT binder specifications.
- Ability to interpret complex analytical data and communicate findings clearly.
- Experience using lab instrumentation such as FTIR, DSC, DSR, GPC, and HPLC preferred.
- Proficient with data analysis software and Microsoft Office.
For additional information:
Lauren Sands
Phone: 610-421-1230
E-mail: Lauren@UnitedEmployment.com
