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Laboratory Technician - Sustainable Constructions

Imerys

Location
Onsite (Johns Creek, Georgia)
Employment
Full-time
Level
Entry Level
Posted 4 days ago

About the role

Imerys, a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions, is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support R&D in sustainable construction coatings. The role involves developing testing methods, preparing lab-scale batches, and conducting physical and mechanical tests for liquid and powder coating technologies.

Skills

Laboratory method development Chemistry Material science Chemical engineering Polymer chemistry Coating formulation Analytical testing Data analysis Technical reporting 5S methodology EHS compliance Equipment maintenance Troubleshooting Spectrophotometry Viscosity testing Particle size analysis

Full job details

The Company

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.

The Position

Laboratory Technician - Sustainable Constructions

Job Summary

Job Summary

The  Laboratory Technician in Sustainable Construction S&T team will support the Research & Development (R&D) departments in the formulation, application, and testing of a diverse portfolio of coating technologies, including liquid paints, powder coatings, and specialty finishes. This is not a routine testing role; it requires a highly adaptive candidate capable of engaging in dynamic lab method development tailored to specific customer applications. Utilizing a strong scientific background in chemistry, material or chemical engineering, this role requires conducting precise analytical tests, preparing lab-scale batches across different mediums, and ensuring all products meet strict industry and customer specifications.


Key Responsibilities

Method Development & Adaptive Testing

  • Actively participate in lab method development to create, adapt, and validate new testing procedures for unique customer applications and changing project needs.
  • Perform standard wet-state or uncured testing, such as viscosity (Krebs, Brookfield), density, fineness of grind (Hegman gauge) for liquids, and gel time, flow, or particle size analysis for powders.
  • Conduct comprehensive physical and mechanical testing on cured films, including film thickness, gloss, color matching (spectrophotometer), adhesion (cross-hatch), impact resistance, flexibility (conical mandrel), and hardness.
  • Assist in chemical and environmental resistance testing (e.g., salt spray corrosion, humidity, MEK solvent rubs, and UV weathering).

Formulation & Batch Preparation

  • Assist chemists, scientists and engineers in the development and modification of both liquid and powder coating formulations.
  • Prepare lab-scale batches of powder coatings (involving weighing, pre-mixing, extrusion, and grinding/milling) and liquid coatings (utilizing high-speed dispersers, bead mills, and mechanical stirrers).
  • Safely and accurately measure and handle raw materials, including solvents, resins, pigments, curing agents, and additives in both liquid and powder forms.

Application & Preparation

  • Apply coatings to various substrates (metal, wood, plastic, or paper) utilizing the appropriate method for the technology, including electrostatic powder spray equipment, conventional liquid spray guns, wire-wound drawdown bars, or dip coating.
  • Prepare test panels by cleaning, sanding, or chemically treating surfaces.
  • Monitor and record drying and curing times, operating laboratory baking ovens for powder/thermoset coatings or monitoring ambient cures for air-dry liquid systems.

Laboratory Maintenance, 5S & Safety

  • Strictly champion and maintain a clean, organized, and highly efficient workspace in strict accordance with 5S principles (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and Safety.
  • Calibrate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and application equipment (both liquid and powder setups).
  • Strictly adhere to all Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines, including the proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals, flammable liquids, and airborne particulates, as well as the use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Data Analysis & Documentation

  • Record detailed and accurate experimental data, observations, and test results in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or standard lab notebooks.
  • Analyze test data to identify trends, troubleshoot formulation issues, and recommend adjustments.
  • Draft technical reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for internal stakeholders.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

  • Required: Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) or Associate's Degree (A.S.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Science, or similar areas of study.. 

Experience

  • 0-3 years of laboratory experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have hands-on, non-routine project experience rather than routine assay testing.
  • Prior experience in the paints, resins, or coatings industry is a strong plus but not strictly required.

Technical & Soft Skills

  • Adaptability: Proven ability to quickly pivot between different testing methodologies, customer projects, and formulation challenges required for liquid versus powder technologies.
  • Strong understanding of fundamental chemistry principles, particularly polymer chemistry, cross-linking mechanisms, and physical chemistry.
  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret data, troubleshoot formulation issues, and apply the scientific method to solve complex problems.
  • Attention to Detail: High level of precision when measuring chemicals and recording test results.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively relay technical information.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
  • Ability to safely lift and move materials up to approximately 40 pounds (occasionally)
  • Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with exposure to chemical odors, solvents, fine dust (from powder coatings), and varying temperatures from curing ovens.
  • Must be comfortable wearing respirators and other protective gear as required.

Position Type

Full time

and

Permanent

Only technical issues will be monitored through the below inbox:

recruiting.support@ imerys.com

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS TO THIS EMAIL, AS THEY WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. 

To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered. 

IMERYS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.