**Company Overview** **Firestone Polymers, LLC** is headquartered in Lake Charles, LA and manufactures polymers and synthetic rubber in our world-class ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 registered plant located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Firestone's unique anionic polymerization technology allows production of high purity, high molecular weight polybutadiene and a wide range of block, random, and vinyl modified styrene-butadiene copolymers. These products are sold around the world for use in tires, impact modification of plastics and hot melt adhesives. Statistical process control is used in every step of the operation. Firestone Polymers, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, a division of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. **Job Category** Engineering & Science **Position Summary** The Laboratory Supervisor position focuses on performing routine laboratory functions to maintain a safe, reliable, quality driven, environmentally sound department. Responsibilities typically include setting day-to-day operational objectives for laboratory staff and ensuring policies, practices and procedures are understood and followed by teammates. Problems faced may be difficult but typically are not complex. This position requires the ability to engage and influence others to accept quality practices and approaches, and to communicate with leadership on a frequent basis. The ideal candidate shows initiative, is excited to learn and develop their knowledge and skills, can work independently to achieve established goals, demonstrates a proactive approach to problem resolution and has ability to drive results within their role. **Responsibilities** This position reports directly to the Laboratory Manager and has no teammates reporting directly to them but does require working closely with all Laboratory staff to meet goals and objectives. Preferred experience includes: + Chemistry background + Developing work instructions + Writing test methods + Laboratory Quality Control + Laboratory Safety + Hazardous Chemical Handling & Disposal + Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) + LIMS (Baytek cBliss) + Experience with the following instrumentation: + Ph Meter + FTIR + Spectrophotometer + Gas Chromatograph (GC) + GC Mass Spec + Gel Permeation Chromatograph (GPC) + High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) + Mooney + Sets up, configures, installs, troubleshoots and maintains laboratory equipment. + Follow instructions and checklists to operate equipment and mix chemical solutions for use in tests and calibration. + Take measurements and perform routine biological or chemical analytical tests according to standard procedures. + Compile research data, operating records, and reports of test results. + Control stocks of materials and chemical agents. + Perform safety program checks, repairs and preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments. + Trains, influences, coaches, evaluates, and develops teammates by serving as a mentor and role model. + Perform gap analysis on current laboratory methods and provide recommendations for modification of method and/or current practice. + Manage work requests for repairs. + Oversees daily work activities for lab analysts and reports issues to appropriate team members. + Reviews quality control and off spec data and compiles reports daily, monthly, quarterly & annually. + Implements/assists with policy and strategy for short-term results and influences others outside of own job area regarding policies, practices and procedures. **Minimum Qualifications** Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience. **What we offer** At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you: + A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team. + The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship. + Corporate Social Responsibility activities. + A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment. + Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being. + A diverse and inclusive team. _Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law._ **Employment Eligibility** If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.