Self introduction
Good morning/afternoon,
My name is Eric, and I am an chemist with a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from East China University of Science and Technology. I currently hold the position of Assistant Lab Manager & Senior Formulation Chemist at BASF.
My expertise lies in both organic and physical chemistry, and my day-to-day responsibilities are diverse. I am responsible for the routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, ensuring the smooth running of lab operations, and complying with all safety protocols. These tasks not only keep the laboratory in optimal working condition but also ensure the safety of all personnel.
One of my significant achievements at BASF is my contribution to the development of a surfactant HLD parameter library. Collaborating with teams in North America and Germany, I played a crucial role in establishing a high-throughput method that analyzed over 3500 samples and determined HLD parameters for 54 surfactants. This initiative accelerated product development, benefited multiple projects, and laid the groundwork for a database that will assist future work.
Additionally, I have been instrumental in reducing material consumption through the development of high-throughput digital workflows for emulsion and defoamer screening. Having tested over 3000 formulations and built a comprehensive database, my efforts have resulted in more efficient processes, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
A recent project that I am particularly proud of is predicting perfume capsule stability. By designing 15 DOE formulas, I managed to shorten the project timeline to a mere two weeks, culminating in the successful launch of a new product.
My previous work experience includes positions as a Makeup Researcher at Cosmax, where I developed and scaled up various makeup products, and a Process R&D Researcher at WuXi AppTec, where I designed, screened, and scaled up drug synthesis routes.
Apart from my technical skills in chemistry, I am proficient in Python and data analysis. I often utilize high-throughput screening devices to quickly sift through numerous formulations to find the right match. Balancing my work as a Senior Chemist and transitioning into the role of Assistant Manager, I am also learning the ropes of managing projects and teams.
In my personal life, I reside in Shanghai and enjoy following football, with Manchester United being my favorite team. I strive to maintain a work-life balance, despite the challenges of being a father to a four-year-old daughter and navigating a transitional period in my career.
I believe my blend of technical expertise and leadership potential make me a valuable asset. I am committed to continual learning and looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your organization.
Thank you for considering my application.
Q&A
你在之前的工作中最自豪的成就是什么？
In my previous role at BASF, the achievement I’m most proud of is my significant contribution to the development of a surfactant HLD parameter library. Collaborating with teams across continents, I established a high-throughput method that determined HLD parameters for 54 surfactants and analyzed over 3500 samples. This effort not only accelerated product development, benefiting two specific projects but also laid the foundation for a database that will assist in future work. The global collaboration and the positive impact on our development process make this my proudest accomplishment.
在我在巴斯夫的工作中，我最自豪的成就是在开发表面活性剂HLD参数库方面的重要贡献。通过与多个大洲的团队合作，我建立了一种高通量方法，为54种表面活性剂确定了HLD参数，并分析了超过3500个样本。这一努力不仅加速了产品开发，使两个具体项目受益，而且为将来的工作奠定了数据库的基础。全球合作和对我们的开发过程的积极影响使这成为我最自豪的成就。
你如何解决困难和挑战？请举一个实际例子。
One of the practical examples of solving difficulties and challenges occurred when I was conducting an experiment, and feedback from our North American team revealed a mismatch in many data points. We thoroughly investigated various potential causes, including the purity of the materials we were using, the pH and hardness of the water, and the accuracy of the density of different saline solutions. Ultimately, we discovered a minor leak in one of the steel needles of the sampling device used for liquid addition, causing the salt concentration to become unstable. The accuracy of the sample addition was crucial to this part of the experiment.
Once we identified the problem, we contacted the instrument manufacturer for recalibration and maintenance. We also communicated the specific issue to our North American colleagues, checked the relevant experiments, and repeated any data involving this steel needle or where uncertainty existed. This solution corrected the data error and ensured the accuracy of the experiment.
中文版本： 在我进行一个实验时，出现了一个解决困难和挑战的实际例子。北美团队的反馈显示，许多数据点不匹配。我们彻底调查了各种可能的原因，包括我们使用的原料的纯度，水的pH和硬度，以及不同盐水的密度的准确性。最终，我们发现用于液体加样的点样设备的两根钢针之一有轻微泄漏，导致盐度变得不稳定。样品加样量的准确精度对实验的这一部分至关重要。
我们发现了问题后，联系了仪器厂家进行了重新维护和校准，也向北美的同事说明了具体原因。我们检查了这批实验，并重复了涉及这根钢针或不确定是否使用的数据，解决了这个数据误差，确保了实验的准确度。
你对未来五年的职业规划是什么？
英文版本： In the next five years, my career plan involves a continued dedication to innovation and development within the chemical industry. With my background in applied chemistry and current role as a Senior Formulation Chemist, I intend to further enhance my skills in both the traditional laboratory environment and big data analysis. My familiarity with Python and my ongoing studies in machine learning will drive me towards bridging the gap between conventional experimental work and data analytics.
I also see myself transitioning from my current position as a Senior Chemist to an Assistant Manager, learning and adapting to managerial responsibilities, including project and team management. My goal is to contribute more towards strategic planning, thinking logically and critically about projects, and making judgments aligned with the company’s vision and mission.
In line with my passion for global collaboration, as demonstrated in my previous work in creating a surfactant HLD parameter library, I plan to further engage with international teams, fostering strong relationships and aligning efforts across multiple regions to enhance cooperation and achieve common goals.
中文版本： 在未来五年中，我的职业规划涉及继续致力于化学行业的创新和发展。凭借我在应用化学方面的背景和现在作为高级配方化学师的角色，我计划进一步增强在传统实验室环境和大数据分析方面的技能。我对Python的熟悉以及我正在学习的机器学习将推动我弥合传统实验工作与数据分析之间的鸿沟。
我还计划从现在的高级化学师职位转型为助理经理，学习和适应管理职责，包括项目和团队管理。我的目标是为战略规划贡献更多，对项目进行逻辑和批判性思考，并做出符合公司愿景和使命的判断。
与我对全球合作的热情相一致，正如我在之前创建表面活性剂HLD参数库的工作中所展示的，我计划进一步与国际团队互动，培育牢固的关系，并在多个地区协调努力，以增强合作和实现共同目标。
你怎么看待团队合作？请举一个与团队合作的实际例子。
英文版本： I view teamwork as an essential component of success in the professional environment, especially in the field of chemical formulation where collaboration is key. In a global setting like BASF, teamwork promotes innovation, efficiency, and ensures a harmonized approach across different regions.
An example of effective teamwork in my experience is a project I engaged in at BASF. We were working on optimizing surfactant formulations, and it required inputs from different departments and international teams, including North America. Through effective communication and collaboration, we were able to troubleshoot issues such as discrepancies in data matching. By collectively examining various factors like raw material purity, water pH, and hardness, and the density of different saline solutions, we uncovered an equipment malfunction. With shared insights and coordinated efforts, we resolved the issue, recalibrated the equipment, and ensured the accuracy of our experiments. This instance demonstrated the power of teamwork in solving complex problems and achieving shared goals.
中文版本： 我认为团队合作是专业环境中成功的重要组成部分，特别是在化学配方领域，合作是关键。在像巴斯夫这样的全球环境中，团队合作促进创新，提高效率，并确保不同地区的协调方法。
我经历中团队合作的一个有效示例是在巴斯夫从事的一个项目。我们正在努力优化表面活性剂配方，这需要来自不同部门和国际团队（包括北美）的投入。通过有效的沟通和协作，我们能够排除诸如数据匹配差异等问题。通过共同检查原料纯度、水的pH值和硬度以及不同盐水的密度等各种因素，我们发现了设备故障。通过共享的见解和协调的努力，我们解决了这个问题，重新校准了设备，并确保了实验的准确性。这一例子展示了团队合作在解决复杂问题和实现共同目标方面的力量。
你如何管理时间和多个项目？
当然，以下是关于你如何管理时间和多个项目的中英文描述：
英文版本： Managing time and multiple projects is a critical aspect of my role, especially during my transition from a senior chemist to an assistant manager at BASF. I approach this challenge through a blend of meticulous planning, prioritization, and flexibility.
Meticulous Planning: I maintain a clear schedule, delineating tasks, deadlines, and milestones for each project. This allows me to allocate resources efficiently and stay on track.
Prioritization: Understanding the importance and urgency of each task helps me to decide where to focus my efforts. I tackle the most pressing tasks first and delegate when necessary.
Flexibility: In a dynamic field like chemical formulation, unexpected changes are common. I remain adaptable and recalibrate my plans as needed to ensure that projects progress smoothly.
Utilization of Technology: With my experience in Python and data analysis, I automate certain tasks to streamline the workflow, allowing me more time to concentrate on critical aspects.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and family life, especially with a young child, requires deliberate planning. I set boundaries and make sure to allocate time for both professional and personal responsibilities.
An example of effective time and project management was when I handled a significant formulation project alongside routine tasks. By carefully allocating time for research, collaboration, data analysis, and addressing unexpected challenges, I ensured the project’s success without neglecting my daily responsibilities.
中文版本： 时间和多个项目的管理是我在巴斯夫从高级化学家转为助理经理过程中的关键方面。我通过精心计划、优先安排和灵活性来应对这一挑战。
精心计划：我保持明确的时间表，详细说明每个项目的任务、截止日期和里程碑。这使我能够有效分配资源并按计划进行。
优先安排：理解每项任务的重要性和紧急性有助于我决定重点放在哪里。我首先解决最紧迫的任务，并在必要时委派任务。
灵活性：在化学配方这样一个不断变化的领域，意外的变化很常见。我保持灵活，根据需要重新调整计划，确保项目平稳进行。
利用技术：凭借我在Python和数据分析方面的经验，我自动化了某些任务以简化工作流程，让我有更多时间专注于关键方面。
工作生活平衡：平衡工作和家庭生活，特别是与年幼的孩子一起，需要精心规划。我设定界限，确保为专业和个人责任分配时间。
我在处理一个重要配方项目的同时，还要处理日常任务的时候，通过精心分配研究、协作、数据分析的时间，并解决意外挑战，我确保了项目的成功，同时不忽视我的日常职责。
有没有什么问题要问我们？
英文版本：
- About the Team: Could you describe the team dynamics and how collaboration is encouraged within the department?
- About the Role: What are the primary challenges facing the team currently, and how can the role I am applying for contribute to addressing those challenges?
- About Growth Opportunities: Can you outline the opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization?
- About the Company Culture: What values are most important to the company, and how are they reflected in day-to-day operations?
- About Work-Life Balance: How does the company support work-life balance, especially considering my responsibilities as a parent?
中文版本：
- 关于团队：您能描述一下团队的动态和部门内如何鼓励协作吗？
- 关于角色：团队目前面临的主要挑战是什么，我申请的职位如何有助于解决这些挑战？
- 关于成长机会：您能概述一下组织内的职业发展和晋升机会吗？
- 关于公司文化：公司最重视的价值观是什么，以及它们如何体现在日常运营中？
- 关于工作生活平衡：公司如何支持工作生活平衡，特别是考虑到我作为父母的责任？