Research and Development Scientist (BBA and Chemistry, BSc/MSc)

Phil Kerneghan, Fuchs Lubricants Canada Ltd.

By: Flora Dian, Career Centre Peer

Phil Kerneghan graduated Laurier with a double major in Chemistry and Business in 2008. Phil pursued a double degree at Laurier because he was passionate about both business and chemistry. During his undergraduate studies, Phil participated in a variety of volunteer experiences, including the exciting and energetic position of an icebreaker. In addition to his extracurricular activities, Phil also received guidance from his mentor, Dr. Ken Maly, who provided him with a great deal of insights into the research career world. After graduation, Phil decided he wanted to hone more in-depth chemistry knowledge and so completed the Master of Organic Chemistry in 2010. Following his graduate training, Phil began his work experience at H.L. Blachford Ltd in the role of Research Technologist and Research and Development Chemist. He now serves as a Research and Development Scientist with Fuchs Lubricants Canada Ltd. since 2018.

Fuchs Lubricants Canada is a company that develops and produces lubricants for metal processing across various industries including industrial and automotive. Phil’s work begins when the sales team or project managers submit a project design request to meet a customers needs or solve a problem. Phil designs experiments with the aim of solving the problem and provides samples to be tested in the field. In addition, he is involved with sourcing and approving raw materials used in products and evaluates them to ensure they will be sufficient. An example of a project design might include a customer requesting a soluble fluid that can provide lubricity to a metal cutting process. In addition to determining what components will provide adequate lubricity, several other factors need to be considered in the design. These can include: stability of both the concentrate and emulsion, foam control, corrosion inhibition, microbial control and cleanability of the product post-processing. All these factors are dependent on the customers’ specific processes and systems which again needs to be considered in the design.

Phil’s position requires strong communication skills while working with the sales team, who ultimately communicate the needs of customers. It also requires an abundance of patience; there is a lot of trial and error that goes into finding a solution, and it may take several modifications before you are successful. A research and development career also requires you to be driven and highly self-motivated as it involves a lot of independent work where one must be able to problem solve effectively.

The outlook for jobs in research and development and lab related positions is positive as there is constant innovation in technology and there is a growing trend towards environmentally friendly products and sustainable practices. Phil also mentions that there is flexibility in positions after you have worked at a company for a while. For example, one may bring their knowledge from a lab related position into the field as a sales person where you can leverage comprehensive product knowledge in a more interpersonal role like sales.

For students interested in pursuing a career in research and development, Phil suggests completing an undergraduate thesis project. This will help you develop the necessary research acumen needed for an R&D career and allow you to determine whether a research career is a good fit.

Through his academic career, Phil joined the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) and continued into his professional career. The CSC is a national, professional association that unites chemistry students and professionals who work in industry, academia and government. They put on a very in depth conference each year that highlights hundreds of different research projects from across Canada. He is also a member of the Society of Tribology and Lubricating Engineers (STLE) {you don’t have to be an engineer to join} which is the prominent group in the field of industrial lubrication in North America. They provide an inroad to networking as well as hosting courses and webinars that offers an excellent source of continuous learning.