- Sat Dec 13, 2025 2:52 pm#11651
PREPARING FOR THE POSITION OF CHEMIST – LAB (AKIJ PARTICLE BOARD MILLS LTD.) – MANIKGANJ
1. COMPANY RESEARCH
• Visit the AkijBashir Group website (https://akijbashir.com/) and read the “About Us”, recent news releases and product portfolios.
• Understand the group’s focus on particle board, plywood and adhesive manufacturing.
• Note the company’s values – innovation, safety, quality and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Familiarise yourself with the location of the plant (Ghior, Manikganj) and any recent expansions or sustainability initiatives.
2. JOB‑ROLE UNDERSTANDING
• List the core responsibilities: preparation of reagents, testing resin properties (viscosity, pH, solids, gel time), quality checks on raw materials, intermediates and finished boards, monitoring adhesive mixing, moisture and formaldehyde testing, documentation and reporting.
• Identify the key performance indicators: accuracy of test results, timeliness of reports, compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and contribution to process consistency.
3. EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE MATCH
• Verify that you hold a BSc or MSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering from a recognised institute.
• If you have 1‑3 years of experience in chemical industries or group‑company settings, prepare concrete examples of the work you performed that align with the duties above.
• If you are a fresher, emphasise relevant academic projects, internships, lab coursework and any practical training that involved resin handling, polymer testing or quality control.
4. TECHNICAL SKILLS REFRESH
a) RESIN & ADHESIVE TESTING
– Review the standard test methods for urea‑formaldehyde (UF), melamine‑urea‑formaldehyde (MUF) and phenol‑formaldehyde (PF) – especially viscosity (Brookfield viscometer), pH (pH meter calibration), solids content (gravimetric), gel time (Hagberg’s method).
– Practice preparing calibration curves and interpreting results against specification sheets.
b) MOISTURE & FORMALDEHYDE ANALYSIS
– Re‑study oven drying methods (ASTM D4442) and moisture balance techniques.
– Refresh knowledge of formaldehyde emission testing – perforated chamber method, desiccator method, and relevant standards (e.g., EN 717‑1).
c) PHYSICAL STRENGTH TESTS
– Review three‑point bending, shear strength and impact testing procedures for plywood and doors.
d) DATA ANALYSIS & REPORTING
– Practice using Excel or statistical software (Minitab, Origin) for handling large data sets, calculating mean, standard deviation, control limits and generating trend charts.
– Draft sample technical reports that include objective, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion and recommendations.
e) LABORATORY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
– List routine cleaning, calibration and preventive maintenance tasks for balances, viscometers, pH meters, spectrophotometers and ovens.
5. SAFETY KNOWLEDGE
• Study Bangladesh’s laboratory safety regulations and the specific safety data sheets (SDS) for formaldehyde, phenol, melamine and related solvents.
• Memorise the correct use of personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat, respirator where required).
• Be ready to discuss emergency procedures – spills, fire, exposure – and waste disposal protocols for hazardous chemicals.
6. SOFT SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• Prepare examples that demonstrate strong organisational abilities – e.g., managing multiple sample queues, maintaining tidy lab notebooks, meeting tight production deadlines.
• Highlight problem‑solving incidents where you identified a deviation and implemented a corrective action.
• Practice clear communication: summarising technical findings for production staff, plant head and non‑technical stakeholders.
7. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
• Update your CV: include education, relevant work experience (or projects for freshers), key technical competencies, safety certifications and any process‑improvement initiatives.
• Write a concise cover letter (max one page) that:
– Addresses the hiring manager by name if known.
– States why you are interested in AkijBashir Group and the Chemist‑Lab role.
– Links your qualification and experience directly to the listed duties.
– Mentions your commitment to safety and quality.
• Attach copies of academic transcripts, any professional certificates (e.g., Laboratory Safety, Quality Assurance), and if required, a passport‑size photograph.
8. PRE‑INTERVIEW PRACTICE
a) Technical Questions – expect queries on:
– Calculating resin viscosity from a viscometer reading.
– Adjusting pH of a UF resin batch.
– Interpreting a gel‑time curve.
– Steps to reduce formaldehyde emission in a finished board.
b) Behavioural Questions – prepare STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories for:
– Working under pressure to meet production schedules.
– Handling a safety incident or near‑miss.
– Communicating a quality‑issue to a production supervisor.
c) Practical Demonstration – be ready, if asked, to:
– Show how you would set up a viscosity measurement.
– Explain the procedure for moisture content determination.
9. LOGISTICS AND FINAL CHECKS
• Verify the application deadline (13 December 2025) and ensure all documents are submitted before the cut‑off.
• If an online portal is provided, test the upload functions and keep a screenshot of the confirmation.
• Print a hard copy of your CV and cover letter in case the interview panel requests a physical copy.
• Plan your travel to the Manikganj plant: know the address (Ghior), estimate travel time, and schedule to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
10. POST‑INTERVIEW FOLLOW‑UP
• Send a thank‑you email within 24 hours, reiterating your interest and summarising a key point you discussed (e.g., how you can improve resin quality monitoring).
• Keep a record of any feedback received and be prepared for a possible second‑round technical assessment.
By systematically covering the company background, job responsibilities, technical competencies, safety practices, documentation and interview preparation, you will present yourself as a well‑rounded candidate ready to contribute to AkijBashir Group’s laboratory operations. Good luck!
1. COMPANY RESEARCH
• Visit the AkijBashir Group website (https://akijbashir.com/) and read the “About Us”, recent news releases and product portfolios.
• Understand the group’s focus on particle board, plywood and adhesive manufacturing.
• Note the company’s values – innovation, safety, quality and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Familiarise yourself with the location of the plant (Ghior, Manikganj) and any recent expansions or sustainability initiatives.
2. JOB‑ROLE UNDERSTANDING
• List the core responsibilities: preparation of reagents, testing resin properties (viscosity, pH, solids, gel time), quality checks on raw materials, intermediates and finished boards, monitoring adhesive mixing, moisture and formaldehyde testing, documentation and reporting.
• Identify the key performance indicators: accuracy of test results, timeliness of reports, compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and contribution to process consistency.
3. EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE MATCH
• Verify that you hold a BSc or MSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering from a recognised institute.
• If you have 1‑3 years of experience in chemical industries or group‑company settings, prepare concrete examples of the work you performed that align with the duties above.
• If you are a fresher, emphasise relevant academic projects, internships, lab coursework and any practical training that involved resin handling, polymer testing or quality control.
4. TECHNICAL SKILLS REFRESH
a) RESIN & ADHESIVE TESTING
– Review the standard test methods for urea‑formaldehyde (UF), melamine‑urea‑formaldehyde (MUF) and phenol‑formaldehyde (PF) – especially viscosity (Brookfield viscometer), pH (pH meter calibration), solids content (gravimetric), gel time (Hagberg’s method).
– Practice preparing calibration curves and interpreting results against specification sheets.
b) MOISTURE & FORMALDEHYDE ANALYSIS
– Re‑study oven drying methods (ASTM D4442) and moisture balance techniques.
– Refresh knowledge of formaldehyde emission testing – perforated chamber method, desiccator method, and relevant standards (e.g., EN 717‑1).
c) PHYSICAL STRENGTH TESTS
– Review three‑point bending, shear strength and impact testing procedures for plywood and doors.
d) DATA ANALYSIS & REPORTING
– Practice using Excel or statistical software (Minitab, Origin) for handling large data sets, calculating mean, standard deviation, control limits and generating trend charts.
– Draft sample technical reports that include objective, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion and recommendations.
e) LABORATORY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
– List routine cleaning, calibration and preventive maintenance tasks for balances, viscometers, pH meters, spectrophotometers and ovens.
5. SAFETY KNOWLEDGE
• Study Bangladesh’s laboratory safety regulations and the specific safety data sheets (SDS) for formaldehyde, phenol, melamine and related solvents.
• Memorise the correct use of personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat, respirator where required).
• Be ready to discuss emergency procedures – spills, fire, exposure – and waste disposal protocols for hazardous chemicals.
6. SOFT SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• Prepare examples that demonstrate strong organisational abilities – e.g., managing multiple sample queues, maintaining tidy lab notebooks, meeting tight production deadlines.
• Highlight problem‑solving incidents where you identified a deviation and implemented a corrective action.
• Practice clear communication: summarising technical findings for production staff, plant head and non‑technical stakeholders.
7. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
• Update your CV: include education, relevant work experience (or projects for freshers), key technical competencies, safety certifications and any process‑improvement initiatives.
• Write a concise cover letter (max one page) that:
– Addresses the hiring manager by name if known.
– States why you are interested in AkijBashir Group and the Chemist‑Lab role.
– Links your qualification and experience directly to the listed duties.
– Mentions your commitment to safety and quality.
• Attach copies of academic transcripts, any professional certificates (e.g., Laboratory Safety, Quality Assurance), and if required, a passport‑size photograph.
8. PRE‑INTERVIEW PRACTICE
a) Technical Questions – expect queries on:
– Calculating resin viscosity from a viscometer reading.
– Adjusting pH of a UF resin batch.
– Interpreting a gel‑time curve.
– Steps to reduce formaldehyde emission in a finished board.
b) Behavioural Questions – prepare STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories for:
– Working under pressure to meet production schedules.
– Handling a safety incident or near‑miss.
– Communicating a quality‑issue to a production supervisor.
c) Practical Demonstration – be ready, if asked, to:
– Show how you would set up a viscosity measurement.
– Explain the procedure for moisture content determination.
9. LOGISTICS AND FINAL CHECKS
• Verify the application deadline (13 December 2025) and ensure all documents are submitted before the cut‑off.
• If an online portal is provided, test the upload functions and keep a screenshot of the confirmation.
• Print a hard copy of your CV and cover letter in case the interview panel requests a physical copy.
• Plan your travel to the Manikganj plant: know the address (Ghior), estimate travel time, and schedule to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
10. POST‑INTERVIEW FOLLOW‑UP
• Send a thank‑you email within 24 hours, reiterating your interest and summarising a key point you discussed (e.g., how you can improve resin quality monitoring).
• Keep a record of any feedback received and be prepared for a possible second‑round technical assessment.
By systematically covering the company background, job responsibilities, technical competencies, safety practices, documentation and interview preparation, you will present yourself as a well‑rounded candidate ready to contribute to AkijBashir Group’s laboratory operations. Good luck!
