R&D Scientist

About the role

We are looking for innovative, collaborative professionals to lead product and process developments of chemical and petrochemical compounds. You will apply Life Cycle Assessment concepts from cradle-to-grave, lead analytical projects, and support method development for new and existing processes. This role involves close collaboration with internal and external customers, sales teams, and R&D management to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead product and process developments of chemical and petrochemical compounds, with a full understanding of their uses and applications.
• Apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) concepts throughout the development process and all interfaces.
• Lead analytical projects, support method development for new methods, and improve existing methods while implementing them in Quality Control Labs.
• Set up and execute laboratory work to meet internal and external customer expectations.
• Develop methods for sample analysis or application testing to validate product claims.
• Maintain awareness of industry literature and developments relevant to functional products.
• Collaborate with the sales force to apply standard chemistry techniques to solve customer or company objectives.
• Present results to internal and external customers and at public forums like conferences.
• Manage projects in PMOx (project management system).
• Prepare internal and customer documents, reports, and presentations.
• Maintain neat and orderly lab notebooks and records to support patent applications.
• Ensure an orderly laboratory space and follow all safety and training requirements.
• Stay within budget targets.
• Manage and optimize processes considering quality, legality, food safety (if applicable), and client needs.
• Ensure all documentation is updated and available for consulting.
• Stop processes within your scope if problems affecting regulation, quality, food safety, or customer requirements are detected.
• Interact with the R&D team to improve lab methods and processes.

Requirements

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Biochemistry, or Polymer Chemistry/Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• M.S. in the same fields with 4+ years of relevant experience in the chemical field, or 1-5 years (5+ preferred) in R&D laboratory settings.
• Ph.D. in the same fields with no commercial experience in the chemical field.
• Market-specific knowledge in areas such as agriculture, oil & gas, paints & coatings, or home & personal care for scientists in market segment areas.
• Surfactants knowledge in laboratory or application use is strongly preferred.
• Use and knowledge of Parr Reactors preferred for scientists in the process area.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Computer literacy with databases, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Demonstrated presentation skills.
• Proficiency in English; bilingual in Portuguese or Spanish is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• WellHub / TotalPass
• Life insurance
• Other exclusive benefits