Senior Research Chemist

Job Description

The Sr. Research Chemist will be responsible for leading new product development and managing key projects in support of Stepan’s Consumer Products business. Projects will be managed from conception through the commercialization process. Primary responsibilities for the role will include developing new products for personal and home care formulations, investigating new technologies to solve consumer products formulation and performance challenges, and growing our technical expertise.  

The ideal candidate will have working knowledge and experience in one or more of these areas: colloid and interface science; surfactant product development; formulation science and techniques; and application method development and execution; performance evaluation methodology. Industry experience in consumer markets like personal care, fabric care or household cleaning products and ingredients is required. Formulation experience is required. Experience in customer engagement and technical support is preferred. Expertise in machine learning, data science and high throughput testing techniques is highly desirable. Sustainability acumen is a plus. 

Key Responsibilities: 
•Undertake the technical development of surfactant-based formulations and related chemical solutions to meet customer or market needs  
•Independently develop the technical strategy of complex projects (innovation, exploratory, multiple-lane program initiatives) that are aligned with business strategies. 
•Implement approved project plans independently and through one or more team members. 
•Undertake paper and proof-of-concept studies and basic exploration of new scientific or product ideas to determine their feasibility. 
•Represent Stepan as a technical expert in trade associations and conferences. 
•Regularly review technical information, patents, literature, and global regulations pertinent to fields of expertise. Communicate relevant findings to team members and utilize them for new innovations. 
•Take leadership roles within cross-functional project teams. 
•Contribute to product sales and profit growth through technical knowledge, customer interaction and industry insight.  
•Innovate through technical knowledge, creativity, and vision to build and expand the technical toolbox. 
•Generate ELN documentation, technical reports, presentations, patents and other documentation to ensure communication, compliance and value creation. 
•Consider and prioritize sustainability aspects when developing or improving Stepan technologies.  
•Lead safety/waste programs and steadfastly adheres to safety policies/standards. 

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant industry experience is required. 
• Minimum 5+ years of laboratory experience, 8-10 preferred. This includes hands-on experience with various lab techniques and equipment. 
• Strong formulation skills to conduct comprehensive data analysis and interpret complex scientific results. 
• Proficiency in application testing and method development, including proof-of-concept and rapid screening.  
• Ability to troubleshoot issues with research projects and safely handle various chemicals and reagents. 
• Experience in leveraging digital or modeling tools to obtain structure-function insights. 
• Operational knowledge in qualitative and quantitative analysis, particularly physical-chemistry and analytical characterization. 
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to communicate results and generate intellectual property based on experimental findings. 

Education

•PhD degree in Chemistry or related field required. 8+ years of relevant industry experience required.

 

Pay Range: $101,000 - $153,000

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
•    Discretionary Bonus
•    Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
•    401K with Match
•    Profit Sharing
•    Paid Time Off (PTO)
•    Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
•    Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
•    Health Savings Account (HSA)
•    Paid Parental Leave
•    Adoption Assistance
•    Reactions – Recognition Program
•    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as