Hectorite Materials Tech Lead & Innovation Driver

Elementis PLC; Windsor, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Elementis PLC is seeking a Senior Scientist for Hectorite Materials to lead the development of next‑generation Hectorite products and related clay technologies. The role blends organic/inorganic chemistry with materials science to drive innovation, identify opportunities, and align research with business strategy.

You will guide research programs, collaborate across R&D, marketing, manufacturing, and commercial teams, and help shape the pipeline while translating laboratory findings into

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field.
• 5–10+ years of industrial R&D in advanced materials, specialty chemicals, minerals, or related technologies.
• Record of patents, publications, or successful product introductions.
• Experience with Hectorite materials, synthetic clays, rheology modifiers, specialty minerals, coatings, personal care, agricultural, or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and customer needs to uncover growth opportunities for Hectorite.
• Lead and execute R&D activities from concept to scale-up and commercialization.
• Collaborate with commercial, marketing, and business development teams to define value propositions and roadmaps.
• Develop structure–property–performance relationships to differentiate technologies and improve product performance.
• Communicate findings, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Materials science

Colloidal systems

Structure–property relationships

Hectorite materials

Clay minerals

Advanced characterization

Data analysis

Project management

IP & tech transfer

Cross-functional collaboration

Laboratory safety

Education

PhD in Chemistry

MS with relevant industrial experience

Tools

XRD

SEM

TEM

Rheology

Particle size analysis

Thermal analysis

Spectroscopy

Surface characterization

Job description

Elementis PLC is seeking a Senior Scientist for Hectorite Materials to lead the development of next‑generation Hectorite products and related clay technologies. The role blends organic/inorganic chemistry with materials science to drive innovation, identify opportunities, and align research with business strategy.

You will guide research programs, collaborate across R&D, marketing, manufacturing, and commercial teams, and help shape the pipeline while translating laboratory findings into