Lead Research Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

FM; Norwood (MA); Sur place; USD 138 000 - 198 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Relocation assistance

Total Rewards program

Résumé du poste

FM in Norwood, MA seeks a Lead Research Scientist in Analytical Chemistry to shape research on material behavior, contamination, degradation mechanisms, chemical hazards, and practical loss prevention. You will develop innovative analytical methods and lead research, engineering, and client-facing work. The role requires a Ph.D.

or M.S. with substantial hands-on industry experience, and relocation is available within the US.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or closely related field with 5+ years of hands-on industry experience.
• Alternatively, M.S. in Analytical Chemistry with 10+ years of hands-on industry experience.

Responsabilités

• Lead analytical chemistry research programs delivering practical solutions for loss prevention and risk mitigation.
• Direct hands-on laboratory investigations using GC/MS, HPLC, IC, FTIR, SEM/EDS and related instruments.
• Investigate materials, contaminants, degradation pathways, root causes and chemical hazards for FM research priorities.
• Manage multiple research projects, proposals, technical execution, and cross-functional collaboration.

Connaissances

Analytical chemistry

Data interpretation

Technical writing

Project management

Formation

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry

M.S. in Analytical Chemistry

Outils

GC/MS

HPLC

IC

FTIR

SEM/EDS

Description du poste

Schedule & Location

Employment type: Full-time, exempt salaried position based in office at FM’s Science and Technology Office in Norwood, MA.

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for this position within the US.

Position Summary

FM is seeking a Lead Research Scientist in Analytical Chemistry to shape research that advances our understanding of material behavior, contamination, degradation mechanisms, chemical hazards, and practical loss prevention solutions. In this role, you will serve as a recognized technical expert, developing innovative analytical methodologies, translating complex data into actionable scientific insights, and providing technical leadership for research, engineering, operations, and client-facing work.

What You’ll Do

• Lead analytical chemistry research programs that generate scientific knowledge, advance innovative technologies, and deliver practical solutions that support FM’s loss prevention and risk mitigation objectives.
• Conduct and direct hands‑on laboratory investigations using techniques such as Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ion Chromatography (IC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and other analytical instrumentation to solve complex research, engineering, and client challenges.
• Investigate materials, contaminants, degradation pathways, root causes, and chemical hazards to support FM research priorities and inform real-world risk prevention strategies.
• Manage multiple research projects and strategic initiatives, including proposal development, technical execution, resource planning, publications, and cross-functional collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicate project progress, technical findings, resource needs, and key risks to the Group Manager and Research Area Director to keep research objectives and deliverables on track.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a closely related field with at least 5 years of hands‑on chemical industry experience required; or
• M.S. in Analytical Chemistry or a closely related field with at least 10 years of hands‑on chemical industry experience required.

Desired Experience

• Deep hands‑on experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, calibrating, and optimizing analytical laboratory instrumentation in a chemical industry or applied research environment.
• Strong expertise in analytical method development, validation, data interpretation, and chemical characterization using techniques such as GC/MS, HPLC, IC, FTIR, SEM/EDS, and related methods.
• Experience designing and executing complex experimental programs that help solve multidisciplinary technical challenges across materials, chemistry, engineering, and industrial risk.
• Applied experience with materials characterization, polymers, coatings, batteries, specialty chemicals, industrial products, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of colloidal and interface science, surfactant systems, chemical formulations, and industrial chemical processes.
• Proven ability to lead root‑cause investigations, failure analyses, contamination studies, hazard assessments, reliability evaluations, or risk assessments.
• Recognized technical expertise through publications, patents, conference presentations, standards development, or other professional contributions to the scientific community.
• Familiarity with applying artificial intelligence and data analytics tools to strengthen literature review, data analysis, technical reporting, and research productivity.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, teamwork, and project management skills, with the ability to influence scientific, technical, and business audiences.

The hiring range for this position is $138,000 - $198,000 a year. The final salary offer will vary based on geographic location, individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM’s comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, well‑being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, and time off, including vacation and sick time.

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce.