Principal Scientist

Kelly Services; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid holidays and transit stipend

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical in Elgin, IL, seeks a Principal Scientist to lead complex lab research and guide product development from concept to commercialization. You will supervise staff, ensure GMP/SQF compliance, and report findings to stakeholders.

The role emphasizes hands‑on experimentation, cross‑functional collaboration, and strategic project leadership to deliver innovative applications and strong scientific outcomes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline, with progressive research experience (food or biotech preferred)
• Strong expertise in analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC, HPLC, spectrophotometry); enzyme application experience highly valued
• Proven success in product development, patenting, and leading cross‑functional projects
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Execute hands‑on lab research (75% of workday) and oversee R&D projects from concept to commercialization
• Develop at least three new product applications annually and contribute to at least two patent filings per year
• Present technical findings at internal and external conferences; represent the company with customers and research partners
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Regulatory teams to drive business development and ensure compliance
• Supervise and mentor laboratory staff, manage team performance, recruitment, and training
• Maintain rigorous documentation, manage budgets, and ensure safe, compliant lab operations
• Optimize laboratory systems (5S, equipment maintenance, safety protocols)
• Report and address food safety issues promptly

Skills

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline

Analytical instrumentation

Product development

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline

Tools

GC

HPLC

Spectrophotometry

Enzyme applications

Job description

Kelly Science & Clinical has a new, permanent opportunity for a Principal Scientist in Elgin, IL!

Shift: M-F 8am-5pm

Salary: $100,000-$150,000, depending on experience

A Direct Hire Opportunity

Summary:

Lead complex laboratory and bench-scale research to support new product development and commercialization efforts. Identify and develop innovative applications, contribute to patent filings, and deliver scientific presentations to promote the company’s technology. Supervise and mentor research staff, ensure compliance with GMP and SQF standards, and optimize departmental performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute hands‑on lab research (75% of workday) and oversee R&D projects from concept to commercialization

• Develop at least three new product applications annually and contribute to at least two patent filings per year

• Present technical findings at internal and external conferences; represent the company with customers and research partners

• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Regulatory teams to drive business development and ensure compliance

• Supervise and mentor laboratory staff, manage team performance, recruitment, and training

• Maintain rigorous documentation, manage budgets, and ensure safe, compliant lab operations

• Optimize laboratory systems (5S, equipment maintenance, safety protocols)

• Report and address food safety issues promptly

Skills & Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline, with progressive research experience (food or biotech preferred)

• Strong expertise in analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC, HPLC, spectrophotometry); enzyme application experience highly valued

• Proven success in product development, patenting, and leading cross‑functional projects

• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work‑related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short‑term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affluent Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.