Principal Scientist, Complex Fluids & Surface

Tribonet; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FSA benefits

Life and AD&D insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

A specialty chemicals company is seeking a Principal Scientist in Complex Fluids & Surfaces to lead R&D projects that enhance understanding in measurement science across sectors. The role demands a Ph.D. holder with 5-6 years in research, focusing on colloidal systems and advanced measurement techniques. Candidates will mentor junior staff and collaborate across functions to drive product innovation. A competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 5-6 years of industrial R&D experience.
• Proven track record of technical leadership and innovation.
• Hands-on experience with colloidal and multiphase systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects in colloid and surface science.
• Develop methodologies and guide strategic scientific direction.
• Train and mentor junior scientists.

Skills

Colloid and surface science

Rheology

Technical leadership

Mentoring and training

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Microscopy (PLM, fluorescence, SEM, TEM)

Particle size characterization

Job description

Principal Scientist, Complex Fluids & Surface

Vantage Specialty Chemicals is seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Principal Scientist, Complex Fluids & Surfaces to lead a critical enabling platform that advances measurement science and mechanistic understanding across multiple business units. This high-impact senior role will apply fundamental colloid, interface, and surface science to drive technical excellence and deliver differentiated product solutions for consumer and industrial markets, including Personal Care, Food, and Surface Treatment. The Principal Scientist is a recognized technical authority responsible for independently leading, organizing, and executing complex research and development (R&D) projects with broad impact on organizational goals. Operating with substantial autonomy, this individual will develop novel methodologies, guide strategic scientific direction, and serve as the global subject matter expert in complex fluids and surfaces.

• Assume full technical responsibility for the design, execution, and coordination of major R&D projects and initiatives in colloid and surface science.
• Plan and lead research addressing novel, complex, or controversial scientific problems with significant impact on product portfolios and long-term business strategies.
• Act as global technical authority in measurement science, establishing worldwide liaison with internal and external experts to shape the company’s strategic direction.
• Develop and apply advanced methods in rheology, interfacial and surface analysis, and particle characterization to provide deep mechanistic understanding of complex fluids and formulated products.
• Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, scale‑up, and operations teams to apply measurement science to both product innovation and manufacturing process improvements.
• Serve as:
  • Individual Contributor – Lead original, high‑impact research, often resulting in new methodologies, inventions, or breakthrough innovations.
  • Staff Specialist – Act as the company‑wide expert in applying advanced scientific principles to facilities, products, and technologies.
• Translate measurement science into consumer‑technical models linking physical properties of products with consumer experience and perception.
• Guide the design, commissioning, and operation of laboratories for advanced instrumentation; ensure scientific instrumentation is maintained, calibrated, and continuously improved.
• Train, mentor, and supervise junior scientists and technical staff in advanced methods and best practices.
• Evaluate project outcomes, recommend shifts in strategy, and monitor emerging scientific fields to identify new opportunities.
• Champion adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture of scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline; minimum 5–6 years of relevant industrial R&D experience.
• Proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to scientific advancement in complex fluids and surfaces.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with characterization of colloidal and multiphase systems, including viscoelastic surfactant solutions, polymer solutions, emulsions, microemulsions, dispersions, and lamellar liquid crystalline fluids.
• Expertise in measurement science techniques, with emphasis on rheology for characterizing complex fluids and supporting structure–property and sensory modeling. Familiarity with oscillatory and steady shear methods, viscoelastic behavior, and flow analysis is desirable. Additional experience in tribology, viscometry, surface/interfacial tensiometry, contact angle analysis, foam stability, particle size characterization, and microscopy (PLM, fluorescence, SEM, TEM) is also valued.
• Strong record of scientific impact through publications, patents, and professional engagement as a subject matter expert.
• Experience in laboratory design, instrumentation operation, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior technical talent.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to technical and business audiences.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

The estimated base pay range for this position is: $130,000 – $190,000 annually. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short‑term incentive program.

Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• EAP, identity theft protection
• Paid time off, Parental Leave
• 401(k) with company match

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category.

About Vantage

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.

We are a dynamic people‑centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here. For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.