Research Chemist

Morton/Windsor; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Morton Salt, Inc. seeks an experienced researcher to lead and support R&D projects across chemistry, food science, and application testing. You will collaborate with chemists, engineers, and food scientists to plan experiments, analyze data, and report results.

Responsibilities include routine lab analyses for production support, safety program participation, and continuous improvement activities to ensure quality and compliance across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• 2+ years of relevant laboratory or technical experience.
• Experience with analytical instruments (FTIR, spectrophotometers, microscopes).
• Strong ability to interpret data and communicate results in writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned R&D projects from initiation to execution with stakeholders.
• Perform routine lab analyses and operate analytical instruments.
• Test and validate products, processes, and suppliers against defined specs.
• Assist in method development and data reporting.
• Support safety programs and maintain a compliant lab environment.
• Coordinate facility administrative tasks with the R&D team.

Skills

Wet chemistry

Data analysis

Safety procedures

Report writing

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

FTIR

Spectrophotometers

Microscopes

Job description

Morton Salt is an iconic company with a strong heritage and a bright future. Since 1848, we have been improving lives and enhancing everyday moments – at home, at work and virtually everywhere in between. We help unlock the flavors in food, make roads and sidewalks safer, improve the water in baths, pools, and homes, and keep businesses and industries running. We are a dedicated team who constantly strives to do better together, and we are passionate about building a sustainable future for our company, the communities in which we operate, and the world around us. By joining our team, you will contribute to producing and delivering every form of salt that enhances everyday life.

Job Summary

Lead and support research and technical service projects through hands‑on laboratory work, analytical testing, and operation of scientific instruments across chemistry, food science, and application testing. Partner with chemists, engineers, and food scientists to plan and execute projects, analyze data, and report results. Perform routine laboratory analysis to support production facilities, quality, and process improvement initiatives. Support facility operations and administrative activities while promoting a safe and compliant work environment through participation in safety programs, audits, and continuous improvement efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead assigned R&D projects including initiation, planning and execution of projects working closely with various stakeholders in the project.
• Lead the testing and validation of new products, processes, and/or suppliers against defined specifications and requirements.
• Perform numerous hands‑on experiments via wet chemistry or with analytical instruments adhering to standard operating procedures and safe practices.
• Perform routine standard operating procedures and learn various instrument operations that are necessary in project execution.
• Provide process improvement and troubleshooting support in the laboratory.
• Work closely with R&D chemists, engineers in method development, test validation and data reporting
• Develop and assist in method development and specification revisions.
• Conduct application testing on various products to understand their performance in field applications
• Perform accurate data analysis and reporting to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Support facility administration duties assigned including submission of invoices, creation of Pos, co‑ordinate facility maintenance jobs as needed. These duties would be performed in collaboration with other R&D team members.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field required
• 2+ years of relevant laboratory or technical experience preferred.
• Wet chemistry laboratory experience (i.e. titrations, gravimetric analysis).
• Experience with analytical instruments is preferred (i.e. FTIR, spectrophotometers, microscopes)
• Highly motivated individual who is comfortable with a laboratory operating environment, project execution, testing and analysis.
• Ability to process, interpret data accurately and communicate results in effective written format.
• Exhibits familiarity and high regards to proper laboratory safety procedures and personal protection.
• Experience with food applications or culinary is a plus.
• Computer skills: knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to travel 10%

At Morton Salt, we work best when we work as a team, when we treat one another with dignity and respect, and value the unique contributions of others. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, sex, religion, color, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.