Research Chemist

Stepan Oilfield Solutions; Winnetka (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

PTO

STD / LTD

HSA

Paid Parental Leave

Adoption Assistance

Reactions – Recognition Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Stepan Company is seeking a Research Chemist in the Polymer Group to lead and support strategic projects. You will perform polymer synthesis, chemical analysis, and formulation studies for new products, while developing initial business cases to drive long-term initiatives.

Collaboration across functions enables project success and knowledge sharing. The role focuses on organic synthesis, polyurethane foam formulation, and scale-up for new polyol processes, with a strong emphasis on AI/ML

Qualifications

• Strong thermodynamic understanding applied to lab experiments and plant processes.
• Experience integrating AI/ML and predictive modeling into scientific workflows.
• Excellent organizational, writing and communication skills.
• Solid understanding of analytical capabilities for organic molecules (NMR/FTIR/GPC/TGA).
• Knowledge of structure–property relationships in polymers.

Responsibilities

• Organic and polymer synthesis, including kinetic and process experiments.
• Polyurethane foam formulation and physical property testing.
• Conduct analytical testing for polyol projects (NMR, FTIR, GPC etc.).
• Scale-up and process development for new polyol processes.
• Pilot-scale development of new polyurethane foams.
• Participate in safety/waste programs and adhere to policies.
• Conceive projects and ideas to contribute to company growth.
• Collaborate interdepartmentally on requests and technical projects.
• Communicate project results to internal and external customers.

Skills

Thermodynamics

AI/ML in research

Communication

NMR/FTIR/GPC/TGA

Structure-property relationships

Education

B.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (8+ years of industrial experience)

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (0–5 years industrial experience)

Tools

NMR

FTIR

GPC

TGA

Job description

This site uses cookies to continuously improve your browsing experience. By clicking on "I Accept," you are agreeing to Stepan Company's use of cookies, our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Skip to main content

Research Chemist

Location: Northfield, IL, US, 60093

The Research Chemist in the Polymer Group at Stepan will be responsible for working collaboratively in a team environment to drive both short and long-term strategic projects to completion. The Research Chemist will conduct polymer synthesis, chemical analysis, formulation studies of new products and applications testing. In addition, the Research Chemist will develop initial business cases (e.g. white papers) for long-term initiatives to help populate the strategic project portfolio while collaborating between various functional groups to enable the project’s success.

Responsibilities

• Organic and polymer synthesis, including kinetic and process-related experiments
• Polyurethane foam formulating and physical property testing
• Conduct analytical testing relevant to polyol projects, including NMR, FTIR, GPC, and other wet chemistry analytical methods
• Scale-up and process development for new polyol processes
• Pilot-scale development of new polyurethane foams
• Contributes to and actively participates in safety/waste programs and steadfastly adheres to safety policies/standards.
• Conceives of projects and ideas to contribute to company growth
• Interdepartmental collaboration on requests and technical projects
• Communicate project results to both internal and external customers

Qualifications

• Strong thermodynamic understanding and application to both new laboratory experiments and plant processes
• Experience integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive modeling, and autonomous research tools into scientific workflows to enhance innovation, decision‑making, and research productivity.
• Strong organizational, writing, people, and communication skills.
• Good understanding of analytical capabilities related to organic molecules, including NMR, FTIR, GPC, TGA, etc.
• Understanding of structure-property relationships of polymers

Education

• B.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with at least 8 years’ industrial experience
• Ph.D. Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with 0-5 years’ industrial experience.

Pay Range

$86,000 - $133,400

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions – Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90 years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.

Why Work At Stepan?

• Stable & Growing
• Collaborative Environment
• Make a Difference & Be Recognized
• Committed to Safety & Sustainability
• Value Driven Culture

Copyright © 2020 — Stepan Company All Rights Reserved.