Research & Development Chemist

Jobtailor; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a highly qualified chemist to design, develop, and optimize chemical products and manufacturing processes that support business growth.

Plan and execute laboratory research using sound scientific methodologies; collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Commercial, and Global Innovation to move products from development to production. Lead process improvements to boost quality, efficiency, safety, and cost performance.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with relevant industrial R&D experience in chemistry.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and formulation development.
• Strong data analysis, experimental design, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work across cross-functional teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of safety, regulatory compliance, and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical products and manufacturing processes.
• Plan and execute laboratory research using sound scientific methodologies.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Commercial, and Global Innovation teams to transition products to production.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, safety, and cost.
• Utilize ICP, NMR, IR, UV/Vis to characterize materials and evaluate performance.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and develop technical recommendations.
• Manage multiple R&D projects, meeting timelines and budgets.
• Develop technical documentation, procedures, specifications, and reports.
• Support root cause investigations and continuous improvement across operations.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Analytical Instrumentation

Process Development

Data Analysis

Experimental Design

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Communication

Regulatory Compliance

Education

PhD in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

BS in Chemistry

Tools

ICP

NMR

IR

UV/Vis

ChemDraw

Scientific Software

Advanced Excel

Job description

• Design, develop, and optimize innovative chemical products, formulations, and manufacturing processes that support business growth.
• Plan and execute laboratory research using sound scientific methodologies to solve complex technical challenges.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Commercial, and Global Innovation teams to transition new products from development to commercial production.
• Lead process improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, manufacturing efficiency, safety, and cost performance.
• Utilize advanced analytical instrumentation (ICP, NMR, IR, UV/Vis, and related technologies) to characterize materials and evaluate product performance.
• Analyze scientific data, interpret results, and develop technical recommendations for product and process improvements.
• Manage multiple research and development projects while meeting timelines, budgets, and business objectives.
• Develop technical documentation, laboratory procedures, specifications, and reports to support manufacturing and regulatory requirements.
• Support root cause investigations, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory standards while promoting a strong safety culture.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline with 0-2 years of relevant industrial experience; or Master's degree in Chemistry or related field with 3-5 years of industrial research and development experience; or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with progressively responsible industrial research experience.
• Experience in precious metals, specialty chemicals, catalysts, or advanced materials is strongly preferred.
• Research and development experience within chemical manufacturing or specialty chemicals.
• Strong background in experimental design, laboratory investigations, and scientific problem-solving.
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation such as ICP, NMR, IR, UV/Vis, or similar laboratory equipment.
• Experience with process development, scale-up, and manufacturing support.
• Ability to analyze complex scientific data and communicate technical findings effectively.
• Experience collaborating on cross-functional technical projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, scientific software, and advanced Excel skills.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in chemical product development, laboratory research methodologies, and analytical instrumentation. Proficient in managing R&D projects while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Ph.D. In Chemistry
• Analytical Instrumentation (ICP, NMR, IR, UV/Vis)
• Process Development
• Research And Development Experience
• Experimental Design

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Chemical Formulation
• Manufacturing Process Optimization
• Data Analysis
• Technical Documentation Development
• Laboratory Investigations

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving
• Collaboration
• Communication

Industry Keywords

• Specialty Chemicals
• Precious Metals
• Catalysts
• Chemical Handling
• Regulatory Compliance

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office
• ChemDraw
• Scientific Software
• Advanced Excel