Research Scientist

Oil-Dri Corporation of America; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 76,855 - 99,911; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Generous PTO

Annual bonus

Career growth opportunities

Fitness reimbursement

Health and dental benefits

Job summary

Oil-Dri Corporation of America seeks a highly skilled candidate to join our R&D team. In this role, you'll conduct innovative research to support our growth and execute strategies aligned with our business goals. You'll tackle complex problems, drive product development, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates will hold a Master's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a strong track record in technical solutions, research, and a passion for commercialization. This position is onsite in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience for M.S. or 5-7 years for B.S. candidates.
• Passion for innovation and commercial success.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and development on major projects.
• Support innovation strategy aligned with business goals.
• Create new products and support existing ones.
• Plan and implement projects on loosely defined ideas.

Skills

Technical solutions

Independent research

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Market research

Communication skills

Tech awareness

Education

M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering

B.S. with work experience in related fields

Job description

Role Overview

Unique role within the Oil‑Dri R&D team reports to the VP of R&D and requires technical strength and a desire to commercialize innovation. The position supports growth & innovation focus while also handling operational execution. The technical role will advance innovations by rapidly researching and evaluating new ideas at the bench.

Location: Innovation Campus, Vernon Hills, IL. Monday – Friday onsite required.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and/or development work on major research projects.
• Support growth and innovation strategy execution aligned with overall Oil‑Dri business goals.
• Partner with teammates to contribute to innovation portfolio and roadmap, driving growth and investment.
• Play an active role in creating new products and supporting existing products.
• Plan, design, and implement projects within the framework of a loosely defined idea or problem.
• Draw non‑obvious conclusions and make recommendations for new or modified paths of progression.
• Provide solutions to complex problems requiring innovative methodology.
• Recognize and recommend new ideas of commercial importance within the area of expertise.
• Maintain a high level of competence through an up‑to‑date awareness of emerging technologies such as AI.

Qualifications

• M.S. with 3–5 years experience or B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering with 5–7 years’ work experience.
• Passion for innovation and commercialization with examples of prior contributions to growth and results.

Skills & Abilities

• Record of providing technical solutions to complex problems where little precedent exists.
• Capacity for independent, innovative, proactive research and/or process improvement, while comfortable working in a team environment.
• Ability to make major decisions in the creation, planning, execution, and interpretation of technical data.
• Blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and passion for innovation execution.
• Curiosity about potential markets aligning with product innovation ideas and willingness to research market trends and opportunities.
• Comfortable with diverse responsibilities, multiple project assignments, and ability to work through ambiguity to generate clarity.
• Good working knowledge of research principles, theories, and techniques, with specialization in at least one field (chemistry, biochemistry, engineering).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Mastery of word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, and AI awareness.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and travel approximately 10% of the time.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay ($76,855 – $99,911) plus annual bonus.
• 401(k) with 6% company match.
• Paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid holidays.
• Work‑life balance.
• Career growth with exposure to senior leadership.
• Annual merit increase opportunity.
• Fitness & gym reimbursement.
• Employer contribution to health and dental.

About Us

Oil‑Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and B2B markets. The company produces products for pet care, animal health, fluid purification, agriculture, sports fields, industrial, and automotive markets. Oil‑Dri has mines and manufacturing facilities in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California and controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves.

Oil‑Dri is a family‑controlled, family‑operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

Oil‑Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.