Senior Alkoxylation Chemist – Onsite R&D Leader

Stepan Company; Northfield Township (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off (PTO)

STD / LTD

FSA

HSA

Adoption Assistance

Recognition Program

EAP

Job summary

Stepan Company seeks a Senior Functional Chemist to join the R&D team at the Global Technology Center in Northfield, IL. This onsite role reports to the R&D Alkoxylation Group Leader and involves synthesizing samples, running analyses, interpreting data, and helping shape project strategies within core surfactant technology.

You will work with cross-functional teams, operate lab-scale reactors, and communicate results to support sales and product development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of research experience in an organic chemistry lab.
• Strong organization, people, writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies (instrumentation, test methods, software).
• Strong initiative and ability to work in a team.
• Experience with safe lab practices in a lab environment.
• Preferred experience handling pressurized chemistry reactions.
• Hands-on chemistry skills with attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Experience with analytical methods such as acid/base value, hydroxyl value, saponification value.
• Experience with NMR, GPC, and potentiometric titrators.
• Must be onsite in Northfield laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Execute alkoxylation projects independently following established methods.
• Operate and maintain lab-scale pressurized reactors.
• Present technical information to internal and external customers to support sales.
• Support cross-functional projects across R&D and manufacturing.
• Apply technical expertise to troubleshoot and deliver project outcomes.
• Perform analytical testing and routine chemical analyses.
• Analyze, interpret and communicate data to support R&D activities.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic lab notebook and final reports.

Skills

Lab leadership

Communication

Quick learner

Team player

Safety minded

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Master’s in Chemistry (optional)

Tools

NMR

GPC

Potentiometric titrators

Job description

Stepan Company seeks a Senior Functional Chemist to join the R&D team at the Global Technology Center in Northfield, IL. This onsite role reports to the R&D Alkoxylation Group Leader and involves synthesizing samples, running analyses, interpreting data, and helping shape project strategies within core surfactant technology.

You will work with cross-functional teams, operate lab-scale reactors, and communicate results to support sales and product development.