Senior Functional Chemist

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 is seeking a Senior Functional Chemist to join our R&D team at the Global Technology Center in Northfield, IL. This onsite position reports to the R&D Alkoxylation Group Leader and involves working in a laboratory setting to synthesize samples, perform analyses, interpret and communicate data, and help design the overall strategy for assigned projects. The role will support core surfactant technology in alkoxylation and work closely with R&D and manufacturing sites by executing project tasks and implementing technical solutions. This role includes ownership of general Alkoxylation projects, offering opportunities to expand technical expertise, develop new skills, and collaborating with cross-functional teams across R&D and manufacturing. We are looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative scientist with a strong commitment to innovation and continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute alkoxylation projects independently in a timely manner, following established methods and drawing data-driven conclusions.
• Operate and maintain lab-scale pressurized chemical reactors within the alkoxylation R&D team.
• Presents technical information (new products, technologies, methods, synthetic/innovation strategies, etc.) to both internal and external customers to enhance relationships and support sales.
• Support cross-functional projects (Innovation, TSRs, NPIs, PCOMs, Product/Process Development, Synthesis, Regulatory).
• Apply technical expertise to troubleshoot issues and champion successful project outcomes.
• Perform analytical testing (NMR and GPC) and routine chemical analyses using potentiometric techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate data to support R&D activities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, including up-to-date electronic notebook, final reports, and project time tracker.
• Communicate project results clearly through written reports and cross-functional updates.
• Adhere strictly to safety and waste management policies through direct communication with EHS&S manager and maintenance staff.
• Contribute to process improvements, knowledge sharing, and team development.
• Manage laboratory supplies and support project resource planning.
• Maintain knowledge of external industry trends by reviewing IP and peer-reviewed literature.

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, etc.)
• Strong initiative and desire to work in a team environment.
• Experience working in a lab environment with a strong commitment to safe lab practices.
• Preferred experience handling pressurized chemistry reactions.
• Demonstrated hands-on chemistry lab skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately follow written procedures, keep an up-to-date electronic lab notebook and write final reports.
• Experience with analytical chemical methods such as acid/base value, hydroxyl value, saponification value, etc.
• Experience with laboratory analytical instruments such as NMR, GPC, and potentiometric titrators.
• Must be able to work onsite in our Northfield laboratory.
• Capable of extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use, with the ability to safely access materials in elevated storage areas.
• Must use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including respirator used when needed, while working in the lab.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Co-Pilot.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience or Master’s in Chemistry with 3+ years of experience or a closely related science field

Pay Range: $77,000 - $115,000

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 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)
• 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.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90years. 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