Senior Material Research Scientist

Imerys; Johns Creek (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

Imerys is seeking a Senior Material Research Scientist to champion New Product Development from concept through validation and scale-up. You will own NPD projects and interact with key industrial partners to validate beta products on-site.

The role requires an advanced degree (Ph.D. or MS) in materials-related fields, 3+ years in industrial R&D with process chemistry experience, and a strong customer-focused mindset with cross-functional communication skills. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 3+ years in an industrial R&D setting with hands-on process chemistry experience.
• Strong customer-oriented mindset and cross-functional communication.
• Travel up to 25% for customer validation and site engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD initiatives from proof-of-concept to commercial validation.
• Design experimental protocols to benchmark materials and analyze particle-fluid interactions.
• Collaborate with technical and commercial teams to validate beta products on-site.
• Drive technology transfers and assist IP processes to protect discoveries.

Skills

Customer-focused mindset

Cross-functional communication

Adaptable working style

Problem solving

Education

PhD or MS in Materials Science

Tools

Python

R

Data analytics

Job description

Job Title: Senior Material Research Scientist – New Product Development

Job Type: Full-time

Work Authorization: At this time, we are only able to consider candidates who possess unrestricted work authorization in the US and cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future.

About the Role

Are you a hands-on scientist driven by real-world impact? We are looking for a Senior Material Research Scientist to champion particle technologies from initial concept through laboratory validation and industrial scale-up.

In this role, you won't just stay in the lab—you’ll take ownership of New Product Development (NPD) projects and directly interact with key industrial partners. Your innovations will solve complex processing challenges in high-impact industries, including biofuels, biopharma, food & beverage (e.g., sugar, corn syrup, major beverage brands), and industrial chemicals.

What You’ll Do

• Lead NPD Initiatives: Drive particle technology programs from proof-of-concept through commercial plant and customer validation trials.
• Solve Hard Technical Problems: Design statistically sound experimental protocols to benchmark natural and synthetic inorganic materials and analyze particle-fluid interactions.
• Engage with Customers: Collaborate directly with technical and commercial counterparts at key client organizations to validate beta products on-site.
• Scale & Protect Innovation: Drive technology transfers, author technical reports, and work alongside IP counsel to secure patents on groundbreaking discoveries.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience: 3+ years in an industrial R&D setting with hands-on process chemistry experience.
• Mindset & Skills: Strong customer-oriented mindset, adaptable working style, and excellent cross-functional communication abilities.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 25% for customer validation and site engagement.

Nice-to-Haves

• Expertise in colloid science, surface chemistry, interfacial phenomena, or dry powder characterization.
• Experience with Python, R, or data analytics applied to materials science.

Why Join Us?

• Growth Culture: This opening comes as a direct result of internal advancement—our previous scientist was recently promoted into a key commercial role.
• Collaborative Team: Join a dynamic group where cross-functional teamwork, lab innovation, and professional growth are truly valued.
• Total Rewards: Base compensation plus annual performance bonus.