Senior Scientist – Hectorite Materials

Elementis PLC; New Jersey; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Elementis PLC seeks a Senior Scientist, Hectorite Materials, to lead development of next-generation Hectorite products and related clay-based technologies. This role blends organic and inorganic chemistry with materials science to drive innovation, identify market opportunities, and accelerate commercialization of differentiated materials.

The successful candidate will lead research programs, guide cross-functional teams across R&D, marketing, manufacturing and commercial units, and translate

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field preferred; MS with strong industrial R&D considered.
• 5–10+ years industrial R&D in advanced materials or related tech.
• Proven track record of developing new materials from concept to commercialization.
• Experience with Hectorite materials, synthetic clays, or related applications is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic opportunity & portfolio development for new Hectorite products.
• Direct R&D activities from concept to scale-up and commercialization.
• Collaborate with marketing, business development, and manufacturing to define value propositions.
• Protect IP through patents, publications, and disclosures.
• Manage multiple projects with clear objectives, timelines, and success metrics.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Materials science

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

IP awareness

Market assessment

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry / Materials Science / Chemical Engineering

MS with significant industrial R&D experience

Tools

XRD

SEM

TEM

Rheology

Particle size analysis

Spectroscopy

Job description

The Senior Scientist, Hectorite Materials, leads the development of next-generation Hectorite products and related clay-based technologies. This role applies advanced expertise in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and materials science to drive innovation, solve complex technical challenges, and support strategic business objectives.In addition to leading research programs and providing technical guidance, the Hectorite focused Senior Scientist plays a critical role in identifying and evaluating new market opportunities, emerging technologies, customer needs, and application spaces. By integrating market insights with scientific expertise, the role helps shape the Hectorite research pipeline, prioritize technology investments, and accelerate the development of commercially relevant Hectorite products. The position balances laboratory work with project leadership, opportunity assessment, and cross-functional collaboration across R&D, marketing, business development, manufacturing, and commercial teams.

Job Description

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Opportunity & Portfolio Development for new Hectorite Products

• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs, and review competitive developments to uncover new growth opportunities for Hectorite.
• Evaluate the technical feasibility, business potential, and strategic fit of new Hectorite growth opportunities / concepts and recommend research programs, technology platforms, and innovation initiatives.
• Collaborate with commercial, marketing, and business development teams to define value propositions and support Hectorite innovation portfolio decisions.
• Contribute technical expertise to long-term technology roadmaps and business growth strategies.

2. Research, Innovation & Technology Development

• Lead and execute research and development activities focused on Hectorite materials and related clay technologies, from concept generation through laboratory validation and scale-up.
• Develop innovative Hectorite based material solutions through synthesis, modification, and characterization, applying expertise in chemistry and materials science.
• Establish structure-property-performance relationships to create differentiated technologies and improve product performance.
• Solve complex technical challenges and identify scientific approaches that advance the organization's technology portfolio.
• Generate and protect intellectual property through inventions, patents, technical publications, and knowledge creation.

3. Project Leadership & Business Execution

• Lead multiple research projects, establishing objectives, experimental plans, resource requirements, timelines, and success criteria.
• Drive projects through defined development milestones while balancing technical risks, customer requirements, and business objectives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure effective execution and successful transition of technologies into product development and commercialization.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership to support decision-making.
• Represent the organization in technical interactions with customers, suppliers, academic institutions, and external partners.

What will it take

Technical Knowledge and Skills
1. Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials science, colloidal systems, and structure-property-performance relationships.
2. Demonstrated experience in the synthesis, modification, characterization, and application development of Hectorite, clay minerals, specialty additives, or related material systems.
3. Proficiency in the use and interpretation of advanced material characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, rheology, particle size analysis, thermal analysis, spectroscopy, and surface characterization methods.
4. Strong experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to draw actionable conclusions from complex technical data.
5. Experience developing innovative materials and translating laboratory findings into commercially relevant products and technologies.
6. Knowledge of product development processes, scale-up activities, technology transfer, and commercialization pathways.
7. Understanding of intellectual property processes, including invention disclosures, patent applications, and technology protection strategies.
8. Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs, and application opportunities to support innovation and business growth.
9. Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within established timelines.
10. Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
11. Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams involving R&D, Marketing, Business Development, Manufacturing, Operations, and Commercial organizations.
12. Strong attention to detail, scientific rigor, and commitment to laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
13. Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with the ability to work independently, exercise sound technical judgment, and thrive in a dynamic research environment.

Position Requirements
1. Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
2. M.S. degree with significant relevant industrial research experience may be considered.
3. Typically 5-10+ years of industrial R&D experience in advanced materials, specialty chemicals, minerals, or related technologies.
4. Demonstrated success in developing new materials, products, or technology platforms from concept through commercialization.
5. Record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, technical presentations, or successful product introductions.
6. Experience with Hectorite materials, synthetic clays, rheology modifiers, specialty minerals, coatings, personal care, agricultural, or related application areas is highly desirable.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Elementis does not discriminate in hiring or in the terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, arrest record, citizenship or other category protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application status.