About the position
The Research Chemist will be responsible for leading new product development projects in support of Stepan's Consumer Products business. Projects will be managed from conception through the commercialization process. Primary responsibilities for the role will include developing formulations at the bench, leading junior chemists, interacting with customers and managing technical projects. The ideal candidate will have working knowledge in formulation development and performance evaluation methods relevant to consumer products. People and project management expertise are required. Industry experience in consumer markets like personal care, fabric care and/or household cleaning is required. Customer and/or supplier interfacing in prior roles is preferred. Sustainability, data science and regulatory acumen are a plus.
Responsibilities
- Undertake the technical development of surfactant-based formulations and related chemical solutions to meet customer or market needs.
- Independently develop experimental plans for short and long-term projects, using DOE and other techniques.
- Take leadership roles within cross-functional project teams.
- Undertake proof-of-concept studies and basic exploration of new product ideas to determine their feasibility.
- Regularly review technical information relevant to ongoing projects, including patents and regulations.
- Adopt and implement rapid screening techniques developed by other teams.
- Contribute to product sales and profit growth through technical knowledge and customer interaction.
- Generate ELN documentation, technical reports, presentations, patents and other documentation to ensure communication, compliance and value creation.
- Consider and prioritize sustainability aspects when developing or improving Stepan technologies.
- Lead safety/waste programs and steadfastly adheres to safety policies/standards.
Requirements
- 8 years of relevant industry experience is required. 10 years preferred.
- Minimum 8+ years of laboratory experience. This includes hands-on experience with various lab techniques and equipment.
- Minimum 3+ years of people and project management experience.
- Strong formulation skills to conduct comprehensive data analysis and interpret complex scientific results.
- Proficiency in application testing and method development, including proof-of-concept and rapid screening.
- Ability to troubleshoot issues with research projects and safely handle various chemicals and reagents.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to communicate project progress effectively based on experimental findings.
Nice-to-haves
- Sustainability knowledge
- Data science skills
- Regulatory acumen
Benefits
- 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)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance
- Reactions - Recognition Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
