Research Associate - Industrials

About Lux

Lux Research is a leading research and advisory firm, helping clients navigate emerging technologies and drive growth through innovation. We support C-level executives in the world’s largest companies. Our culture is high-energy, detail-obsessed and relentlessly focused on performance. If you thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment where results, accountability and engagement matter, join our team for what may be the most rewarding job you have ever had.

Lux Research is seeking a Research Associate specializing in Industrial Process and Manufacturing Innovation with a strong emphasis on industrial wastewater treatment. The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in a STEM discipline – such as chemical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, or a related technical field – and a passion for applying scientific and technical expertise to strategic innovation questions.

As a Research Associate at Lux, you will investigate emerging technologies that are reshaping industrial operations, resource efficiency, and environmental performance. Your work will guide clients in understanding technological transformation across manufacturing systems, chemical and material processes, and wastewater treatment infrastructures. You will develop thought leadership through analytical research on breakthrough technologies, innovative companies, and evolving industry practices, delivering actionable insights that support investment, partnership, and strategic planning for global industrial leaders.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

• Lead research on emerging technologies transforming industrial operations, including advanced manufacturing systems, process intensification, automation, industrial decarbonization, and next-generation materials processing.
• Investigate innovation in industrial wastewater treatment, including physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid treatment approaches; water reuse and recycling; resource recovery; and zero-liquid-discharge systems.
• Master a toolkit of research skills, synthesize data from diverse sources, and produce findings that help clients navigate innovation opportunities.
• Advise and support clients through written deliverables, direct consultations, and public presentations, providing insightful, evidence-based perspectives on technology and market trends.
• Produce high-quality research reports and analyses that connect innovation in the industrial sector to broader regulatory and consumer dynamics.
• Represent Lux Research at industry conferences, webinars, and client events as a recognized thought leader in industrial innovation, environmental technologies, and manufacturing transformation.
• Collaborate with analysts across disciplines and geographic regions to deliver integrated insights on cross-sector innovation challenges, including circular economy strategies, resource efficiency, digitalization of industrial systems, and infrastructure modernization.

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field related to chemical engineering, process engineering, or related disciplines focusing on industrial processes (e.g., chemicals production, manufacturing, etc.)
• 1-2 years of experience in the manufacturing or industrials sectors, ideally involving technology analysis, R&D, project management, or strategic consulting.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze technical and market data, develop original insights, and communicate them effectively to business and technical audiences.
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills, with experience crafting incisive, data-driven reports and delivering client presentations.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into business implications.

• A Master’s degree is highly preferred, especially with a STEM background in chemical engineering, process engineering, or related disciplines focusing on industrial processes (e.g., chemicals production, manufacturing, etc.)
• Intellectual curiosity and a deep interest in innovation, energy transition, and the future of manufacturing…