Sr. Researcher

About the job

Sr. Researcher – Product Chemistry group. Design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers and surfactants that support new product development across multiple application areas. Gain exposure to different business lines, product families, and customer needs through a rotational development experience.

• Contribute to the design and execution of laboratory experiments that explore new polymer and surfactant structures aligned with customer and market needs, bringing a curious and proactive mindset to proposing ideas and testing hypotheses.
• Support the development and optimization of polymer structures and synthetic routes, including feasibility assessments and early‑stage scale‑up considerations, while learning from senior scientists and taking initiative to deepen your understanding.
• Participate in technology‑transfer activities by identifying potential scale‑up risks and contributing chemistry‑based solutions as your experience grows.
• Provide hands‑on support to pilot‑plant or manufacturing teams during new product start‑ups, including assisting with troubleshooting and proactively flagging observations or deviations.
• Contribute to intellectual‑property generation through data packages, invention‑disclosure inputs, and creative problem‑solving.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional partners (applications, marketing, regulatory, analytical, operations) to understand how chemistry connects to product performance, customer needs, and business strategy.
• Maintain high‑quality laboratory documentation and uphold strong safety and 5S practices, taking initiative to improve workflows and lab organization.
• Prepare clear, concise technical summaries and share results with project teams, building confidence in communicating scientific findings.
• Manage a mix of short‑term experiments and longer‑term research activities with increasing independence, demonstrating proactive ownership of your work and learning path.
• Travel occasionally (~10%).

• Master’s or PhD in Chemistry

• 0–5 years of relevant experience

• Design and execute laboratory experiments to develop and characterize new polymer or surfactant structures.
• Strong understanding of structure–property relationships and their impact on performance.
• Support optimization of synthetic routes, including feasibility assessments and early‑stage scale‑up considerations.
• Participate in technology transfer activities and understand how lab‑scale chemistry translates to pilot plant and manufacturing environments.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges with guidance from senior scientists.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with applications, analytical, marketing, regulatory, and operations teams.
• Maintain high‑quality laboratory documentation, safety practices, and 5S standards.
• Prepare technical summaries and present findings to project teams.
• Contribute to invention disclosures and intellectual property development.
• Manage both short‑term experiments and long‑term research programs while developing project management skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (~10%).

• Experience with polysaccharides, siloxanes, silicon‑based polymers, or surfactants.
• Exposure to pilot plant or manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with structured project frameworks such as Stage Gate.

• Strong foundational knowledge in organic or polymer chemistry.
• Hands‑on experience with synthesis and characterization techniques including NMR, IR, GPC, GC, LC, MS, microscopy, and wet chemistry.
• Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate results effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Curiosity, creativity, and interest in understanding how structure influences performance.
• Willingness to learn from others and take on new challenges.

The hiring salary range for this position is $88,000 to $125,600, although individuals may eventually progress through the pay scale in this role up to $144,440. All compensation will be dependent upon the specific role as well as the individual's qualifications, experience, skills, and certifications. The hired applicant will be eligible to receive annual bonuses.

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• Eligibility to enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off and the mandated company holidays throughout the calendar year.

Nouryon is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.