Junior Research Chemist

Overview

Job Title:
Junior Research Chemist (Analytical & Organic Synthesis)

Location:
On-site, Full Time – Cincinnati, OH

Department:
Product & Application Development (P&AD)

Reports To:
Lab Manager

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting a specific chemistry problem or project you’ve worked on that sparked your interest in research.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Junior Research Chemist to join our Product & Application Development team. This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with a strong technical foundation who is eager to grow into an independent researcher. In this position, you will actively support organic synthesis and analytical projects while receiving hands-on mentorship in a collaborative R&D environment. This role goes beyond routine lab support—you will contribute directly to product development, customer support, and manufacturing optimization initiatives.

Why Join Us?

Emery Oleochemicals is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer with a strong reputation for operational excellence, safety, and sustainability. Our Cincinnati site serves as our global headquarters and largest manufacturing location, housing research and development, commercial operations, and large-scale production in one integrated campus. We specialize in sustainable, bio-based chemical solutions derived from natural raw materials and serve customers across a wide range of industries worldwide.

Our long-standing presence in Cincinnati reflects our commitment to the community, innovation, and long-term growth.

• Analytical Support & Data Collection

• Perform routine analysis of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using titration, HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR.
• Interpret analytical data to confirm molecular structure, composition, and purity.
• Maintain accurate, real-time documentation using Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN).

• Lab Operations & Maintenance

• Support a safe and efficient laboratory environment through chemical inventory management and proper waste handling.
• Calibrate analytical instruments and perform basic troubleshooting as needed.
• Prepare solvents, reagents, and standard solutions to support laboratory operations.

• Collaborative & Independent Research

• Assist senior scientists with organic synthesis and formulation activities supporting product development and process optimization.
• Under guidance, design and execute pilot experiments to improve reaction conditions or methodologies.
• Review scientific literature and present findings during team meetings.

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

• Experience
  • 2+ years of laboratory experience in an R&D or QC environment (undergraduate research and internships count).

• Technical Skills
  • Foundational understanding of organic chemistry and common reaction mechanisms.
  • Hands-on experience with standard laboratory techniques.
  • Familiarity with analytical software.

• Professional Skills
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Curiosity and desire to grow in a research-focused career.