Director, FCC Evaluations Research and Services

W. R. Grace & Co.•Columbia, MD

12d•$166,448 - $228,866•Hybrid

About The Position

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.The Director, Evaluations Research and Services, leads Grace’s FCC Evaluations Research organization, providing high‑quality testing services, technical expertise, and customer‑driven insights that support customer retention, margin growth, new account wins, and product and process development. The role combines people leadership, safety stewardship, customer engagement, and hands‑on technical contribution in FCC catalysis and related technologies.

Requirements

PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.
15+ years of experience in catalyst R&D, FCC technologies, or refinery-related innovation.
Demonstrated leadership in managing R&D organizations and technical teams
Extensive experience in FCC catalysis, catalyst evaluation, or refinery process technology.

Nice To Haves

Strong customer‑facing communication and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to combine strategic leadership with hands‑on technical contribution.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians within Evaluations Research. As needed, partner with Talent Acquisition to identify and recruit top-talent for new roles.
Serve as a visible safety leader for the FCC Evaluations team by actively participating in EH&S programs. Maintain compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and operating permit requirements. Provide technical input to hazard reviews, EH&S studies, and site safety initiatives.
Oversee delivery of FCC and related testing services, including ECAT, ACE, steaming, DCR, petroleum laboratory services, sink/float, IGC, sulfur speciation, and fluidization testing. Ensure testing supports customer retention, value‑based selling, new customer acquisition, and development of new products and processes. Ensure testing data are timely, technically sound, and decision‑enabling for customers, technical service, marketing, and R&D.
Serve as a recognized technical authority in FCC catalysis. Prepare and present technical materials for customer meetings and technical exchanges. Lead discussions with customers on catalyst testing, feedstock effects, and FCC fundamentals. Address non‑routine technical service questions using scientific literature and internal expertise.