Research Scientist

Oil Dri•Vernon Hills, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This unique role within the Oil-Dri R&D team reports to the VP of R&D and requires a combination of technical strength with the desire to commercialize innovation. While supporting growth & innovation focus, this role also involves operational execution. This technical role will support innovation advancement by rapidly researching and evaluating a variety of new to world and new to Oil-Dri ideas at the bench. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to leverage their technical expertise and drive Oil-Dri expansion and position us to capture national and global opportunities in a timely manner. Role based out at the Innovation Campus (Vernon Hills, IL). Monday - Friday onsite required.

Requirements

M.S degree with 3 – 5 years or B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering with 5 – 7 years’ work experience
A passion for innovation and commercializing innovation with examples of prior contributions to growth and delivering results.
Record of providing technical solutions to complex problems where little precedent exists using ingenuity, creativity, and scientific approach
Demonstrated capacity for independent, innovative, proactive approach to research and/or process improvement, but comfortable working in a team environment
Capacity for making major decisions in the creation, planning, execution, and interpretation of technical data
An individual in this on-site position will have the right blend of technical expertise, business acumen and passion for innovation execution.
Curiosity related to potential markets that line up well with product innovation ideas and willingness and ability to research market trends and opportunities themselves
Comfortable with diverse responsibilities and multiple project assignments with the ability to work through ambiguity and generate clarity
Possess good working knowledge of research principles, theories, and techniques, with specialization in at least one field (chemistry, biochemistry, engineering)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Mastery of word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics and AI awareness
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

Conduct independent research and/or development work on major research projects
Support growth and innovation strategy execution aligned with overall Oil-Dri business goals.
Partner with teammates to contribute to innovation portfolio and roadmap to drive growth and investment.
Expected to play an active role in contributing to the creation of new products and supporting existing products
Plans, designs, and implements projects under the framework of a loosely defined idea or problem
Demonstrates an ability to draw non-obvious conclusions and make recommendations for new or modified paths of progression
Provides solutions to complex problems requiring innovation in methodology
Expected to recognize and recommend new ideas of commercial importance within his/her area of expertise
Maintains a high level of competence through an up-to-date awareness of emerging technologies like AI