Senior Scientist – Hectorite Materials

51 Elementis Specialties USA • East Windsor, NJ

9d

About The Position

Elementis is a global specialty chemical company, with 1,300 employees operating 17 manufacturing sites across the globe. At Elementis, we bring a distinctive combination of expertise, innovation, and teamwork to every formulation challenge. We create high-value specialty additives that enhance the performance of our customers' products and make a positive change in the world. Combining our leading positions in the science of materials flow, surface modification, and formulation with access to unique natural materials, Elementis delivers unique chemistry, sustainable solutions to customers in a wide range of markets, including cosmetics, anti-perspirants, decorative and industrial coatings, automotive and ceramics.

The Senior Scientist, Hectorite Materials, leads the development of next-generation Hectorite products and related clay-based technologies. This role applies advanced expertise in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and materials science to drive innovation, solve complex technical challenges, and support strategic business objectives. In addition to leading research programs and providing technical guidance, the Hectorite focused Senior Scientist plays a critical role in identifying and evaluating new market opportunities, emerging technologies, customer needs, and application spaces. By integrating market insights with scientific expertise, the role helps shape the Hectorite research pipeline, prioritize technology investments, and accelerate the development of commercially relevant Hectorite products. The position balances laboratory work with project leadership, opportunity assessment, and cross-functional collaboration across R&D, marketing, business development, manufacturing, and commercial teams.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials science, colloidal systems, and structure-property-performance relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in the synthesis, modification, characterization, and application development of Hectorite, clay minerals, specialty additives, or related material systems.
• Proficiency in the use and interpretation of advanced material characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, rheology, particle size analysis, thermal analysis, spectroscopy, and surface characterization methods.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to draw actionable conclusions from complex technical data.
• Experience developing innovative materials and translating laboratory findings into commercially relevant products and technologies.
• Knowledge of product development processes, scale-up activities, technology transfer, and commercialization pathways.
• Understanding of intellectual property processes, including invention disclosures, patent applications, and technology protection strategies.
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs, and application opportunities to support innovation and business growth.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within established timelines.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams involving R&D, Marketing, Business Development, Manufacturing, Operations, and Commercial organizations.
• Strong attention to detail, scientific rigor, and commitment to laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with the ability to work independently, exercise sound technical judgment, and thrive in a dynamic research environment.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• M.S. degree with significant relevant industrial research experience may be considered.
• Typically 5-10+ years of industrial R&D experience in advanced materials, specialty chemicals, minerals, or related technologies.
• Demonstrated success in developing new materials, products, or technology platforms from concept through commercialization.
• Record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, technical presentations, or successful product introductions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Hectorite materials, synthetic clays, rheology modifiers, specialty minerals, coatings, personal care, agricultural, or related application areas is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs, and review competitive developments to uncover new growth opportunities for Hectorite.
• Evaluate the technical feasibility, business potential, and strategic fit of new Hectorite growth opportunities / concepts and recommend research programs, technology platforms, and innovation initiatives.
• Collaborate with commercial, marketing, and business development teams to define value propositions and support Hectorite innovation portfolio decisions.
• Contribute technical expertise to long-term technology roadmaps and business growth strategies.
• Lead and execute research and development activities focused on Hectorite materials and related clay technologies, from concept generation through laboratory validation and scale-up.
• Develop innovative Hectorite based material solutions through synthesis, modification, and characterization, applying expertise in chemistry and materials science.
• Establish structure-property-performance relationships to create differentiated technologies and improve product performance.
• Solve complex technical challenges and identify scientific approaches that advance the organization's technology portfolio.
• Generate and protect intellectual property through inventions, patents, technical publications, and knowledge creation.
• Lead multiple research projects, establishing objectives, experimental plans, resource requirements, timelines, and success criteria.
• Drive projects through defined development milestones while balancing technical risks, customer requirements, and business objectives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure effective execution and successful transition of technologies into product development and commercialization.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership to support decision-making.
• Represent the organization in technical interactions with customers, suppliers, academic institutions, and external partners.

Benefits

• As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Elementis does not discriminate in hiring or in the terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, arrest record, citizenship or other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree