Senior Scientist, Product and Analytical Development

Ostara•Saint Louis, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist, Product and Analytical Development leads the development, characterization, and optimization of Ostara fertilizer products, raw materials, analytical methods, and supporting technical capabilities. The role combines product development, mineralogical and chemical analysis, manufacturing support, and technical commercialization to turn scientific findings into safe, practical, scalable business solutions. It serves as a subject matter expert in fertilizer chemistry and advanced product characterization, with particular emphasis on X-ray diffraction (XRD), process troubleshooting, product quality, and innovation. The position is located in the St. Louis area, either at the manufacturing facility or a nearby laboratory, and requires up to 40% travel in the United States and Canada depending on projects and business needs. Ostara is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in formulation science or a related field such as chemical engineering or materials science.
Five or more years of experience, including hands-on experience in product development, analytical chemistry, and formulation science.
Demonstrated experience designing experiments, developing analytical methods, interpreting complex technical data, and preparing scientific documentation.
Advanced understanding of analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fertilizer chemistry, mineralogy, crystallography, and product characterization.
Strong experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis capabilities.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound scientific judgment, and lead through influence in a cross-functional environment.
Strong technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills for scientific and nontechnical audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Copilot, and relevant scientific data-analysis and instrument software.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to apply knowledge and experience to provide robust R&D and commercial solutions.
Ability to prioritize and focus on key targets in a fast-paced, growth-oriented, results-driven organization.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, scientific integrity, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship of company information.
Ability to travel to US and Canadian offices and manufacturing sites.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods, walk around laboratories and between sites, and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and regularly lift up to 25 pounds.
Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience in fertilizer technology, mineral processing, process development, or industrial research.

Responsibilities

Lead bench- and pilot-scale development, screening, evaluation, and optimization of fertilizer formulations and product line extensions.
Design laboratory simulations and technical studies to support scale-up, commercialization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.
Evaluate nutrient sources, additives, process aids, and alternative raw materials for technical performance, quality, cost, and supply flexibility.
Define experimental plans, acceptance criteria, technical risks, and recommendations for product and process development programs.
Coordinate plant trials and translate laboratory and production results into actionable operating guidance.
Lead mineralogical, physical, and chemical characterization of raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and competitive products.
Serve as the technical lead for XRD method development, instrument use, data interpretation, reference libraries, models, and user training.
Develop, validate, improve, document, and maintain analytical methods, calculations, reporting tools, and laboratory SOPs.
Expand internal analytical capabilities, improve data reliability and turnaround time, and coordinate external testing when specialized services are needed.
Apply appropriate statistical methods and scientific judgment to interpret results, identify trends, and communicate uncertainty.
Partner with Operations and Quality to investigate product variability, contamination, curing, caking, corrosion, scaling, dissolution, handling, and other performance issues.
Use laboratory studies, production data, and plant observations to identify root causes and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
Support raw-material qualification, supplier evaluation, product specifications, and technical change management.
Participate in plant trials and recommend improvements to first-pass success, product consistency, process reliability, and safe operation.
Maintain complete, accurate, and traceable technical records in accordance with company procedures.
Translate technical results into clear recommendations, presentations, product information, and decision-ready summaries for Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, and leadership teams.
Provide technical support for product launches, customer discussions, competitive benchmarking, claims support, and market differentiation.
Identify and evaluate fertilizer technologies, analytical approaches, and product concepts aligned with Ostara’s strategic priorities.
Develop technical data packages supporting invention disclosures, patent activities, partnerships, and technical due diligence.
Provide scientific leadership through mentoring, training, cross-functional collaboration, and consistent technical standards.
Manage multiple projects, priorities, and external relationships while meeting agreed scope, schedule, quality, and budget expectations.