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Catalyst Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Process Development Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Own process development end-to-end, from initial catalyst hits to optimized ready to scale ... PhD or MS in biochemistry, chemical engineering, organic chemistry, or a related field with a ...

Own process development end-to-end, from initial catalyst hits to optimized ready to scale ... PhD or MS in biochemistry, chemical engineering, organic chemistry, or a related field with a ...

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Catalyst Scale-Up Research Lab Technician (Contract) Location: Lake Jackson, TX Job Type: 1 year ... Chemistry background strongly preferred. * Experience working with laboratory chemicals and wet ...

Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark , General Catalyst , Peter Thiel , Adam D'Angelo , Larry Summers , and Jack Dorsey . Position: Chemistry Expert (PhD) -- AI Safety Type:

Sr. Lab Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline with 0-5 years of industrial experience in heterogeneous catalysis, catalyst development, or related ...

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Catalyst Chemist information

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$17

$30

$52

How much do catalyst chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for catalyst chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catalyst chemist?

Catalyst chemists are scientists who specialize in designing, developing, and optimizing chemical catalysts—substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They work in laboratories to study how catalysts function and apply their knowledge to improve industrial processes, such as refining fuels, creating pharmaceuticals, or producing environmentally friendly materials. Catalyst chemists often collaborate with engineers and other scientists to develop innovative solutions that make chemical reactions more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catalyst chemist?

To thrive as a Catalyst Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with a bachelor's or advanced degree, and expertise in catalysis and reaction mechanisms. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and specialized software for chemical modeling is often required. Critical thinking, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills help Catalyst Chemists excel in research and development environments. These skills ensure the safe and efficient development of catalysts that improve chemical processes and drive innovation in various industries.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by catalyst chemists when developing new catalysts for industrial applications?

Catalyst Chemists often encounter challenges such as optimizing catalyst performance for specific reactions, ensuring stability and selectivity under industrial conditions, and scaling up laboratory results to full production levels. Balancing activity, cost, and environmental impact while adhering to strict safety protocols is also a common hurdle. These challenges require close collaboration with process engineers, analytical chemists, and production teams to iterate and refine catalyst formulations for real-world use.

What is the difference between Catalyst Chemist vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectCatalyst ChemistChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or Chemical ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, catalyst development facilitiesManufacturing plants, process design, plant operations
Industry UsageFocus on catalyst formulation, testing, and optimizationDesigning and optimizing chemical processes and plant systems
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles in research and developmentCompared for process design and plant management roles

While both Catalyst Chemists and Chemical Engineers work within the chemical industry, Catalyst Chemists primarily focus on developing and testing catalysts in research settings. Chemical Engineers, on the other hand, design and optimize chemical processes for large-scale production. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

More about Catalyst Chemist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catalyst Chemist jobs?

The most popular types of Catalyst Chemist jobs are:

What states have the most Catalyst Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Catalyst Chemist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Catalyst Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Senior Chemist I, Hair Care Scientific Valorization & Digital Innovation, L'Oréal Research & Innovat

L'Oreal

Clark, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


L'Oreal rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 24 rated health and beauty retailers


Job description

Senior Chemist I, Hair Care Scientific Valorization & Digital Innovation, L'Oréal Research & Innovation - Clark, New Jersey
Life is too short for a boring career, so build an extraordinary one with us. We believe your career should spark the same thrill and curiosity as your personal interests. Creativity drives everything we do, turning ideas into meaningful impact. With opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions, your growth knows no boundaries.
Who We Are
At L'Oréal Research & Innovation, we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting-edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas. Our 3,500 L'Oréal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people's lives.
Inside L'Oréal's Research & Innovation Division, the Hair Care Development team is responsible for working closely with our over 35 brands to adapt and innovate formulations into new and exciting products. We are currently seeking a hybrid scientist-someone who speaks the language of both molecules and algorithms-to act as the strategic bridge between technical formulation, digital transformation, and global marketing strategy.
A Day in the Life: As a Senior Chemist I, your responsibilities will include:
  • Scientific Valorization & Technical Guidance: Act as the vital link between the lab and the business. Translate complex hair care technologies (including bond-repair, surfactants, and scalp health) into compelling consumer benefits and innovative marketing concepts for high-profile US launches.
  • Technical Formulation Credibility: Leverage your background in formulation to provide expert guidance on ingredient selection and formula architecture. You will review and refine hair care formulas across diverse galenic forms to ensure efficacy and scientific integrity.
  • Digital Innovation & Data Strategy: Lead the integration of digital tools into the valorization process. Use data visualization (Power BI) and predictive modeling to analyze performance benchmarks and turn complex test data into actionable insights that accelerate product storytelling.
  • Claims Management & Testing Coordination: Direct the end-to-end product claims process. Partner with Safety, Analytical, and Clinical Evaluation teams to design and execute robust, innovative testing protocols (clinical, instrumental, and consumer) that substantiate high-impact claims.
  • Scientific Communication & Integrity: Safeguard our scientific credibility by rigorously reviewing all marketing materials, including digital content, e-commerce descriptions, and packaging for technical accuracy and consistency.
  • Public Relations & Brand Ambassadorship: Step into the spotlight as our brand's technical expert. Provide scientific support for PR activities, address media inquiries, and lead technical briefings at high-profile press events and industry conferences.
  • Creative Brainstorming & Innovation: Serve as a creative scientific catalyst. Uncover emerging technologies and novel ingredient narratives through literature reviews and market trend analysis to substantiate groundbreaking performance claims.

We Are Looking For:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field is required (Master's or PhD preferred).
  • Experience: 3-5+ years of proven experience in the cosmetic industry, with a strong background in hair care formulation (or a related category) and a focus on scientific communication or claims substantiation.
  • Project Management & Organization: Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects concurrently, and effectively navigate a matrix organization.
  • Digital Proficiency: Proficiency in data management and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) and an interest in leveraging AI to optimize scientific narratives.
  • Communication Mastery: Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to clearly articulate complex technical information to large groups of professionals.
  • Strategic & Creative Mindset: An "outside-the-box" thinker who challenges the status quo and develops innovative solutions to complex scientific and marketing challenges.
  • Global Collaboration: Ability to thrive in an international, multi-disciplinary environment, collaborating seamlessly with diverse technical and commercial teams worldwide.
  • The ability to be onsite, in the office as this is an essential function of the position (required).

  • Authorization to work in the U.S. on a permanent, ongoing basis is required. No immigration support/sponsorship offered for this role

What's In It For You
  • A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you'll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
  • Real responsibility from day 1, there's no sitting on the sidelines at L'Oréal
  • An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
  • A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal /environmental causes to make concrete difference
  • Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
  • Base Salary Range: $77,400 - $110,300 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)
  • Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
  • Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L'Oréal's Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
  • Learning and Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
  • Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
  • Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don't meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We're committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual's gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law

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About L'Oreal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

L'Oreal, based in New York, NY, US, is a globally recognized leader in the beauty and cosmetics industry. Founded in 1909 by French chemist, Eugène Schueller, L'Oreal started off as a hair dye company and has since significantly expanded its product lines and geographical reach. Today, L'Oreal offers a diverse array of products ranging from skincare, cosmetics, hair care, and perfumes. Operating in over 130 countries, L'Oreal's mission is to provide anyone, anywhere with beauty products that meet the infinite diversity of their beauty needs and desires. It is committed to sustainable business practices and continually innovates to reduce its environmental impact, contributions which were recognized when it was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Institute in 2020.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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