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Catalyst Material Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hexion

pMDI Research Scientist

Columbus, OH · On-site

This role combines deep materials and adhesive science with artificial intelligence, data science ... Lead laboratory research on pMDI resin systems, including neat resin, aqueous suspensions ...

IBM

Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Demonstrate quantum algorithms on real-world applications in physics, chemistry, and materials ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

IBM

Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Demonstrate quantum algorithms on real-world applications in physics, chemistry, and materials ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

Ultradent

Dental Materials Research Scientist, R&D Ultradent, a global leader in oral healthcare innovation ... Extensive knowledge and familiarity with fundamental material science themes such as structure ...

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Catalyst Material Research Scientist information

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$29.5K

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How much do catalyst material research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for catalyst material research scientist in the United States is $95,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catalyst material research scientist?

Catalyst Material Research Scientists are professionals who study and develop materials that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They work to design, synthesize, and test new catalyst materials for applications in industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection. Their work involves understanding chemical processes at the molecular level, analyzing catalyst performance, and optimizing materials for efficiency and sustainability. These scientists often collaborate with engineers, chemists, and industry partners to bring innovative catalytic solutions from the lab to real-world applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catalyst material research scientist?

To thrive as a Catalyst Material Research Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry or materials science, typically supported by a PhD and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and computational modeling software is essential, as well as knowledge of safety protocols. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration set exceptional scientists apart in this field. These skills are crucial for developing innovative catalysts, ensuring reliable results, and advancing research that impacts industrial and environmental applications.

What are the main challenges catalyst material research scientists face when scaling up laboratory findings to industrial applications?

Catalyst Material Research Scientists often encounter challenges when translating promising laboratory results into viable industrial-scale processes. These can include maintaining catalyst performance under harsher, large-scale conditions, ensuring reproducibility, and managing cost-effectiveness with bulk materials. Additionally, collaboration with process engineers and manufacturing teams is crucial to adapt synthesis methods for mass production while meeting stringent safety and environmental regulations. Overcoming these challenges requires a strong understanding of both fundamental science and practical engineering constraints.

What is the difference between Catalyst Material Research Scientist vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectCatalyst Material Research ScientistChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, industrial labsManufacturing plants, process design, R&D labs
Industry UsageFocus on catalyst development, materials testing, and characterizationProcess optimization, plant operations, chemical production

While both roles involve chemical knowledge and laboratory work, Catalyst Material Research Scientists primarily focus on developing and testing new catalyst materials in research settings. Chemical Engineers typically work on designing and optimizing chemical processes in industrial environments. The roles often overlap in industry but differ in their core responsibilities and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Catalyst Material Research Scientist jobs?

For Catalyst Material Research Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Catalyst Material Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,315 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Material Research Scientist (Science & Technology)

Johns Creek, GA • On-site

Imerys
10K+ employees
Learn more about Imerysexternal

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Imerys rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Company Overview

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts. Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.

Position: Material Research Scientist (Science & Technology)

We are seeking a driven Material Research Scientist to lead the development of innovative materials and products that deliver tangible, real-world impact. In this high-ownership role, you will champion particle technologies from initial concept through laboratory validation and industrial scale-up, culminating in successful deployment at customer facilities. Your work will directly advance critical applications in food and beverage production, oil & industrial chemical purification, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. As the technical lead for New Product Development (NPD) programs, you will translate market needs into commercial realities, managing the entire product development lifecycle from the first experiment to validation trials. If you thrive on hands‑on laboratory experimentation and solving complex technical challenges to see your discoveries reach the global market, this role offers an exceptional opportunity.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Lead new product development: Spearhead new product, new application development initiatives aligned with strategic customer and market requirements.
  • Engineer novel particulate materials, optimized processes, and rigorous application-specific testing methodologies.
  • Drive the transition from laboratory proof-of-concept to commercial scale-up, overseeing plant and customer validation trials.
  • Facilitate on‑site customer validation of beta products and translate performance data into actionable business insights.
  • Solve hard technical problems: Deconstruct multi-variable technical challenges through the design and execution of statistically sound experimental protocols. Rapidly identify root causes and map complex interdependencies between process variables.
  • Benchmarking natural and synthetic inorganic materials against stringent market and customer requirements.
  • Share the Learning: Author comprehensive technical reports detailing experimental methodologies, data analysis, and strategic conclusions. Communicate complex findings effectively to both technical peers and commercial stakeholders.
  • Monitor technical literature and IP landscapes to catalyze the generation of innovative product and application concepts. Collaborate with IP counsel to identify patentable discoveries and secure intellectual property rights.
  • Work with people, inside and outside: Cultivate strategic relationships with commercial & operation teams and technical counterparts at customer organizations & service providers. Support external partnerships with universities, national labs and research institutes to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies.
  • Mentor the team members and manage R&D projects of varying scale and complexity.
  • Champion a culture of safety, ensuring a secure working environment for all team members.
Education, Skills and Attributes Required
  • Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Chemical Engineering or similar.
  • Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in an industrial R&D environment.
  • Strong technical acumen in troubleshooting and complex data interpretation.
  • Expertise in statistical analysis and robust experimental design.
  • Hands‑on proficiency in process chemistry and industrial process development.
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse non‑technical audiences.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Self‑motivated professional capable of managing multiple concurrent projects.
  • Experience leading multi‑disciplinary and multicultural product development teams.
  • Commitment to hands‑on laboratory work and active customer‑site engagement.
  • Adaptability to fast‑paced, evolving operational environments.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and collaborative teamwork skills.
  • Champion strategic programs from initial concept through to final deployment.
Nice to have
  • Deep subject‑matter expertise in colloid science, interfacial phenomena, and surface chemistry, including particle‑fluid interactions, dispersion stability, and surface modification techniques.
  • Proven practical experience in dry powder characterization and handling, along with a strong fundamental understanding of industrial fluid dynamics and rheology in complex processing environments.
  • Knowledge of Python and/or R.
  • Experience applying data analytics or machine learning to materials science problems.
Position Type

Full time and Permanent

Equal Opportunity

IMERYS is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

Company Overview

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

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