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Catalyst Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Introduction At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what's next in ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

$72K - $92K/yr

SINOPEC Employee Position Overview Senior R&D Scientist The Senior R&D Scientist is responsible for advancing catalyst and catalytic process research at the SINOPEC-UOP Joint Research Center. This ...

Senior R&D Scientist (Katy, TX)

Katy, TX · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

SINOPEC Employee Position Overview Senior R&D Scientist The Senior R&D Scientist is responsible for advancing catalyst and catalytic process research at the SINOPEC-UOP Joint Research Center. This ...

... as scientists Requirements: The ideal candidate needs to have strong technical and interpersonal skills with the ability to technically lead catalyst research efforts and mentor to develop ...

... as scientists Requirements: The ideal candidate needs to have strong technical and interpersonal skills with the ability to technically lead catalyst research efforts and mentor to develop ...

... as scientists Requirements: The ideal candidate needs to have strong technical and interpersonal skills with the ability to technically lead catalyst research efforts and mentor to develop ...

... of experience in science and applied research in one of the above disciplines • 2+ year ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

$82K - $110K/yr

... R&D equipment, and analyze complex datasets to optimize catalyst performance and testing methodologies. You will collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to advance catalyst technologies ...

Our group of scientists, engineers, and designers is dedicated to conducting end-to-end research ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

Our group of scientists, engineers, and designers is dedicated to conducting end-to-end research ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

Senior R and D Scientist

Katy, TX · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

SINOPEC Employee Position Overview Senior R&D Scientist The Senior R&D Scientist is responsible for advancing catalyst and catalytic process research at the SINOPEC-UOP Joint Research Center. This ...

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Catalyst Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do catalyst research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for catalyst research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catalyst research scientist?

Catalyst Research Scientists are professionals who study, design, and develop catalysts—substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They work in fields such as chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental science to create more efficient industrial processes, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste. Their work is vital in industries like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and renewable energy, where optimized reactions can lead to significant cost and environmental benefits.

What are some common challenges catalyst research scientists face when developing new catalysts?

Catalyst Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing catalyst performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ensuring scalability for industrial applications. Balancing activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts can be complex, as improving one property may negatively affect others. Additionally, translating lab-scale results to commercial-scale processes requires collaboration with engineers and continuous iteration. Staying updated with rapidly evolving analytical techniques and computational modeling is also essential to address these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catalyst research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catalyst Research Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering, typically supported by a Ph.D. or equivalent research experience. Familiarity with analytical techniques (such as XRD, SEM, GC-MS), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis software is essential, along with experience in catalyst synthesis and testing. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and present complex findings clearly. These skills and qualities are vital for advancing innovative catalytic solutions and driving successful research outcomes.

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

AspectCatalyst Research ScientistChemical Research Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related; experience in catalysisBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related; broader chemistry focus
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, industrial settings, catalyst development labsResearch labs, industrial labs, product development
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, petrochemical, environmental sectors focusing on catalysisPharmaceutical, chemical manufacturing, R&D across various industries

While both roles involve chemical research, a Catalyst Research Scientist specializes in developing and testing catalysts used in chemical reactions, often within industrial settings. A Chemical Research Scientist has a broader focus on chemical compounds and processes. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in their specific focus areas.

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

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

Infographic showing various Catalyst Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Quantum Hardware Research Scientist

Yorktown, NY • On-site

IBM
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Help design, simulate, measure, and interpret results for new quantum processors and associated components.

  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers to advance practical quantum computing technologies.

  • Contribute to research efforts in the field of superconducting qubits and quantum device development.


IBM rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Introduction
At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what's next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You'll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.
Your role and responsibilities
Novel Quantum Processors: you would be responsible for helping to design, simulate, measure and interpret results for new quantum processors and associated components.
Required education
Doctorate Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
  • PhD in physics or related field
  • Experience with experimental quantum control

Preferred technical and professional experience
  • Research background in the field of superconducting qubits
  • Experience laying out and simulating quantum devices

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT
IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.
YOUR LIFE @ IBM
In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.
Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.
Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.
Are you ready to be an IBMer?
ABOUT IBM
IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.
Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.
At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS
IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:
- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

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About IBM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Armonk, NY, US

Year founded

1911

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