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Catalyst Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clariant

$82K - $110K/yr

Onsite Clariant is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to join the Catalyst Research & Development team in Palo Alto, California. In this role, you will support the development of next-generation catalyst ...

Clariant

Sr. Lab Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

Onsite Clariant is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to join the Catalyst Research & Development team in Palo Alto, California. In this role, you will support the development of next-generation catalyst ...

Mercor

Physics Research Expert - PhD

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$80 - $140/hr

Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark , General Catalyst , Peter Thiel , Adam D'Angelo , Larry Summers , and Jack Dorsey . Position: Research Physics Expert Type: Contract ...

Engram

Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... Catalyst, Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia, Factory, Modern, Amplify, Neo and others. Our investors and ... As a Research Scientist, you'll design experiments, develop new recipes, build evals, and shape the ...

New

Sprinter Health

AI Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

... Catalyst, GV, and Accel and enjoy multi-year runway. About the Role We're looking for an AI ... You will develop and own a research agenda aligned with Sprinter's company strategy. Your work may ...

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All JobsCatalyst Research JobsCatalyst Research Jobs in California

Catalyst Research information

See California salary details

$10

$31

$64

How much do catalyst research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for catalyst research in California is $31.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.77 and $39.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Catalyst Research vs Catalyst Technician?

AspectCatalyst ResearchCatalyst Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fieldsAssociate's degree or technical certification in chemistry or chemical technology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, laboratories, production lines
Job FocusDeveloping and testing new catalysts, conducting experiments, data analysisMaintaining, operating, and troubleshooting catalyst systems in production

In summary, Catalyst Research roles focus on developing and testing new catalysts through experiments and analysis, often requiring higher education. Catalyst Technicians support production by maintaining and operating catalyst systems, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the catalyst industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in catalyst research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Catalyst Research often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving scientific advancements, troubleshooting complex experimental setups, and scaling up catalytic processes from laboratory to industrial scale. Overcoming these hurdles usually involves continuous learning, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams (such as chemists, engineers, and analysts), and leveraging advanced analytical tools. Participating in regular team meetings and industry conferences can also help researchers stay at the forefront of innovation and find effective solutions to experimental bottlenecks.

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

To thrive as a Catalyst Research Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with an advanced degree and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, and specialized software for molecular modeling is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting findings. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring accurate experimentation, and advancing catalyst development in industrial or academic settings.

What is catalyst research?

Catalyst research is the scientific study and development of substances called catalysts, which speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Researchers in this field investigate how catalysts work, discover new catalyst materials, and optimize their performance for various industrial applications, such as energy production, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection. The ultimate goal is to create more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly chemical processes. Catalyst research combines principles from chemistry, materials science, and engineering.

What are popular job titles related to Catalyst Research jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Catalyst Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Catalyst Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Catalyst Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Catalyst Research job openings:

Catalyst Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catalyst Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,482 per year, or $32 per hour.

Sr. Lab Engineer

Clariant

On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job ID: 41499 | Location: Palo Alto, California, USA | Expected Salary Range*: $82,602.00 - $110,136.00 | Work Model: Onsite

Clariant is seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to join the Catalyst Research & Development team in Palo Alto, California. In this role, you will support the development of next-generation catalyst technologies through high-throughput and conventional testing, leveraging experimental data to accelerate innovation and product development. As a key member of cross-functional project teams, you will design and execute experiments, operate and improve specialized 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 from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate possesses proficient hands-on experience with R&D instruments and lab hardware. Experience with chemical kinetics, statistical analysis, data visualization, Python, MATLAB, design of experiments (DOE), high-throughput experimentation, machine learning, or large-scale data analysis is highly desirable. This is a full-time, onsite position requiring a collaborative, self-driven professional who can manage multiple priorities, solve complex technical challenges, and translate experimental results into actionable insights.

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