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Catalyst Research Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Applied Catalyst Technology Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Collaborate with production, R&D, product management, and technical teams to resolve catalyst application issues and improve product performance * Prepare technical reports, design guidelines ...

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... research, and public health at the same time that rising costs, fragmentation, inequities ... Help shape and execute strategic initiatives that strengthen the NAM's role as a trusted catalyst ...

Every role in our organization carries profound purpose; whether you're in research, operations ... Join us in making the impossible possible, where your expertise becomes a catalyst for life ...

$187 - $257/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

You will act as the primary catalyst for driving joint revenue, ecosystem co-innovation, and ... research.**What you'll have****Experience & Track Record**● Total Experience: 10+ years of ...

New

$153 - $170/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We also reinvest a significant percentage of our revenue back into research and development ... Employees harness AI as a catalyst for creativity, productivity, and thoughtful decision‑making.

New

Electrical Controls Technician

Louisville, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Assisting in research and development of new products * Provide manufacturing support * Follow ... a catalyst for change, inspiring others tobuild a better world for generations. We offer ...

$218 - $242/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We also reinvest a significant percentage of our revenue back into research and development ... Employees harness AI as a catalyst for creativity, productivity, and thoughtful decision-making. By ...

New

Catalyst Research information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$30

$61

How much do catalyst research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for catalyst research in Kentucky is $30.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.84 and $37.46 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 Kentucky?

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

Infographic showing various Catalyst Research job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,361 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Applied Catalyst Technology Engineer

Clariant

Louisville, KY • On-site

$127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job ID: 41696 | Location: Louisville, Kentucky, USA | Position Grade: Level 8 | Expected Salary Range*: $127,920.00 | Work Model: Onsite
Clariant is currently looking for an Applied Catalyst Technology Engineer to support the Catalyst Business Unit at our facility in The Woodlands, Texas or Louisville, Kentucky. This role is designed for an early-mid career engineer with hands-on exposure to catalyst technology, catalyst applications, chemical processing, or related plant operations. The Applied Catalyst Technology Engineer supports customers throughout the catalyst lifecycle, including catalyst selection, performance evaluation, loading, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization. Prior catalyst experience is strongly preferred because this position requires the ability to understand catalyst behavior, evaluate operating performance, and provide credible technical support to customers and internal commercial teams. The successful candidate will serve as a customer-facing technical representative of Clariant and work closely with sales, technology advisors, production, R&D, and product management. This position offers a strong development path into future sales or technology advisor roles for candidates who demonstrate technical expertise, commercial awareness, and strong customer relationship skills.This is an onsite position (based in The Woodlands, Texas or Louisville, Kentucky) requiring up to 50% travel throughout North and South America. Candidates must be able and willing to travel at short notice, respond to changing customer needs, and adjust personal schedules as required. This level of travel flexibility is an essential requirement of the role. Relocation assistance may be available. Also, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
  • Support catalyst grade selection, technical proposals, performance evaluations, loading, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization throughout the customer sales and service cycle
  • Conduct catalyst performance evaluations, predictions, and projections using Clariant's proprietary design programs, operating data, and digital tools
  • Travel to customer facilities to provide technical support during catalyst loading and startup and help bring plant operations to expected performance levels
  • Analyze catalyst behavior, operating conditions, and process data to identify performance issues and recommend corrective actions
  • Partner with sales teams and technology advisors to develop technically sound catalyst solutions that address customer and commercial needs
  • Serve as a customer-facing technical expert, clearly communicating catalyst performance, operating recommendations, and technical risks
  • Collaborate with production, R&D, product management, and technical teams to resolve catalyst application issues and improve product performance
  • Prepare technical reports, design guidelines, operating manuals, case studies, and supporting calculations for catalyst applications

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is highly preferred; a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry may be considered with relevant catalyst, chemical plant, or industrial process experience
  • 2-5 years of experience in catalyst technology, catalyst applications, chemical plant process engineering, refining, petrochemicals, syngas, hydrogen, or a related technical environment; recent graduates with relevant catalyst-focused internships, co-op experience, or research may also be considered
  • Hands-on experience or exposure to catalyst selection, catalyst performance evaluation, catalyst loading, startup support, troubleshooting, or process optimization is strongly preferred
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional teams in a technical, customer-facing environment
  • Ability to travel up to 50% throughout North and South America, including travel on short notice
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship

What's in it for you?
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances
  • Paid Holidays
  • PTO time with a carry-over benefit
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Wellness Program
  • EAP Program
  • Spending and Savings Accounts
  • Life/AD&D Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Online discount Mall
  • Auto/Home Insurance
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Legal Services Plan
  • *Includes base salary and annual incentive bonus; final offer based on skills, experience and internal equity.

Mahogany McClurkin
Talent Acquisition Partner, NORAM
Mahogany.mcclurkin@clariant.com
Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.
At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status ,age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.
Clariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.
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