ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Catalyst Synthesis Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pajarito Powder

R&D Chem Tech

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Collaborate with R&D scientists, quality control, and production teams * Maintain organized and ... Familiarity with standard lab equipment and catalyst synthesis techniques. * Basic understanding of ...

Novartis Farmacéutica

$81K - $150K/yr

Independently, effectively and safely conduct task-oriented synthesis and purification from ... Research Scientist, Synthetic Technologies Research Scientist, Synthetic Technologies #J-18808 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience JobsChemistry JobsChemist JobsCatalyst Synthesis Research Scientist Jobs

Catalyst Synthesis Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

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

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for catalyst synthesis 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 does a catalyst synthesis research scientist do?

A Catalyst Synthesis Research Scientist specializes in designing, developing, and optimizing catalysts used to accelerate chemical reactions in industrial and laboratory settings. Their work involves researching new catalyst materials, synthesizing them using various chemical methods, and analyzing their performance using advanced techniques. They often collaborate with chemists, engineers, and other scientists to improve catalyst efficiency, selectivity, and stability for applications in fields like energy, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. Additionally, they document their findings and may contribute to patent applications or scientific publications.

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

To thrive as a Catalyst Synthesis Research Scientist, you need an advanced degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, with expertise in inorganic synthesis and material characterization. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and various spectroscopic techniques, as well as experience with laboratory safety protocols, is essential. Critical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to effectively develop and optimize catalysts, ensuring research accuracy and safe, collaborative innovation.

What are some typical challenges faced by catalyst synthesis research scientists in scaling up laboratory results to industrial production?

Catalyst Synthesis Research Scientists often encounter challenges when translating laboratory-scale catalyst formulations to industrial-scale production. Key issues include maintaining catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability at larger volumes, as process variables can behave differently outside the controlled lab environment. Additionally, sourcing raw materials in bulk and ensuring batch-to-batch consistency can present hurdles. Collaboration with process engineers and production teams is essential to troubleshoot these issues and optimize manufacturing protocols for commercial viability.

What is the difference between Catalyst Synthesis Research Scientist vs Catalyst Development Chemist?

AspectCatalyst Synthesis Research ScientistCatalyst Development Chemist
Primary FocusDesigning and synthesizing new catalystsOptimizing and testing catalyst performance
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic or industrial settingsIndustrial R&D labs, manufacturing facilities
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical EngineeringMaster's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering

While both roles involve working with catalysts, the Catalyst Synthesis Research Scientist primarily focuses on creating new catalyst materials, whereas the Catalyst Development Chemist concentrates on improving and applying existing catalysts in industrial processes. Both roles require advanced degrees and share similar work environments, but their core responsibilities differ in the research versus application stages of catalyst development.

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

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

Infographic showing various Catalyst Synthesis 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 $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Researcher - Polyolefin Catalyst Development

Pittsburgh, PA • Hybrid

Braskem
Plastics Product Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Braskemexternal

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Department: Innovation & Technology

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Travel Involved: Less than 10%

Job Type: Hybrid 

Description:

Braskem is looking for a highly motivated Researcher to join the U.S. Polyolefin Catalysis team at the Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh. The role involves contributing to the discovery, development, and scale-up of heterogeneous polyolefin catalysts, translating business needs into innovative or improved catalyst solutions. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in Ziegler-Natta catalyst development and polymerization reaction engineering.

The candidate will work with the Global Catalysis team to understand business requirements and develop new catalyst programs to support product innovation, boost performance, or enhance existing technologies. Responsibilities include conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) and technology landscape assessments to identify opportunities and inform catalyst discovery strategies.

The role requires hands-on catalyst synthesis, planning polymerization experiments, evaluating catalyst performance, and analyzing polymerization results and characterization data to understand structure-performance relationships and guide further development. Additionally, the researcher will assist in catalyst scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory to pilot and industrial stages, collaborating with global research, engineering, analytical, pilot, manufacturing, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities Include: 
  • Demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to Braskem's safety with strong knowledge of safe laboratory practices, including proper handling of hazardous, air-sensitive, and pyrophoric chemicals, chemical storage, waste disposal, and SDS requirements.
  • Participate in project teams conducting catalyst research and develop and implement comprehensive technical project plans.
  • Plan and initiate independent research programs in support of business and technology goals.
  • Identify catalyst technology opportunities based on business needs and contribute to the development of new catalyst concepts and research programs.
  • Conduct literature, patent, technology landscape, and Freedom to Operate (FTO) analyses to support catalyst discovery, guide technology development, and identify potential intellectual property opportunities.
  • Take full ownership of hands-on catalyst synthesis, including developing synthesis plans, safely handling catalyst precursors and reagents, executing catalyst preparation procedures, troubleshooting synthesis challenges, and maintaining accurate experimental records.
  • Plan polymerization experiments, evaluate catalyst performance, and analyze polymerization results together with catalyst and polymer characterization data to guide further catalyst development.
  • Support catalyst technology scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory development through pilot and manufacturing implementation, including technical troubleshooting as needed.
  • Maintain current knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, polyolefin catalyst technologies, polymerization science, and relevant scientific and technical developments.
  • Build and expand Braskem's core catalyst technology through new scientific discovery, external collaboration, and development of intellectual property.
  • Transfer technical knowledge through presentations, technical reports, and day-to-day collaboration with fellow researchers, chemists, engineers, and technicians.
  • Train and mentor fellow researchers, chemists, and technicians in catalyst preparation, laboratory techniques, data interpretation, and safe experimental practices.
  • Work effectively as a collaborative team member within the U.S. and Global Catalysis teams.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills
Requirements:
  • The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science with some postdoctoral or industrial experience in catalyst synthesis, discovery, and development.
  • Experience in Ziegler-Natta catalyst synthesis for polyethylene and polypropylene is preferred.
  • The candidate should possess strong hands-on skills in synthetic chemistry, catalyst preparation, reaction planning, troubleshooting, and handling hazardous chemicals, including inert-atmosphere techniques.
  • A solid understanding of heterogeneous catalysis, catalyst characterization, and structure-performance relationships is essential.
  • Skills in olefin polymerization, reaction engineering, problem-solving, teamwork, and excellent communication are also required.
Preferred Skills, Education, and Experience: 
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science
  • Less than 10 years of post-Ph.D. industrial and/or postdoctoral experience in catalyst synthesis, discovery, and development.
  • Strong preference for candidates with experience in Ziegler-Natta catalyst synthesis and development for polyethylene and/or polypropylene
  • Strong safety mindset
  • Strong focus on mentoring
  • Track record of working in a team environment
  • Strong technical/problem solving aptitude
  • Initiative, a drive for results, and ability to solve complex problems by identifying and enrolling appropriate resources
  • Must be team- and results-oriented with the ability to lead and implement new technology improvements.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Apply