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Chemical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hands on experience specifying, designing, and building custom research and pilot scale chemical equipment, including working knowledge of automation and control systems * Experience working with ...

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hands on experience specifying, designing, and building custom research and pilot scale chemical equipment, including working knowledge of automation and control systems * Experience working with ...

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Hands on experience specifying, designing, and building custom research and pilot scale chemical equipment, including working knowledge of automation and control systems * Experience working with ...

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Associate Research Laboratory Technician

Freeport, TX ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Lake Jackson, TX Job Type: 1 year contract Join a Leading Chemical Research & Development Team! We are seeking a Catalyst Scale-Up Research Lab Technician to support an innovative R&D team at a world ...

R&D Chem Tech

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

The R&D Chemical Technician supports Department Directors and Product Development Teams by conducting laboratory experiments, preparing chemical formulations, and maintaining accurate records as ...

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R&D Laboratory Technician / Chemical Laboratory Technician

Freeport, TX ยท On-site

$20 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

R&D Laboratory Technician / Chemical Laboratory Technician Location: Freeport, TX (Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Pay Rate: $21/hour on W2 Job Summary We are seeking a hands-on Laboratory ...

R&D Technician

SC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Ortec has been providing custom chemical solutions and personalized service since 1980. With three ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assist R&D Scientists and Chemists in completing project goals, which includes ...

Job Title: R&D Co-Op Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm / Full Time / 40hrs/wk Pay: $25.00/hr ... Interaction with chemical suppliers, marketing brand managers, and manufacturing operations is ...

Job Title: R&D Co-Op Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm / Full Time / 40hrs/wk Pay: $25.00/hr ... Interaction with chemical suppliers, marketing brand managers, and manufacturing operations is ...

Job Title: R&D Co-Op Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm / Full Time / 40hrs/wk Pay: $25.00/hr ... Interaction with chemical suppliers, marketing brand managers, and manufacturing operations is ...

Job Title: R&D Co-Op Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm / Full Time / 40hrs/wk Pay: $25.00/hr ... Interaction with chemical suppliers, marketing brand managers, and manufacturing operations is ...

Job Title: R&D Co-Op Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm / Full Time / 40hrs/wk Pay: $25.00/hr ... Interaction with chemical suppliers, marketing brand managers, and manufacturing operations is ...

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Chemical Research information

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How much do chemical research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical research in the United States is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is chemical research?

Chemical research involves the systematic investigation of chemical substances, reactions, and processes to understand their properties, behaviors, and applications. Researchers in this field design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop new compounds or materials with specific properties. Chemical research can be applied in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, materials science, and environmental science. Professionals in this field typically have strong backgrounds in chemistry and laboratory techniques, and their discoveries can lead to innovations in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in chemical research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Chemical Research, you need a strong background in chemistry or a related field, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree, and solid laboratory skills. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC-MS, and spectroscopy), data analysis software, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration and communication skills are essential soft skills for success. These competencies enable researchers to design experiments, analyze complex data, and contribute innovative solutions in a safe and effective manner.

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

Professionals in chemical research often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting experimental failures, maintaining laboratory safety, and staying current with rapidly evolving techniques. Addressing these challenges involves meticulous planning, thorough documentation of procedures, and continuous learning through scientific literature and collaboration with colleagues. Engaging in regular team meetings and leveraging peer feedback can significantly enhance problem-solving and innovation within research projects.

What is the difference between Chemical Research vs Chemical Laboratory Technician?

AspectChemical ResearchChemical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Chemistry or related field; often requires research experienceAssociate's degree or diploma in Chemistry or Laboratory Technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsAnalytical labs, manufacturing facilities, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, academiaManufacturers, testing labs, quality assurance
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in chemistryTechnical lab work and testing roles

Chemical Research involves designing and conducting experiments to develop new compounds or improve processes, often requiring advanced degrees and research experience. Chemical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing, sample analysis, and quality control tasks in lab settings, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required credentials.

How do you become a chemical researcher?

To become a chemical researcher, you typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field; advanced roles often require a master's or Ph.D. in a specialized area. Gaining laboratory experience through internships or research projects is important, along with developing skills in analytical techniques and using laboratory equipment. Certifications or memberships in professional organizations can also enhance career prospects.

What does a chemical researcher do?

A chemical researcher conducts experiments and analyzes data to develop new chemicals, materials, or processes. They work in laboratories using tools like spectrometers and microscopes, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and scientific methods. Their work supports industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and environmental science.
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The top searched job categories for Chemical Research jobs are:

Infographic showing various Chemical Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,500 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Chemical R&D Engineer

Ammobia

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

About Ammobia
Ammobia is pioneering the first fundamental breakthrough in ammonia production since 1909. Our modular Haber-Bosch 2.0 technology operates at low pressures and high single-pass conversions, delivering 2x lower capital costs; making ammonia affordable from any hydrogen source, across scale for any use case.
Backed by strategic investors including Shell Ventures, Air Liquide, Chevron, MOL, and by the US Department of Energy, we are building the essential infrastructure for fuel, fertilizer and the future of energy.
About the role
Ammobia is hiring an R&D Engineer to advance our materials and reaction platforms across lab, bench, and pilot scales. You will design, source, and synthesize new catalysts and sorbents; design and test reactor systems; and scale your innovations through to TRL 6 pilot systems.
You will be at the heart of Ammobia's R&D program, developing our next generation of reaction processes and proving them at commercially relevant scales and timeframes. You are comfortable wearing many hats, moving fast, and getting your hands dirty building and running systems.
What you will do
  • Conduct and manage tests on advanced reactor systems and materials characterization systems, including specifying/building custom reactor equipment
  • Transfer lab and bench scale R&D learnings and achievements to pilot demonstration, including developing operating procedures, designing test campaigns, leading lab- and pilot-scale system turnarounds, and analyzing data
  • Design and optimize active catalysts, gas sorbents, and formed composite materials, including via both internal development and external research programs
  • Develop analytical and computational models of gas-solid reaction processes, set target specifications, link ex-situ measurements to in-reactor performance, transfer reaction engineering knowledge to plant process engineering team
  • Work with a small team of scientists, engineers, and technicians
  • Develop intellectual property across materials, process, and reactor development
  • Perform all work in a safe manner and help promote lab safety culture

Requirements
  • Deep quantitative understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and heat/mass transport
  • Deep expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, gas sorption, and/or reaction engineering
  • Demonstrated expertise transferring R&D designs and learnings to pilot scales
  • Demonstrated expertise developing and owning test plans and data outputs reactor and chemical process systems
  • Hands on experience specifying, designing, and building custom research and pilot scale chemical equipment, including working knowledge of automation and control systems
  • Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans
  • Demonstrated expertise in data analysis of time series processes in Python and/or MATLAB; proficiency with agentic coding for scientific computing
  • Expertise in chemical reactor modeling including working knowledge of reactor design equations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience managing small teams
  • Prior startup experience and excitement about working at an early-stage start-up
  • 3+ years' experience in relevant industrial setting. Applicants without industrial experience will not be considered.

Nice-to-haves
  • MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar
  • Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior engineers
  • Operational experience in pilot chemical plants
  • Proficiency in techno-economic modeling
  • Expertise in catalyst manufacturing and scale-up
  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing automated control and data systems

$100,000 - $200,000 a year
Benefits include:
  • Competitive equity grants
  • 100% of premiums paid for healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance
  • 401k, fitness stipend
  • Regular team social events
  • Paid time off, including closure between Christmas and New Years

Who we are
We are a small and passionate team of scientists and engineers. We value teamwork, accountability, open communication, and rapid iteration. We emphasize career growth, mutual feedback, and a fun and exciting working environment. Check out ammobia.co/careers for our full values statement and ammobia.co/team to learn more about us.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.