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Chemical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

R&D Chem Tech

Albuquerque, NM · 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 ...

Chemical Operator

Newcomerstown, OH

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

Reagent Chemical & Research, LLC. , headquartered in Ringoes, NJ, is the #1 Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) specialty logistics company in North America with 45+ locations across the U.S. and large truck and ...

Chemical Operator

Newcomerstown, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

Reagent Chemical & Research, LLC. , headquartered in Ringoes, NJ,is the #1 Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) specialty logistics company in North America with 45+ locations across the U.S. and large truck and ...

R&D Technician

SC · On-site

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 ...

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Chemical Research information

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How much do chemical research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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 are 5 potential jobs for chemistry?

Five potential jobs for chemistry graduates include chemical researcher, quality control analyst, process development scientist, laboratory technician, and environmental chemist. These roles often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, data analysis, and safety protocols, and may involve working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or environmental science.

Is a BS in chemistry worth it?

A BS in chemistry provides a strong foundation for a chemical research career, often leading to roles in laboratories, quality control, or product development. It can open opportunities in industries such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and manufacturing, especially when combined with laboratory skills and certifications. The degree is generally considered valuable for entry-level positions and career advancement in chemical research fields.

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 to become a chemical researcher?

To become a chemical researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Developing strong laboratory skills, familiarity with scientific tools and techniques, and gaining research experience through internships or projects are also important for success in this field.

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 are 10 careers in chemistry?

Chemistry offers a variety of careers including chemical researcher, analytical chemist, quality control analyst, process engineer, pharmaceutical scientist, environmental scientist, materials scientist, forensic scientist, toxicologist, and science educator. These roles often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications. Many positions involve working in labs, manufacturing plants, or research institutions.

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.
More about Chemical Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Chemical Research jobs? Cities with the most Chemical Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Research jobs? The most popular types of Chemical Research jobs are:
What states have the most Chemical Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Chemical Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chemical Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% 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 • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 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.