Plant Science Research Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA

The CompanyImerysis the world's leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with 3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers' products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.The PositionMaterial Research Scientist (Science & Technology)Job Summary

We are seeking a driven Material Research Scientist to lead the development of innovative materials and products that deliver tangible, real-world impact.

In this high-ownership role, you will champion particle technologies from initial concept through laboratory validation and industrial scale-up, culminating in successful deployment at customer facilities. Your work will directly advance critical applications in food and beverage production, oil & industrial chemical purification, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

As the technical lead for New Product Development (NPD) programs, you will translate market needs into commercial realities, managing the entire product development lifecycle from the first experiment to validation trials. If you thrive on hands-on laboratory experimentation and solving complex technical challenges to see your discoveries reach the global market, this role offers an exceptional opportunity.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Lead new product development:

• Spearhead new product, new application development initiatives aligned with strategic customer and market requirements.

• Engineer novel particulate materials, optimized processes, and rigorous application-specific testing methodologies.

• Drive the transition from laboratory proof-of-concept to commercial scale-up, overseeing plant and customer validation trials.

• Facilitate on-site customer validation of beta products and translate performance data into actionable business insights.

Solve hard technical problems:

• Deconstruct multi-variable technical challenges through the design and execution of statistically sound experimental protocols.

• Rapidly identify root causes and map complex interdependencies between process variables.

• Benchmarking natural and synthetic inorganic materials against stringent market and customer requirements.

Share theLearning:

• Author comprehensive technical reports detailing experimental methodologies, data analysis, and strategic conclusions.

• Communicate complex findings effectively to both technical peers and commercial stakeholders.

• Monitor technical literature and IP landscapes to catalyze the generation of innovative product and application concepts.

• Collaborate with IP counsel to identify patentable discoveries and secure intellectual property rights.

Work with people, inside and outside:

• Cultivate strategic relationships with commercial & operation teams and technical counterparts at customer organizations & service providers.

• Support external partnerships with universities, national labs and research institutes to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies.

• Mentor the team members and manage R&D projects of varying scale and complexity.

• Champion a culture of safety, ensuring a secure working environment for all team members.

Education, Skills and Attributes

Required:

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Chemical Engineering or similar.

• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in an industrial R&D environment.

• Strong technical acumen in troubleshooting and complex data interpretation.

• Expertise in statistical analysis and robust experimental design.

• Hands-on proficiency in process chemistry and industrial process development.

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse non-technical audiences.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.

• Self-motivated professional capable of managing multiple concurrent projects.

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary and multicultural product development teams.

• Commitment to hands-on laboratory work and active customer-site engagement.

• Adaptability to fast-paced, evolving operational environments.

• Demonstrated interpersonal and collaborative teamwork skills.

• Champion strategic programs from initial concept through to final deployment.

Nice to have:

• Deep subject-matter expertise in colloid science, interfacial phenomena, and surface chemistry, including particle-fluid interactions, dispersion stability, and surface modification techniques.

• Proven practical experience in dry powder characterization and handling, along with a strong fundamental understanding of industrial fluid dynamics and rheology in complex processing environments.

• Knowledge of Python and/or R.

• Experience applying data analytics or machine learning to materials science problems.

Position TypeFull time

and

Permanent

Only technical issues will be monitored through the below inbox:

recruiting.support@ imerys.com
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS TO THIS EMAIL, AS THEY WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. 
To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered. 

IMERYS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.