Research Scientist - Formulations

Portfolio Business : Huber Engineered Materials

J.M. Huber Corporation is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. Established in 1883, we are a diversified, global supplier of specialty and commodity chemicals, hydrocolloid solutions, engineered wood products and natural resources to customers spanning a wide variety of industries. With approximately $3 billion in sales and 4,000 employees worldwide, we have a material presence in more than 20 countries.

Position Summary

The Formulation Scientist develops, optimizes, and evaluates innovative formulations for fertilizers, biostimulants, adjuvants, plant growth regulators, biocontrols, and other specialty agricultural inputs. Based at the Innovation Center in Hanover, PA, this hands-on individual contributor role supports products from initial concept through testing and manufacturing scale-up. The scientist partners with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical challenges, advance sustainable agricultural technologies, and support future business growth.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize agricultural product formulations.
• Evaluate raw materials, surfactants, emulsifiers, adjuvants, and other co-formulants.
• Conduct compatibility, stability, shelf-life, consistency, and performance testing.
• Apply analytical methods such as HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-OES, rheometry, viscometry, and spectroscopy.
• Support greenhouse and field evaluations and recommend formulation improvements.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Plant Operations to scale products from laboratory development to commercial production.
• Troubleshoot formulation and production challenges and implement practical solutions.
• Evaluate competitive products and emerging technologies to support innovation.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, technical reports, and compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• MS or PhD in Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 2–5 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with agricultural formulations, laboratory development, pilot-scale testing, or manufacturing scale-up preferred.
• Knowledge of emulsions, suspensions, dispersions, soluble concentrates, and formulation analytical methods.
• Familiarity with fertilizers, biostimulants, adjuvants, biologicals, or crop protection products preferred.
• Understanding of EPA, REACH, EU Fertilizer Regulation, or organic certification requirements is beneficial.
• Strong laboratory, problem-solving, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Key Competencies

Total Rewards

J.M. Huber Corporation complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency.

Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as an applicant's skills, performance, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations.

U.S. Market-Based Salary Range

[$85,400.00 - $110,900.00]

In addition to base compensation, individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and profit-sharing payout.

Huber also offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package as detailed on the Huber Benefits Hub

Our employees are our strongest asset, and their safety, health, and well-being is our highest priority. We respect the individual by providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Our Principles drive us to create an inclusive workplace where employees share core values, show dignity and respect toward others, and work hard to achieve their best performance.  

J.M. Huber Corporation is an EEO employer. Pre-employment drug screening is required