*Research Scientist* 30-35/HR

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Research Scientist
Job Description

This role combines the expertise of a scientist, market researcher, and innovation leader. Rather than spending the entire day in a laboratory, the focus is on seeking out new technologies, ingredients, products, and trends externally that could drive business growth.

Responsibilities

• Research new ingredients, technologies, products, and companies.
• Read scientific articles, patents, market reports, and industry news.
• Monitor competitors and their product launches.
• Investigate innovations from startups, universities, and suppliers.
• Evaluate potential new technologies or products for company benefit.
• Analyze competitor products to understand their success.
• Identify market gaps for potential new product launches.
• Develop small-scale experiments or prototypes to test ideas.
• Conduct feasibility studies before significant investment.
• Document results and make recommendations on project viability.
• Present findings to managers and cross-functional teams.
• Write reports summarizing opportunities and recommendations.
• Facilitate the progression of successful concepts into formal product development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Material Science, or related scientific discipline.
• 8-10 years of experience in product development, formulation, technology scouting, innovation, or technical project leadership in a fast-moving consumer goods environment.
• Experience in formulation design and development, developing prototypes, and working with material suppliers.
• Proven track record of taking products from Concept lock to Launch.
• Success in moving ideas through front-end innovation to MVP and into the formal NPD product stage gate process.
• Experience working with multi-functional teams.
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience conducting competitive evaluations and technical assessments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with intellectual curiosity and a passion for innovation.
• Ability to work effectively across functions and influence without direct authority.

• Experience with device development is a plus.
• Ability to research and write scientific substantiation documents.

The position involves working in both lab and office environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Earth City, MO.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Earth City,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.