R&D Chemist

R&D Chemist Opportunity

Sirius Staffing is seeking an R&D Chemist for a long-term contract opportunity in Mapleton, IL, supporting product and process development within an industrial chemical manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on chemical synthesis, process development, troubleshooting, new product introduction, and plant support. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field and strong hands-on laboratory experience. Newly graduated Ph.D. candidates are encouraged to apply, and qualifying laboratory experience gained through doctoral research or internships will be considered. This position requires someone who is comfortable working directly in the lab, analyzing experimental and production data, troubleshooting chemistry-related issues, and collaborating with laboratory, R&D, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on oleochemical synthesis and product/process development.
• Conduct reactions ranging from approximately 100 mL to 4 L scale.
• Work safely with pressurized laboratory equipment and chemical reaction systems.
• Support process development and plant operations for Care Solutions product lines at the Mapleton facility.
• Troubleshoot chemistry-based production and process issues and develop corrective actions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Evaluate and qualify new raw materials.
• Interpret analytical results provided by the QC laboratory and use data to guide experimental and production decisions.
• Collaborate with team members to interpret reaction results, analytical data, and process trends.
• Support activities throughout the process, from raw material receipt through final product shipment.
• Analyze R&D and production data to identify trends, problems, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Prepare bi-monthly reports and ongoing project summaries.
• Provide written project updates and presentations during regular team meetings.
• Complete required monthly company training.
• Participate in project management, safety, training, and other administrative activities.
• Demonstrate and promote safe laboratory practices at all times.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and education when working with cross-functional team members.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field is required.
• Ph.D. must be completed prior to starting the position; candidates currently working toward completion of their Ph.D. will not be considered.
• Hands-on laboratory experience is required. Experience obtained through doctoral research, internships, or industry settings will be considered.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, experimental design, and laboratory practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot chemical reactions and process-related problems.
• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and the safe handling of hazardous substances.
• Strong technical and chemical knowledge with the ability to analyze R&D and production data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly document findings and present technical information to others.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and cross-regional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 for data analysis, documentation, reporting, and presentations.
• Ability to lift and safely handle materials or laboratory equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Experience

• Industrial chemical synthesis
• Process development or process optimization
• Oleochemistry or fatty acid chemistry
• Hydrogenation
• Amine chemistry
• High-pressure reaction equipment
• Wet chemistry analytical techniques
• IR spectroscopy
• NMR spectroscopy
• Chemical manufacturing or plant support
• New Product Introduction (NPI)

Schedule & Work Environment This is a fully onsite position in Mapleton, IL, working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Consistent onsite coverage is required because laboratory safety procedures require at least two employees to be present in the lab. The position involves hands-on laboratory work, including the use and movement of laboratory reactors and other equipment. Candidates must be comfortable working in an industrial chemical laboratory and manufacturing environment.