Research Associate - Materials Chemistry

Client Overview: Our client is a growing materials innovation company that is currently expanding its commercialization and production operations efforts. They are currently looking to add a Research Associate - Materials Chemistry to their team. Salary/Hourly Rate: $28/hr - $38/hr (Based on relevant experience) Position Overview: The Research Associate - Materials Chemistry will support hands-on testing, development, and scale-up of advanced materials. This individual will prepare chemical solutions, conduct material-treatment trials, adjust variables such as pH, concentration, temperature, and processing time, and evaluate how these changes affect material properties and performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in organic and wet chemistry, sharp observational skills, and the ability to apply scientific reasoning. Responsibilities of the Research Associate - Materials Chemistry: Conduct wet-chemistry and material-processing experiments using aqueous formulations, polymers, dyes, softening agents, acids, bases, and other treatment components. Prepare, weigh, mix, and add chemical ingredients according to established formulations and experimental procedures. Monitor and adjust variables such as pH, temperature, chemical concentration, processing time, mixing conditions, and order of addition. Apply knowledge of acid-base chemistry and chemical interactions to support troubleshooting and process adjustments. Operate and calibrate laboratory equipment, including pH meters, IR instrumentation, mixers, and other material-processing equipment. Evaluate samples for differences in color, softness, texture, flexibility, uniformity, and overall performance. Identify subtle changes between samples and clearly explain how processing conditions may have influenced the results. Accurately document formulations, batch details, processing conditions, observations, and test results. Support product-development trials, sample preparation, pilot runs, process optimization, and scale-up activities. Maintain clean and organized laboratory areas while following chemical-handling, PPE, environmental, and safety requirements. Collaborate with Technical, Quality, Operations, and Product Development teams. Required Experience/Skills for the Research Associate - Materials Chemistry: 1 - 2 years of relevant laboratory or industry experience preferred; recent master’s graduates with substantial hands-on research experience are encouraged to apply. Strong foundation in organic chemistry and wet-chemistry principles, including acid-base interactions and pH-dependent material behavior. Experience preparing chemical solutions, adjusting pH, mixing formulations, and following multistep experimental procedures. Strong observational skills and the ability to recognize, describe, and document subtle differences between material samples. Detail-oriented, collaborative, proactive, and able to work independently in a laboratory environment. Preferred Experience/Skills for the Research Associate - Materials Chemistry: Familiarity with IR analysis and the calibration and use of pH meters is strongly preferred. Education Requirements: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering is required. Benefits: Atrium Care Package available, upon eligibility (including healthcare plans, discount programs, and paid time off). #J-18808-Ljbffr Atrium Staffing