Research scientist

Job Title:

Research scientist

Summary:

Shape the future of foam control technologies across some of the world's most essential industries. As a Research Scientist on our Agriculture & Process Industries Technology team, you will lead the development of innovative, high-performance antifoam solutions that help customers improve efficiency, product quality, and operational performance across food & beverage, agriculture, paper, textiles, metalworking, and chemical processing markets.

In this highly visible role, you will drive product innovation from concept through commercialization, leveraging expertise in surface science, polymer science, and colloidal systems to enhance our industry-leading SAG™, Silwet™, and ESCA™ product portfolios. You'll collaborate with global cross-functional teams spanning marketing, sales, application development, manufacturing, procurement, quality, and production, while advancing the scientific understanding of foam control and developing next-generation technologies that address evolving customer challenges. This is an outstanding opportunity for a scientist who enjoys combining fundamental research, product development, and commercial impact in a dynamic global environment.

Responsibilities Include:

• Propose and design new products and platforms of strategic business significance. This includes understanding customer unmet needs, analyzing problems and creating innovative solutions and concepts.

• Lead, plan and execute product development projects/platforms, from definition of customer needs through assistance with the scale-up and commercialization.  Write project reports.
• Improve and develop advanced characterization techniques and application methods to understand product performance. Investigate property-structure relationships, analyze product failure mode, and study process parameters.
• Acquire and maintain insights into technology trends for the development of advanced antifoam innovations. Leverage technical network to collaborate across organizations.
• Communicates effectively to influence stakeholders on new projects with high global impact. Drives communication at all levels of the business.
• Support the process technology and quality teams to ensure successful product scale up and robust quality control.
• Collaborate with global product and application development teams as well as with marketing and business functions to ensure that projects are aligned globally and meet customer/market needs.
• Gain thorough understanding of patent landscape of all the projects involved. Lead IP generation. 

TRAVEL:

• Domestic and international travel may be required based on the business needs (5-10%)

#LI-NG1

Qualifications:

The following are required for the role

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering with 3-5+ years of industrial R&D experience OR
• M.S. in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering with 7+ years of industrial R&D experience

• Experience in colloidal chemistry, surface chemistry, surfactants, emulsions, foams, and dispersions.
• Demonstrated success in new product development and independent research.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships and material/formulation design.
• Experience designing materials or formulations to meet performance requirements
• Ability to translate application needs into chemical or material solutions
• Proven problem-solving, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Hands-on laboratory research, equipment setup, and operation experience.
• Experimental data analysis
• Statistical problem solving
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Statistical software or advanced data analysis tools-preferred
• Cross-functional project experience
• Team collaboration skills
• Project execution and prioritization
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• PowerPoint or scientific presentations

• Technical reporting and documentation

The following are preferred for the role

• Expertise and experience in anti-foam technology are highly preferred.

• Knowledge of Silicone Chemistry and technology

• Working knowledge of formulations/applications that require the use of antifoam agents.

What We Offer:

Base Pay Range: $107,500 - $157,850

The actual salary offered is determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, skill sets, and geography. Local geographic pay differentials may not be reflected in the above pay range and will be discussed with you by a member of the HR team when applicable. If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply! #BePartoftheSolution

Additionally, this role is eligible for incentive or sales variable compensation payments. The amount of these incentives is based on the terms of the Company's incentive plans, the Company's financial performance, and/or individual employee job performance.

At Momentive, compensation is one part of your overall package. We offer a fantastic variety of total rewards and development programs to support your unique needs for overall well-being and personal career aspirations. 

• Health, dental & vision insurance, including critical illness coverage and optional orthodontia coverage. 

• Paid parental leave for the birth of a child; adoption and surrogacy reimbursement.  

• Short term disability with 100%  base salary coverage. 

• Company funded counseling (EAP) and assistance finding care for children, parents, or pets. 

• 25 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) plus paid holidays. Additional time off with years of service. 

• 401k savings plan with 5% employer match plus additional contribution based on years of service. 

• Student debt pay-off program. 

• Professional development programs and courses. 

• Wellness programs and financial education. 

Refer to the Hiring Process tab on our Careers page for a detailed description of the physical job requirements and location details for candidates considering relocation. 

About Us:

Momentive is a premier global advanced materials company with a cutting-edge focus on silicones and specialty products. We deliver solutions designed to help propel our customer’s products forward—products that have a profound impact on all aspects of life, around the clock and from living rooms to outer space. With every innovation, Momentive creates a more sustainable future. Our vast product portfolio is made up of advanced silicones and specialty solutions that play an essential role in driving performance across a multitude of industries, including agriculture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, healthcare, personal care, consumer products, building and construction, and more. 

Momentive believes a diverse workforce empowers our people, strengthens our business, and contributes to a sustainable world. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by law.  

To be considered for this position candidates are required to submit an application for employment and be of legal working age as defined by local law. An offer may be conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.   

Note to third parties: Momentive is not seeking or accepting any unsolicited assistance from search and selection firms or employment agencies at this time.