Position Summary
Vantage Specialty Chemicals is seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Principal Scientist, Complex Fluids & Surfaces to lead a critical enabling platform that advances measurement science and mechanistic understanding across multiple business units. This high-impact senior role will apply fundamental colloid, interface, and surface science to drive technical excellence and deliver differentiated product solutions for consumer and industrial markets, including Personal Care, Food, and Surface Treatment. The Principal Scientist is a recognized technical authority responsible for independently leading, organizing, and executing complex research and development (R&D) projects with broad impact on organizational goals. Operating with substantial autonomy, this individual will develop novel methodologies, guide strategic scientific direction, and serve as the global subject matter expert in complex fluids and surfaces.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assume full technical responsibility for the design, execution, and coordination of major R&D projects and initiatives in colloid and surface science.
Plan and lead research addressing novel, complex, or controversial scientific problems with significant impact on product portfolios and long-term business strategies.
Act as a global technical authority in measurement science, establishing worldwide liaison with internal and external experts to shape the company’s strategic direction.
Develop and apply advanced methods in rheology, interfacial and surface analysis, and particle characterization to provide deep mechanistic understanding of complex fluids and formulated products.
Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, scale-up, and operations teams to apply measurement science to both product innovation and manufacturing process improvements.
Translate measurement science into consumer-technical models linking physical properties of products with consumer experience and perception.
Guide the design, commissioning, and operation of laboratories for advanced instrumentation; ensure scientific instrumentation is maintained, calibrated, and continuously improved.
Train, mentor, and supervise junior scientists and technical staff in advanced methods and best practices.
Evaluate project outcomes, recommend shifts in strategy, and monitor emerging scientific fields to identify new opportunities.
Champion adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture of scientific excellence.
Education & Experience:
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline; minimum 5–6 years of relevant industrial R&D experience.
Knowledge, Skills, & Talents
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline; minimum 5–6 years of relevant industrial R&D experience.
Proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to scientific advancement in complex fluids and surfaces.
Extensive hands-on experience with characterization of colloidal and multiphase systems, including viscoelastic surfactant solutions, polymer solutions, emulsions, microemulsions, dispersions, and lamellar liquid crystalline fluids.
Expertise in measurement science techniques, including rheology, tribology, viscometry, surface/interfacial tensiometry, contact angle analysis, foam analysis, light scattering, particle size characterization, microscopy (PLM, fluorescence, SEM, TEM), and thermal methods (DSC, TGA).
Strong record of scientific impact through publications, patents, and professional engagement as a subject matter expert.
Experience in laboratory design, instrumentation operation, maintenance, and upgrades.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior technical talent.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to technical and business audiences.
10% Travel
Pay and Benefits
The estimated base pay range for this position is: $130,000 - $190,000 annually. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program.
Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:
Medical, HSA, dental, vision
FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking)
Life and AD&D insurance
Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
Short- and long-term disability
EAP, identity theft protection
Paid time off, Parental Leave
401(k) with company match
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vantage is 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, protected veteran status or any other protected category.
About Vantage
Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.
We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here. For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.
Top Skills
What We Do
Vantage is a leading global supplier of naturally derived specialty ingredients and formulations that cater to the evolving needs of industrial and consumer markets.
Using our vertical raw material position, technical expertise and flexible process capabilities, we add value by derivatizing fatty acids through alkoxylation and esterification to make products that improve our customers’ applications. That, coupled with our deep understanding of the markets we serve, enable Vantage to competitively and proactively meet customer requirements.
We are a preferred supplier to our customers by maximizing our industry and technical know-how, our services, and our specialty solutions and chemical blends.
