Research Scientist

POSITION SUMMARY

Vantage is seeking a Research Scientist to join our R&D team and support ongoing growth in line with our business strategy.  This work is primarily in the development of new or improved products, new or improved processes, and new technologies, including the utilization of analytical methods and techniques, as well as product scale-up and transfer to production with support for initial production trial batches.  The focus will be on the design, synthesis of naturally-derived specialty ingredients to deliver desired functionality characteristics.

POSITION SCOPE

To contribute to the achievement of Company objectives by supporting the short, medium and long-term research and development for all-Vantage products and/or processes.  This work is primarily in the development of new/improved products or processes, new technologies, including the utilization of analytical methods and techniques, as well as product scale-up and transfer to production with support for initial production trial batches. 

This role has significant impact on Vantage by finding new ways of using and producing existing products along with determining usefulness and applicability of new products/processes to better meet customer needs.  Since this role supports all business units, the employee will have the opportunity for cross-business project leadership and significant commercial team interactions as well as the ability to provide effective functional leadership and accountability to the technology organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Use knowledge of routine laboratory safety procedures, SDS’s and interpretations of hazards/toxicity data to perform all laboratory work in accordance with the written safety manual and site safety policies.

• Be a steward for safety and continually drive awareness to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.

• Use knowledge of chemistry to lead and provide direction or general support to research and development team for products including product development, process development, competitive analysis, analytical method and technique development and field process support.

• Write technical papers, reports, prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products and tests. Reports should include recommendations for future research and development efforts.

• Maintain accurate records of all laboratory work and research in accordance with generally accepted laboratory principles.

• Use knowledge of scale-up and troubleshooting procedures in conjunction with experience developed from bench top work to develop detailed new product technology transfer packages to support the development of manufacturing procedures and process development.

• Provide technical support to cross-functional groups such as sales and marketing, product stewardship, sustainability, regulatory, technical service, and QC.

Note: The duties listed above are not all inclusive and may be subject to periodic updating or revision.

The Ideal Candidate

Desired Background – Research Scientist

This position ideally suited for a candidate with a Ph.D. or M.S. with less than 5 years of industrial experience.

Additional requirements include:

• Thesis and/or professional experience performing synthetic organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, surface and interfacial sciences, materials science, and/or scale-up is essential.  Experience with oleochemicals, esterification, alkoxylation, hydrogenation, and surface science are a plus.

• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Experience in synthesis for new product development, and success in bringing new products to full scale production.

• Detailed individual with strong project management and interpersonal skills.

Other Skills & Talents

Additionally, we would seek the following attributes and competencies for the position: 

• Strong planning, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Ability to apply logical and scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.

• Ability to influence and work in cross functional teams.

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in MS Office Suite applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, OneNote, and PowerPoint).

Pay and Benefits

The estimated base pay range for this position is:  $80,000 - $120,000 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.