Research Scientist

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets, recognized as a Top 100 workplace in the Chicago Tribune. Their products serve various markets, including pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial, and automotive. Oil-Dri controls significant specialty mineral reserves and operates mines and manufacturing facilities across Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. As a family-controlled and operated organization, Oil-Dri emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability, dedicated to its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

Introduction

This unique role within the Oil-Dri R&D team reports to the VP of R&D and requires a combination of technical strength with the desire to commercialize innovation. This role supports growth and innovation, focusing on operational execution and rapidly researching and evaluating new ideas. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage technical expertise to drive Oil-Dri's expansion and capture national and global market opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and/or development work on major research projects.
• Support growth and innovation strategy execution aligned with overall Oil-Dri business goals.
• Partner with teammates to contribute to the innovation portfolio and roadmap to drive growth and investment.
• Actively contribute to the creation of new products and support existing products.
• Plan, design, and implement projects under the framework of loosely defined ideas or problems.
• Demonstrate an ability to draw non-obvious conclusions and make recommendations for new or modified paths of progression.
• Provide solutions to complex problems requiring innovation in methodology.
• Recognize and recommend new ideas of commercial importance within your area of expertise.
• Maintain a high level of competence through an up-to-date awareness of emerging technologies like AI.

Requirements

• M.S degree with 3–5 years or B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering with 5–7 years’ work experience.
• A passion for innovation and commercializing innovation, with prior contributions to growth and delivering results.
• Record of providing technical solutions to complex problems where little precedent exists using ingenuity, creativity, and a scientific approach.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent, innovative, proactive approach to research and/or process improvement, while being comfortable working in a team environment.
• Capacity for making major decisions in the creation, planning, execution, and interpretation of technical data.
• Right blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and passion for innovation execution.
• Curiosity related to potential markets that align with product innovation ideas and willingness/ability to research market trends and opportunities.
• Comfortable with diverse responsibilities and multiple project assignments with the ability to work through ambiguity and generate clarity.
• Good working knowledge of research principles, theories, and techniques, with specialization in at least one field (chemistry, biochemistry, engineering).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Mastery of word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics, and AI awareness.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. and travel approximately 10% of the time.

Benefits

• Competitive pay ($76,855 - $99,911) + annual bonus.
• 401(k) with 6% company match.
• Paid parental leave, generous PTO, & paid holidays.
• Work-life balance.
• Career growth with exposure to senior leadership.
• Annual merit increase opportunity.
• Fitness & Gym Reimbursement.
• Employer Contribution - Health, Dental.

About Company

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets, recognized as a Top 100 workplace in the Chicago Tribune. Their products serve various markets, including pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial, and automotive. Oil-Dri controls significant specialty mineral reserves and operates mines and manufacturing facilities across Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. As a family-controlled and operated organization, Oil-Dri emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability, dedicated to its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

How to Apply

Apply via the employer's career page.