Research Chemist

Shamrock Technologies is a family-owned business which prides itself on its enterprising spirit. This atmosphere inspires associates to pursue their ambitions without the boundaries of classic organizational structure.

Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, Shamrock Technologies is one of the world's largest processors of micronized polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), as well as a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier of a broad line of specialty products. Our materials are found in Inks and Coatings, Lubricants, Grease, Thermoplastics, and more. Using advanced technology and sophisticated production equipment, combined with our state-of-the-art Application and R&D laboratory facilities, Shamrock creates products to help customers meet their challenging formulation needs.

Shamrock differentiates itself by hiring associates with an approach to thinking that actively seeks change rather than waiting to adapt to it. Our business embraces originality, curiosity, critical questioning, service, and continuous improvement, while creating a work culture that values cooperation.

Summary

We are seeking a hands-on, innovative Research Chemist to support product development and applications research within the Wax Additives business. This role focuses on designing and conducting laboratory experiments, characterizing materials, and generating data that help bring new wax powders, dispersions, emulsions, and surface-modified products to market. The Research Chemist will work closely with the Technical Director and cross-functional teams to translate customer needs into technical solutions.

This role focuses on designing and conducting laboratory experiments, characterizing materials, and generating data that help bring new wax powders, dispersions, emulsions, and surface-modified products to market.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document lab experiments to develop new wax additives and improve existing products.
• Formulate and test emulsions, dispersions, blends, and surface-modified waxes for coatings, inks, and plastic applications.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as mills, mixers, particle size analyzers, DSC, FTIR, and rheometers.
• Collect, interpret, and summarize experimental data to guide decision-making.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate findings to the technical teams.
• Screen new raw materials and evaluate competitive technologies.
• Support scale-up trials by providing lab-to-pilot correlations and data.
• Assist in preparing technical presentations and samples for customer trials.
• Follow established safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized lab environment.
• Ensure accurate documentation and compliance with internal and external standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• 0–5 years of experience in a chemical, polymer, or coatings laboratory (industrial or academic research).
• Hands-on experience with emulsions, dispersions, or polymer/wax formulations is highly preferred.
• Experience with polyamide chemistry or related polymer modification techniques is a plus.

Required Skills

• Strong experimental design and data analysis skills.
• Proficiency with common lab instrumentation (particle size, DSC, FTIR, rheology).
• Creative problem-solver with curiosity and initiative.
• Effective communicator with ability to work cross-functionally.
• Comfortable with multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation Package

We offer a competitive salary complemented by an annual performance-based bonus. Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous paid time off hours, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, comprehensive healthcare coverage, employer-sponsored life insurance, and additional benefits designed to support your well-being and financial security.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Shamrock Technologies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Request for Assistance

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources via email at HR@shamrocktechnologies.com.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities may contact Shamrock Technologies via telephone, fax, e-mail, and other means to request and arrange accommodation. If you need assistance to accommodate the disability, you may request accommodation at any time. Please contact the Shamrock Technologies Human Resources department at HR@shamrocktechnologies.com.