Research Scientist

Role Overview

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. While supporting growth & innovation focus, this role also involves operational execution. This technical role will support innovation advancement by rapidly researching and evaluating a variety of new to world and new to Oil-Dri ideas at the bench.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to leverage their technical expertise and drive Oil-Dri expansion and position us to capture national and global opportunities in a timely manner.

Role based at the Innovation Campus (Vernon Hills, IL). Monday - Friday onsite required.

Key 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 innovation portfolio and roadmap to drive growth and investment.
• Expected to play an active role in contributing to the creation of new products and supporting existing products
• Plans, designs, and implements projects under the framework of a loosely defined idea or problem
• Demonstrates an ability to draw non-obvious conclusions and make recommendations for new or modified paths of progression
• Provides solutions to complex problems requiring innovation in methodology
• Expected to recognize and recommend new ideas of commercial importance within his/her area of expertise
• Maintains a high level of competence through an up-to-date awareness of emerging technologies like AI

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• 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 examples of prior contributions to growth and delivering results.

Skills & Abilities:

• Record of providing technical solutions to complex problems where little precedent exists using ingenuity, creativity, and scientific approach
• Demonstrated capacity for independent, innovative, proactive approach to research and/or process improvement, but comfortable working in a team environment
• Capacity for making major decisions in the creation, planning, execution, and interpretation of technical data
• An individual in this on-site position will have the right blend of technical expertise, business acumen and passion for innovation execution.
• Curiosity related to potential markets that line up well with product innovation ideas and willingness and ability to research market trends and opportunities themselves
• Comfortable with diverse responsibilities and multiple project assignments with the ability to work through ambiguity and generate clarity
• Possess 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 to travel approximately 10% of the time.

Compensation & 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 Us

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dri’s products are sold in the pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves, including calcium bentonite, attapulgite, and diatomaceous shale. The company’s mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.