Research Scientist

Join Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a Top 100 Chicago Tribune Workplace and global leader in specialty sorbent products. At our Innovation Campus, you will support new product development and product improvement within our Pet Care division.

This is a lab-focused, applied research role for a chemist who enjoys taking loosely defined ideas and turning them into commercially viable product - with real impact on manufacturing and the marketplace.

Role Overview

• Applied research for new pet care product development
• Complex, non-conventional chemistry and formulation challenges
• Designing, executing, and interpreting lab experiments independently
• Supporting existing products and commercialization efforts
• Partnering with Manufacturing and Sales during product launches
• Identifying new ideas with commercial potential
• Lead independent research projects with limited supervision
• Plan and execute experiments from concept through results
• Analyze data, draw non-obvious conclusions, and make recommendations
• Communicate progress and findings to leadership
• Support product improvements and new product introductions
• Stay current on emerging technologies and methods

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry
• 2+ years experience in R&D, product development, or formulation
• Strong problem-solving skills in ambiguous or novel situations
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Able to quickly learn new lab equipment and techniques
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willing to travel up to 10%

Why Apply

• Highly visible work tied directly to commercial success
• Stable, growth-oriented company with long-term career paths
• 401(k) with 6% match (fully vested at 2 years)
• Annual bonus and merit increase opportunities
• Long-tenured, stable company with strong growth pipeline
• $76,855-$99,911 + Annual Incentive Bonus

Innovation Campus: Vernon Hills, IL (Monday - Friday onsite required)

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.