Sr. R&D Chemist

Job Title: R&D Chemist

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled R&D Chemist to advance our understanding of lubricating oil performance and foster innovation within our research and development team. This role involves using advanced analytical techniques and mechanistic chemistry knowledge to develop novel methodologies and improve current formulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop a fundamental understanding of lubricating oil performance, including structure/function relationships, reaction kinetics, and dose-response relationships.
• Utilize mechanistic understanding to resolve issues with current lubricant formulations and enhance chemical interactions in lubricant systems.
• Apply analytical techniques such as NMR, MS, chromatography, and spectroscopy for practical application and problem-solving.
• Develop methodologies to better assess component properties and interactions, employing statistical analysis for robust performance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of chemical industry suppliers and raw material supply chains.
• Collaborate with Environmental, Health, & Safety teams to ensure chemical safety and compliance.
• Work with the Legal team to protect and generate intellectual property.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date lab notebooks in accordance with company policy, ensuring objectivity and accuracy in data reporting.
• Maintain technical relationships with third-party suppliers.
• Manage technical projects in line with product development processes, coordinating multiple workstreams when necessary.
• Represent the company in technical societies and industry activities, maintaining technical expertise through continuous learning.
• Direct the work of technicians and other chemists on projects.
• Complete special assignments and participate in project teams for business needs and personal development.
• Ensure a safe working environment in both office and laboratory settings, adhering to safety policies and procedures.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in chemistry, laboratory practices, and analytical chemistry.
• Experience in R&D, research and development, organic chemistry, mechanistic chemistry, and physical organic chemistry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• A keen interest in learning and growing into the role is essential.
• Experience with mechanistic chemistry or physical organic chemistry is preferred but not required.

Work Environment

The work environment primarily involves laboratory work, with a significant amount of analysis conducted in an office setting. There is ample room for growth and autonomy, providing the opportunity to approach problems with your own methods and strategies. The role offers significant resources to support innovation and is accompanied by excellent benefits, such as a 401k match.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Health, vision, dental

401k match

Pension Plan

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 26, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.