Vantage Specialty Chemicals
Principal Scientist, Complex Fluids & Surface
Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Trenton, New Jersey, United States
Overview
Vantage Specialty Chemicals is seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Principal Scientist, Complex Fluids & Surfaces to lead a critical enabling platform that advances measurement science and mechanistic understanding across multiple business units. This high-impact senior role will apply fundamental colloid, interface, and surface science to drive technical excellence and deliver differentiated product solutions for consumer and industrial markets, including Personal Care, Food, and Surface Treatment. The Principal Scientist is a recognized technical authority responsible for independently leading, organizing, and executing complex research and development (R&D) projects with broad impact on organizational goals. Operating with substantial autonomy, this individual will develop novel methodologies, guide strategic scientific direction, and serve as the global subject matter expert in complex fluids and surfaces. Responsibilities
Assume full technical responsibility for the design, execution, and coordination of major R&D projects and initiatives in colloid and surface science. Plan and lead research addressing novel, complex, or controversial scientific problems with significant impact on product portfolios and long-term business strategies. Act as a global technical authority in measurement science, establishing worldwide liaison with internal and external experts to shape the company’s strategic direction. Develop and apply advanced methods in rheology, interfacial and surface analysis, and particle characterization to provide deep mechanistic understanding of complex fluids and formulated products. Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, scale-up, and operations teams to apply measurement science to both product innovation and manufacturing process improvements. Translate measurement science into consumer-technical models linking physical properties of products with consumer experience and perception. Guide the design, commissioning, and operation of laboratories for advanced instrumentation; ensure scientific instrumentation is maintained, calibrated, and continuously improved. Train, mentor, and supervise junior scientists and technical staff in advanced methods and best practices. Evaluate project outcomes, recommend shifts in strategy, and monitor emerging scientific fields to identify new opportunities. Champion adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture of scientific excellence. Education & Experience
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline; minimum 5–6 years of relevant industrial R&D experience. Knowledge, Skills, & Talents
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline; minimum 5–6 years of relevant industrial R&D experience. Proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to scientific advancement in complex fluids and surfaces. Extensive hands-on experience with characterization of colloidal and multiphase systems, including viscoelastic surfactant solutions, polymer solutions, emulsions, microemulsions, dispersions, and lamellar liquid crystalline fluids. Expertise in measurement science techniques, including rheology, tribology, viscometry, surface/interfacial tensiometry, contact angle analysis, foam analysis, light scattering, particle size characterization, microscopy (PLM, fluorescence, SEM, TEM), and thermal methods (DSC, TGA). Strong record of scientific impact through publications, patents, and professional engagement as a subject matter expert. Experience in laboratory design, instrumentation operation, maintenance, and upgrades. Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior technical talent. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to technical and business audiences. Travel up to 10% Pay and Benefits
The estimated base pay range for this position is: $130,000 - $190,000 annually. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program. Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including: Medical, HSA, dental, vision FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking) Life and AD&D insurance Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance Short- and long-term disability EAP, identity theft protection Paid time off, Parental Leave 401(k) with company match Equal Employment Opportunity
Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. About Vantage
Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.
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Vantage Specialty Chemicals is seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Principal Scientist, Complex Fluids & Surfaces to lead a critical enabling platform that advances measurement science and mechanistic understanding across multiple business units. This high-impact senior role will apply fundamental colloid, interface, and surface science to drive technical excellence and deliver differentiated product solutions for consumer and industrial markets, including Personal Care, Food, and Surface Treatment. The Principal Scientist is a recognized technical authority responsible for independently leading, organizing, and executing complex research and development (R&D) projects with broad impact on organizational goals. Operating with substantial autonomy, this individual will develop novel methodologies, guide strategic scientific direction, and serve as the global subject matter expert in complex fluids and surfaces. Responsibilities
Assume full technical responsibility for the design, execution, and coordination of major R&D projects and initiatives in colloid and surface science. Plan and lead research addressing novel, complex, or controversial scientific problems with significant impact on product portfolios and long-term business strategies. Act as a global technical authority in measurement science, establishing worldwide liaison with internal and external experts to shape the company’s strategic direction. Develop and apply advanced methods in rheology, interfacial and surface analysis, and particle characterization to provide deep mechanistic understanding of complex fluids and formulated products. Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, scale-up, and operations teams to apply measurement science to both product innovation and manufacturing process improvements. Translate measurement science into consumer-technical models linking physical properties of products with consumer experience and perception. Guide the design, commissioning, and operation of laboratories for advanced instrumentation; ensure scientific instrumentation is maintained, calibrated, and continuously improved. Train, mentor, and supervise junior scientists and technical staff in advanced methods and best practices. Evaluate project outcomes, recommend shifts in strategy, and monitor emerging scientific fields to identify new opportunities. Champion adherence to safety, compliance, and quality standards, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture of scientific excellence. Education & Experience
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline; minimum 5–6 years of relevant industrial R&D experience. Knowledge, Skills, & Talents
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline; minimum 5–6 years of relevant industrial R&D experience. Proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to scientific advancement in complex fluids and surfaces. Extensive hands-on experience with characterization of colloidal and multiphase systems, including viscoelastic surfactant solutions, polymer solutions, emulsions, microemulsions, dispersions, and lamellar liquid crystalline fluids. Expertise in measurement science techniques, including rheology, tribology, viscometry, surface/interfacial tensiometry, contact angle analysis, foam analysis, light scattering, particle size characterization, microscopy (PLM, fluorescence, SEM, TEM), and thermal methods (DSC, TGA). Strong record of scientific impact through publications, patents, and professional engagement as a subject matter expert. Experience in laboratory design, instrumentation operation, maintenance, and upgrades. Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior technical talent. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to technical and business audiences. Travel up to 10% Pay and Benefits
The estimated base pay range for this position is: $130,000 - $190,000 annually. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program. Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including: Medical, HSA, dental, vision FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking) Life and AD&D insurance Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance Short- and long-term disability EAP, identity theft protection Paid time off, Parental Leave 401(k) with company match Equal Employment Opportunity
Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. About Vantage
Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.
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