R&D Scientist

Overview

Purafil, part of Filtration Group, is the global leader in gas phase (chemical) filtration technology. Our products and solutions are targeted towards providing superior levels of indoor air quality in a variety of environments including but not limited to oil & gas; water treatment; heavy manufacturing; electronics & semiconductor manufacturing; data centers; transportation; mining; commercial offices; restaurants & food service; galleries, museums, archives & libraries – for corrosion protection, odor control, health, and preservation applications. We are seeking a dynamic, results oriented sales leader to join our sales leadership team and drive growth in the east region (US).

The R&D Scientist is responsible for leading research and development activities, managing innovation projects, and supporting the organization’s technical and product development objectives. This role oversees the development, testing, improvement, and commercialization of new and existing products to meet customer specifications, business goals, and regulatory requirements.

The R&D Scientist will work closely with Product Innovation, Sales, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Executive Leadership to support technical problem-solving, customer-driven product development, laboratory testing, material sourcing, root cause analysis, and process improvement initiatives. This position is expected to provide technical leadership, project direction, and support for cross-functional teams while ensuring proper documentation, testing, and execution of R&D projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and prioritize multiple R&D projects from concept through completion
• Develop new products and improve existing products to meet customer and business requirements
• Prepare and oversee developmental chemistry, product formulations, and laboratory testing
• Review and analyze testing results to determine product performance, feasibility, and improvement opportunities
• Manage R&D project documentation, including testing data, reports, formulations, specifications, and project updates
• Support the creation, protection, and documentation of new intellectual property for the business
• Provide technical guidance and support to laboratory personnel, product innovation teams, sales engineers, and manufacturing teams
• Interface with customers on technical projects, product trials, testing requirements, and product development opportunities
• Support technical sales initiatives through sample testing, product recommendations, and customer-facing technical discussions
• Collaborate with Operations and Manufacturing to support scale-up, troubleshooting, and process optimization
• Lead or support root cause analysis investigations related to product performance, quality issues, or manufacturing concerns
• Assist with material sourcing, raw material evaluation, and supplier technical reviews
• Develop a strong understanding of all active R&D projects, product platforms, and technical capabilities
• Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations to management, customers, and internal teams
• Ensure R&D activities follow company safety policies, quality standards, and regulatory expectations
• Mentor, train, and support team members involved in laboratory testing and product development activities
• Perform any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned by management
  
  

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in R&D, product development, chemical manufacturing, filtration, or materials science environment.
• Prior leadership, supervisory, or project management experience preferred
• Strong understanding of laboratory testing, developmental chemistry, materials science, filtration, and chemical analysis
• Ability to operate, understand, and interpret results from a wide variety of laboratory test equipment
• Experience managing multiple technical projects with competing priorities
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and technical troubleshooting
• Ability to support product scale-up from laboratory development to manufacturing
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational, documentation, and project management skills
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to internal teams, leadership, and customers
• Ability to work independently while also leading and supporting cross-functional teams
  
  

EDUCATION

• MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field required; PhD preferred
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Job involves approximately 75% walking/standing and 25% sitting

Occasional long-distance travel, both domestic and international

Regular need to go up/downstairs

Frequent use of PC including typing

Regular work in laboratory, production, and office environments

Protective Equipment to be used on the job:

• Mask/Safety Glasses
• Filter Respirator
• Gloves
• Steel Toe Shoes
• Lab Coat or other required PPE as needed