Principal Research & Development Scientist
Date: Apr 22, 2026
Location: Baltimore, MD, US, 21226
Company: W. R. Grace & Co.
Annual Wage Range: $154,912.00 - $213,004.00
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
Grace is seeking a Principal Research & Development (R&D) Scientist to join our Advanced Refining Technologies (ART) R&D team. The Principal R&D Scientist contributes to new product development in ART’s resid hydrotreating catalyst segments and works cross functionally with Sales and Technical Service to identify customer needs and develop next generation products.
The Principal R&D Scientist provides samples for evaluation in our catalyst testing units, analyzes testing data and prepares reports. The results are used to advance projects through the Stage-Gate process to final prototype for commercialization. They will also collaborate with colleagues to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to accelerate innovation.
This role is at the Process Innovation Center in Curtis Bay, MD and reports to the Director, ART R&D.
Responsibilities
- Work with R&D technician team to prepare catalysts for new product development efforts
- Collaborate with Sales and Technical Service colleagues to identify new projects
- Evaluate catalyst performance testing data to refine new catalyst formulations
- Communicate work progress and challenges, both formally and informally, on a regular basis
- Support Process Technology group during catalyst scale-up and manufacturing trial
Physical Requirements and Environment
- Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a pilot plant facility with highly hazardous materials
- Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field with 6+ years of relevant experience, or
- Master's in Chemical Engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience
- Experience managing projects in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting deadlines
- Experience with design and operation of hydroprocessing pilot plants
- Experience with kinetic models to predict catalyst performance
- Ability to travel up to 15%
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with safety systems for work involving hydrogen sulfide
- Experience employing refining fundamentals
- Experience with intellectual property activities including patent applications and competitive intelligence
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Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Grace Wellness Program
- Flexible Workplace
- Retirement Plans
- 401(k) Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Company Donation Match Program
- U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nearest Major Market: Baltimore