Company:
Gelest Inc.
Job Description:
Gelest, Inc., part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is hiring an Associate Scientist to support our continued growth in specialty materials. Join a collaborative team where your expertise will help advance technologies that impact industries around the globe.
The Associate Scientist is an early-career research and development role responsible for supporting exploratory research programs within the Reactive Chemistry Center of Excellence (COE) in the Incubation function. This position contributes to the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory experiments focused on emerging reactive chemistry technologies and materials aligned with the organization’s long-term innovation strategy.
The position will work under the guidance of senior scientists and technical leadership to generate high-quality experimental data, maintain accurate documentation, and support the development of new chemistries and processes intended for future commercialization opportunities.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Design and execute laboratory experiments in support of exploratory reactive chemistry research programs.
- Conduct synthesis, purification, and characterization of experimental materials and compounds.
- Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records utilizing electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and applicable documentation systems.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data and communicate findings to project teams and management.
- Perform literature reviews and technical research to support project objectives and hypothesis development.
- Assist with the preparation of technical reports, presentations, invention disclosures, and internal updates.
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams to support incubation program milestones.
- Operate laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation in accordance with established procedures and safety protocols.
- Support laboratory organization, chemical inventory management, and safe laboratory operations.
- Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Position operates primarily within a laboratory and chemical processing environment.
- Research activities may involve handling air-sensitive, moisture-sensitive, or reactive materials utilizing appropriate laboratory techniques and PPE.
- Position supports incubation-stage technology development with a focus on innovation, experimentation, and collaborative problem solving.
KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
- M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience; or Ph.D. with 0–1 years of experience preferred.
- Foundational knowledge of synthetic and/or reactive chemistry principles and laboratory practices.
- Experience with standard laboratory synthesis and analytical characterization techniques.
- Familiarity with analytical instrumentation such as NMR, GC, HPLC, MS, IR, UV-Vis, TGA, DSC, or related techniques preferred.
- Ability to safely handle reactive, air-sensitive, or moisture-sensitive materials preferred.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software applications.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and adapt to changing project priorities.
- Must be able to work in a chemical processing environment, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, respirators, and safety shoes as required.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Occasional travel may be required for technical meetings, conferences, or collaborative activities
Supplemental Company Information:Gelest, located in Morrisville, PA—conveniently accessible from Interstate 95, Route 1, and the PA/NJ Turnpikes—offers a rewarding career with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous paid time off
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and optional supplemental plans for employees and their families
- 401(k) with a competitive company match
- Company-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
- Eligibility for an annual performance bonus
- Company-provided uniforms, work boots, and PPE
The salary range for this position is $75k to 99k. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.