Sr. R&D Scientist – Applications

U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. is a global performance materials company and is a member of the Russell 2000. The company is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 125-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver more than 600 diversified products to customers across our end markets.

U.S. Silica's wholly-owned subsidiaries include EP Minerals and SandBox Logistics™. EP Minerals is an industry leader in the production of products derived from diatomaceous earth, perlite, engineered clays and non-activated clays. SandBox Logistics™ is a state-of-the-art leader in proppant storage, handling and well-site delivery, and is dedicated to making proppant logistics cleaner, safer and more efficient. The company has 27 operating mines and processing facilities and two additional exploration stage properties across the United States and is headquartered in Katy, Texas.

The Sr. R&D Scientist - Applications is responsible for developing and optimizing formulations to qualify new product offerings for U.S. Silica’s Industrial and Specialty Products Division. More specifically, the individual will apply their background and experience working in paints and coatings to identify new product applications from a range of performance-enhancing products derived from silica sand, diatomaceous earth, and exploratory minerals. This position will plan and conduct research experiments in the lab, perform fundamental product characterization testing, generate intellectual property, and lead the progression of R&D projects through US Silica’s innovation pipeline. The expected travel time to visit select customers, plants, or conferences is 20%.

Essential Job Functions:

- Serve as the technical lead and generate compelling technical data to qualify new products with select customers.

- Provide technical support to the company’s Business Development, Sales, and Technical Service groups.

- Conduct market-driven research to deliver new mineral product offerings.

- Prepare presentations for the executive, commercial and engineering teams on research projects.

- Prepare weekly reports to highlight progress on current projects.

- Support and mentor less-experienced colleagues. Direct the work of technicians.

- Represent the company at major technical forums.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

- Bachelor’s or better in chemistry, materials science, or related field required; Master's or Doctorate preferred

- Extensive experience formulating either water-borne or solvent-borne liquid products (e.g. paints, coatings, and inks).

- Track-record of product development and commercialization.

- Strong understanding of how mineral fillers and inorganic pigments impact the physical properties of the end product.

- Demonstrated creativity and strong problem-solving expertise using innovative approaches.

- Demonstrated product/process development working directly with customers.

- Demonstrated product/process development experience from ideation to commercialization is highly desired.

- Strong cross-functional team experience (e.g. working with other scientists, operations, sales and marketing, etc.).

- Strong written and oral communication skills.

- Self-directed and able to work both independently and as a team member.

- Experience working with silica (quartz/cristobalite, diatomaceous earth, perlite) are nice to have.

- Experience conducting trials in a laboratory, pilot plant, or production plant environment are nice to have.

Travel Required:

20%

U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace. The above description is intended to capture the essential functions of the job, nature and level of work as of the preparation date. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be required of the position. This job description may be modified at any time with or without notice.