Lead Research Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

Established nearly two centuries ago, FM is a leading mutual insurance company whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its policyholder-owners. These owners, who share the belief that the majority of property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every four Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection.

Schedule & Location

Employment type: Full-time, exempt salaried position based in office at FM’s Science and Technology Office in Norwood, MA.

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for this position within the US.

Position Summary

FM is seeking a Lead Research Scientist in Analytical Chemistry to shape research that advances our understanding of material behavior, contamination, degradation mechanisms, chemical hazards, and practical loss prevention solutions. In this role, you will serve as a recognized technical expert, developing innovative analytical methodologies, translating complex data into actionable scientific insights, and providing technical leadership for research, engineering, operations, and client-facing work.

What You’ll Do

• Lead analytical chemistry research programs that generate scientific knowledge, advance innovative technologies, and deliver practical solutions that support FM’s loss prevention and risk mitigation objectives.

• Conduct and direct hands-on laboratory investigations using techniques such as Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ion Chromatography (IC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and other analytical instrumentation to solve complex research, engineering, and client challenges.

• Investigate materials, contaminants, degradation pathways, root causes, and chemical hazards to support FM research priorities and inform real-world risk prevention strategies.

• Manage multiple research projects and strategic initiatives, including proposal development, technical execution, resource planning, publications, and cross-functional collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

• Communicate project progress, technical findings, resource needs, and key risks to the Group Manager and Research Area Director to keep research objectives and deliverables on track.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a closely related field with at least 5 years of hands-on chemical industry experience required; or

• M.S. in Analytical Chemistry or a closely related field with at least 10 years of hands-on chemical industry experience required.

Desired Experience

• Deep hands-on experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, calibrating, and optimizing analytical laboratory instrumentation in a chemical industry or applied research environment.

• Strong expertise in analytical method development, validation, data interpretation, and chemical characterization using techniques such as GC/MS, HPLC, IC, FTIR, SEM/EDS, and related methods.

• Experience designing and executing complex experimental programs that help solve multidisciplinary technical challenges across materials, chemistry, engineering, and industrial risk.

• Applied experience with materials characterization, polymers, coatings, batteries, specialty chemicals, industrial products, and related technologies.

• Knowledge of colloidal and interface science, surfactant systems, chemical formulations, and industrial chemical processes.

• Proven ability to lead root-cause investigations, failure analyses, contamination studies, hazard assessments, reliability evaluations, or risk assessments.

• Recognized technical expertise through publications, patents, conference presentations, standards development, or other professional contributions to the scientific community.

• Familiarity with applying artificial intelligence and data analytics tools to strengthen literature review, data analysis, technical reporting, and research productivity.

• Excellent technical writing, communication, teamwork, and project management skills, with the ability to influence scientific, technical, and business audiences.

The hiring range for this position is $138,000 - $198,000 a year. The final salary offer will vary based on geographic location, individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM’s comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, well-being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, and time off, including vacation and sick time.

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce.

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