Chemist, Research and Development (R&D)

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Job Title: Chemist, Research and Development (R&D)
Location: Inver Grove Heights, MN, Midwest United States, USA

Company: CHS Inc.
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Input Retail, Cooperative and Related Crop Services
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world. We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world. Most of our 10,000 employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries. At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture.

Summary

CHS has an exciting opportunity in the Product Development group. We are searching for an experienced Research and Development (R&D) Chemist to support agronomic research through hands-on work in both the formulation laboratory and the greenhouse. This role will be primarily lab-focused. The Chemist will be expected to effectively utilize facility assets to advance CHS agronomic research, assisting with both chemical analyses and greenhouse experiments.

This role is required to be on-site at our Randolph, MN location (greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area).

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all laboratory health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Demonstrate a foundational understanding of organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemical principles.
Operate and maintain advanced analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, ICP (e.g., ICP-MS/OES), and GC systems.
Perform sample preparation and analysis using HPLC/ICP, following standard methods; troubleshoot minor issues (column changes, detector calibration, etc.).
Assist in method optimization, including basic DOE and chromatographic method development under chemist supervision.
Assist with formulation preparation and evaluation of stability/compatibility under Chemist guidance.
Document findings and prepare clear, concise technical reports. Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, within cross-functional teams.
Operate and maintain common laboratory equipment with precision and care.
Apply standard greenhouse practices to support ongoing research and plant trials.
Understand and follow proper procedures for hazardous material handling and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations.
Support lab safety protocols and regulatory compliance, including thorough review of SDSs and seed treater manuals, and safely manage and handle hazardous materials with appropriate PPE and established procedures.
Sterilize equipment and ensure secure storage of materials and supplies.
Maintain and calibrate laboratory and greenhouse equipment; troubleshoot issues or report malfunctions as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (required)

High School Diploma (or equivalent)
2+ years of laboratory experience in quality management, formulation, analytical methods, and/or product development to include:
- Strong documentation skills; ability to maintain precise and compliant lab logs
- Proven ability to identify issues, propose solutions, and implement recommendations
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and seed treater manuals
- Solid understanding of lab safety practices and regulatory compliance

Additional Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry (or related scientific field) is strongly preferred
Strong agriculture background/knowledge
Understanding of marketing concepts
Ability to:
- self-motivate and able to work independently with minimal supervision
- perform under stressful situations and time constraints
- present in front of groups in a professional and positive attitude
- utilize office tools (phone, fax, computer) Microsoft Office products
- put together meeting presentations and present to attending audience
Participation in one or more professional agricultural organizations is encouraged

Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse.

Physical Requirements

Ability and willingness to:
- travel up to 10%, including overnight stays as needed
- sit and stand for long periods of time
- lift up to 50 lbs

CHS offers a competitive total rewards package. Compensation includes base wage and, depending upon position, may include other earnings such as bonus, incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary based on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, experience, education, training, specialized skills and certifications, minimum wage/salary requirements under local law.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, life insurance, health and dependent care spending accounts, paid time off, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance, subject to the eligibility requirements for each benefit plan.

CHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.

Please note that any communication from a CHS recruiter would be sent using a chsinc.com email address. In addition, a CHS recruiter will not ask for confidential information over the phone or in an email, or request money from a candidate involved in an offer process. If you have questions regarding an employment opportunity, please reach out to chscareers@chsinc.com ; to verify that the communication is from CHS.

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Job Post Date: 07/22/25