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USA-WI-Neenah, United States of America
Onsite
Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, Kotex®, Poise®, Depend®, and Kimberly-Clark Professional®. At Kimberly-Clark, it’s all here for you—innovation, growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You want to be part of a performance culture dedicated to solving real-world problems with purpose and precision. You want to work in an environment that promotes sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development. In this role, you’ll help us shape the future and improve lives for billions of people around the world.
It starts with YOU.
About You
In one of our R&D roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. Job responsibilities include:
The Natural Solutions Business Unit is seeking a Lead Scientist to provide technical expertise and leadership in the areas of material and process learnings for innovative natural non-wood fibers commercialization. With strong research capabilities, teamwork skills, and industrial experience, you will work with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operation, Statisticians, and analytical labs to bring fiber solutions from bench to commercialization. Through collaboration and teamwork, you will use scientific research methods and statistical skills to understand fiber and paper fundamentals related to this innovative natural fiber.
Apply deep understanding of fiber morphology, chemistry, bonding, and structure–property relationships to guide fiber process selection, treatment, and optimization.
Translate tissue and nonwoven finished product performance requirements and user experience into actionable fiber design criteria.
Lead fiber characterization and performance evaluation in manufacturing quality control, linking key process parameters to fiber properties.
Lead/Support process scale-up trials for the commercialization of natural non-wood fibers using strong engineering fundamentals.
Lead and/or support trials from bench and pilot scale through commercialization, including, Start‑up, scale‑up, and optimization support
Provide technical guidance for operators on trial execution.
Use data analytics, statistics, and machine learning tools (preferred) to analyze products and process data and guide decisions.
Communicate findings clearly using technical reports, visuals, data summaries, and presentations to support alignment and decision‑making.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with chemistry, product development, engineering, operations, quality, EH&S, and supply chain teams.
Work with external partners, including equipment suppliers and technical service providers, to scale and commercialize new technologies.
Own defined project responsibilities, delivering results on time and within scope while managing technical risks.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, ensuring developed processes and products meet applicable standards and guidelines.
Ability to travel up to 30%
To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:
Bachelors or Advanced degree (MS or PhD preferred) or equivalent experience in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field and 3 years or more of experience.
Demonstrated knowledge in areas such as biomass pretreatment and pulping, fiber characterization and structure–property relationships, and application of natural fibers in paper and/or nonwoven products.
Proven ability to apply scientific methods, creativity, and sound judgment to solve complex technical problems.
Experience working in cross-functional, collaborative environments and driving technology from early concept to commercialization.
Strong written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with data analytics, statistical analysis, or modeling applied to material or process development.
Familiarity with pilot scale operations and manufacturing environments.
Exposure to sustainability driven materials or renewable fiber platforms.
Led by Purpose. Driven by You.
Total Benefits
We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we're committed to providing them with the resources they need to be successful. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a company that cares about its employees, then Kimberly-Clark is the place for you. Here are just a few of the benefits you’d enjoy working in this role for Kimberly-Clark. For a complete overview, see www.mykcbenefits.com
Flex That Works at Kimberly-Clark
We believe great work happens when people come together with purpose. That’s why we offer a flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration — helping you connect, grow, and innovate while maintaining the balance you value.
To Be Considered
Click the Apply button and complete the online application process. A member of our recruiting team will review your application and follow up if you seem like a great fit for this role. In the meantime, please check out the careers website.
And finally, the fine print….
For Kimberly-Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world, which is why we seek to build a workforce that encompasses the experiences of our consumers. When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly-Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. We are a committed equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.
Employment is subject to verification of local policies.
Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests which may include drug screening, background check, and DMV check.
Veterans and members of the Reserve and Guard are highly encouraged to apply.
Kimberly-Clark will support in-country relocation for the chosen candidate for the role. The benefits provided will be per the terms of Kimberly-Clark’s applicable mobility policies. The benefits/policy provided will be decided at Kimberly-Clark’s sole discretion.