Research Associate – Inkjet Research & Development – Billerica, MA Onsite

Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) is a leading global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Our businesses deliver a broad range of products and solutions to customers in every corner of the globe, serving the transportation, infrastructure, environment and consumer industry sectors. We bring the power of innovative chemistry to solve customers' challenges today while preparing them to meet tomorrow’s needs. Our commitment to innovation is driven by a passion to advance our customers' businesses through our deep understanding of their applications and the global trends that impact their operations.

If you do not meet every requirement, or your experience is slightly different that what we have listed, we still encourage you to apply! 

Your Role at Cabot:

Cabot has an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join the Inkjet Research & Development team and help grow our business in the fast-growing industrial inkjet printing market. The Research Associate will work closely with scientists and engineers across multiple disciplines to support new product development, formulation optimization, application testing, and material characterization for both existing and next-generation inkjet products.

In this hands-on laboratory role, you will contribute to the development and evaluation of aqueous pigment dispersions and inkjet inks through formulation, testing, data analysis, and experimentation. You will work under minimal supervision to conduct laboratory studies, characterize materials, support application testing, and generate high-quality data that informs product development decisions.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting fundamental science with real-world customer applications. You will have opportunities to explore topics such as colloidal stability, pigment dispersion, ink formulation, print quality, material compatibility, fluid properties, and analytical characterization while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

The Research Associate will be based fully onsite 5 days a week in Billerica, MA and will be part of the Inkjet Research & Development team.

Are you interested in:

• Working with a team that values scientific curiosity, collaboration, and innovation?
• Developing hands-on laboratory expertise while contributing to commercial product development?
• Exploring challenges at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, fluid dynamics, and printing technology?
• Learning from experienced scientists and engineers while building your technical capabilities?
• Advancing sustainable technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship?

If so, please consider the opportunity we have for you to join our team!

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

• Perform applications testing to understand customer experience, which may include ink making, print testing using computer software, drawdowns, image analysis, and color evaluation of inks.  
• Contribute to the characterization of materials by utilizing a variety of analytical techniques. This includes preparing samples, operating laboratory instruments, and ensuring accurate and reliable measurement of material properties.
• Perform routine tests to collect ink and dispersion physicals, such as pH, viscosity, particle size, and surface tension. 
• Follow experimental plan as set by project leader.  Prepare logistics, materials, and equipment, and ensure that experiments and testing are conducted thoroughly and on a timely basis.
• Assist in the planning and execution of laboratory experiments designed to evaluate the material compatibility of Cabot products. Work collaboratively with scientists and engineers to ensure experiments are conducted effectively and according to established protocols.
• Accurately enter experimental data into an electronic laboratory notebook, maintaining clear and organized records. Provide initial interpretation of results to help guide ongoing research and development efforts.
• Analyze experimental data to identify trends and draw conclusions relevant to product performance. Prepare and contribute to laboratory reports that summarize findings.
• Keeps good observational notes, diligently enters data to database.  Generates, organizes data, provides summary interpretation to identify issues and trends as necessary.  Experience with electronic notebook systems a plus.
• Calibrates testing equipment and performs routine maintenance, as needed.
• Adheres to all intellectual property standards throughout area of responsibility.
• Supports efforts to implement and maintain the Responsible Care® Management System in line with the requirements of the RC14001® technical specification, as applicable to the site/region.
• Strictly follows and complies with all SH&E procedures, standards and regulations and constantly strives for Excellence in the field of Safety, Health and preservation of the Environment.
• Maintains work area in compliance with safety rules and regulations. Participates in scheduled safety meetings and completes safety training requirements.

What You’ll Bring to Cabot:

• High school diploma with 2+ years of relevant industrial or laboratory experience, OR
• Associate degree in a technical or scientific discipline with 1+ years of relevant industrial or laboratory experience, OR
• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline.

• A passion for learning and a strong interest in experimental science are essential. Educational background or experience in one or more of the following disciplines is desirable:
  • Chemistry (Analytical, Physical, Organic, or Inorganic)
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Polymer Science or Polymer Engineering
  • Colloid and Surface Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Experience with Python or similar programming languages to support data analytics and workflow automation
  • Familiarity with AI-powered tools for research, data analysis, workflow efficiency, and technical problem-solving, with a willingness to learn and adopt new applications
• Coursework, laboratory experience, or demonstrated interest in any of the following areas is particularly valuable:
  • Ink, coating, or formulation science
  • Pigment dispersions and colloidal stability
  • Polymer chemistry
  • Surface and interface science
  • Materials characterization
  • Analytical chemistry and instrumentation
  • Rheology and fluid mechanics
  • Experimental design and statistical analysis
  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Printing, imaging, coatings, or related technologies

• Basic knowledge of laboratory testing equipment and protocols
• Ability to identify out-of-range results and note unusual patterns
• Knowledge of computers and standard office applications
• Quality and precision oriented.  Displays great care in observing and following testing protocols. 
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate clearly.  Ability to provide training to others.
• Ability to classify and organize data in a logical and orderly way as well as plan work to ensure timely completion of assignments.
• Organizational skills to handle simultaneous work and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative attitude and inter-personal skills; willing to share information and resources with peers.

How We’ll Support Your Success:

• The pay range for this role is from $26.73 to $36.79 hourly ($55,600 to $76,500). The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate will depend on the candidate's skill, qualifications, experience and location. In addition, all positions are eligible for health benefits on the first day of employment, 401K savings plans, vision, dental and annual bonus based on company performance.
• Dynamic, Flexible, Hard Working, Team Environment – We are busy, collaborative, growing, and we are doing meaningful work in a diverse team that values different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Growth – Our goal is to be the trusted world leader driving the transformation of printing towards a sustainable and digital future.  We need great people to execute this vision and are committed to providing training, peer coaching and support to maximize your ability to grow.
• Benefits, Vacation, Etc. – We offer a competitive package of benefits and flexibility around working location.
• Feedback – We are committed to giving and receiving feedback in a direct and open fashion.
• Support – You are part of a team and deserve to feel encouraged and supported.  Our technology is the lifeblood of our business and as a key contributor, your work and thoughts will be valued.  You will be part of a team that cares about you personally and professionally.  Our success depends on your success.

#LI-ONSITE

At Cabot, we bring the power of innovative chemistry and a spirit of partnership with our customers to advance solutions that will enable a sustainable future. Our strength in research and development is a major reason why we have been an industry leader for more than 135 years in products such as reinforcing and specialty carbons, battery materials, aerogel, fumed metal oxides, inkjet colorants, masterbatches and conductive compounds.

Our employees around the world are united by our shared purpose: Creating materials that improve daily life and enable a more sustainable future. Through our corporate strategy, “Creating for Tomorrow,” we are focused on our core strengths to lead in performance and sustainability – today and into the future.

EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled/RC14001
Realizing we function better together than individually, Cabot Corporation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that embraces our differences and to empower employees to achieve exceptional results, without consideration of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected categories. This includes providing reasonable accommodation for employees’ and applicants’ disabilities or religious beliefs and practices, in accordance with applicable law.

Cabot is committed to supporting and maintaining a safe and environmentally focused working environment. All employees are expected to uphold this commitment in every position.

Nondiscrimination Policy with Respect to Discussion of Pay
This is to advise that it is the policy of Cabot Corporation not to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because such employee or applicant has inquired about, discussed, or disclosed the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. This policy, however, shall not apply to instances in which an employee who has access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as part of that employee's essential job functions (such as in payroll or HR) discloses the compensation of such other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to such information, unless that disclosure is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing or other action, including an investigation conducted by Cabot, or otherwise as required by law.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Background Checks
Cabot is proud to operate as a drug-free workplace. All applicants conditionally offered a position must (a) complete and pass a background check and (b) complete a drug test and receive an acceptable test result. For certain manufacturing, quality and production positions, a pre-employment physical may be required.