Research Specialist – Spectroscopy and Process Analytical Technology

Job Description:

Research Specialist – Spectroscopy and Process Analytical Technology

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Research Specialist position is within the Molecular Spectroscopy group under the Analytical Laboratory of 3M’s Specialty Material Development Laboratory.  The job includes discovery and development of Spectroscopy-based methods, from lab, pilot and manufacturing locations, in support of process analytical inline testing and control for new and legacy products across applicable platforms.  This position includes performing lab- or pilot-scale process analytical measurements, analytical test method development for offline and inline use, data analysis and analytics, and Chemometrics in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001/2015 testing laboratory accreditation.

As a Research Specialist you will perform Molecular Spectroscopy and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) application support utilizing various measurement systems including NIR, FTIR, Raman and UV-Vis, and extension into any other areas of expertise as applicable.  You will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact in supporting R&D and Manufacturing efforts through analysis, method development and transfer.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing and analyzing samples using multiple techniques within the Molecular Spectroscopy functional area at a minimum
• Using statistical data analysis and data analytics to evaluate analytical test data, including automation of data processing in conjunction with machine learning
• Utilizing Chemometrics modeling to interface with production systems (Process controls and machinery)
• Preparing detailed laboratory reports and methods, data sheets, and other documentation in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 2015 testing laboratory accreditation.
• Utilizing Chemometrics modeling to interface with production systems (Process controls and machinery)

Your Skills and Expertise 
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a science or engineering discipline (completed and verified prior to start)
• Three (3) years of experience, including graduate or post-doctoral work, performing Molecular Spectroscopy analyses with Process Analytical, Chemometric and Data Analytics experience in a private, public, government or military environment.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Ph. D degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related discipline
• Operation and maintenance of Agilent, Thermo & Mettler-Toledo analytical equipment
• Experience with Thermo Omnic, qPro, Paradigm, Result, and TQ Analyst software.
• Experience with the following platforms used in Data Analytics: Seeq, Matlab, PI Vision, and Python
• Familiarity with any process controls systems (Emerson DeltaV, etc)
• Experience with other analytical platforms (Chromatography/Separations, Mass Spectrometry, Rheology, Titrations) including application of inline Process Analytical Testing
• Preparation of samples and standards, and experience in test method development and validations
• Experience performing analyses in an ISO 9001 2015 accredited testing laboratory.
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks/projects and manage priorities accordingly.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Effective communications with R&D chemists and plant manufacturing personnel
• Understanding of laboratory & factory safety practices

Work Location: On site in office at 3M Center in Maplewood, MN

Travel: May include up to 10% domestic/international

Relocation Assistance: May be authorized.

Must be legally authorized to work in a country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $141,150 - $172,517, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.

Good Faith Posting Date Range 07/24/2025 To 08/23/2025 Or until filled

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.

Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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