Senior Scientist

About the Role

Kimberly‑Clark is seeking a Senior Scientist to drive material development for its iconic consumer brands. The role combines deep scientific expertise with strategic leadership to create new materials that improve absorbency, fluid flow, and mechanical performance, ultimately delivering better care for billions of people worldwide. The scientist will work closely with business unit teams to define material property requirements, design and execute development programs, and translate fundamental insights into practical solutions. Responsibilities include assessing business problems, establishing design criteria, and collaborating with internal research groups, vendors, and external partners to implement technical processes. In addition to leading projects, the senior scientist will act as a mentor, providing training, guidance, and coaching to junior team members to build scientific talent within the organization. Protecting innovations through internal reports, patents, and trade‑secrets is also a key part of the role. • Provide technical leadership in material development, absorbency, and fluid flow. • Define material property requirements and create new materials to meet business goals. • Lead cross‑functional projects, develop timelines, manage stakeholders, and deliver results. • Mentor and coach junior scientists to build departmental scientific talent. • Conduct research using advanced statistical techniques, test methods, and mathematical models. • Protect innovations through internal reports, patents, and trade‑secrets. • Ensure compliance with safety procedures and promote a respectful, inclusive work environment. • Communicate project plans and outcomes to internal teams, external partners, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸material development
• ▸property definition
• ▸project management
• ▸statistical research
• ▸patent protection
• ▸mentoring

What You Bring

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in physics, chemical engineering, material science, mechanical engineering, or mathematics, and possess at least five years of research experience in material development and absorbency. Experience with molecular‑to‑macro scale fluid dynamics, high‑speed manufacturing, and consumer product environments is preferred, along with strong communication, collaboration, and conflict‑resolution skills. • Travel 10–20% of the time, including occasional international trips. • Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in physics, chemical engineering, material science, mechanical engineering, or mathematics. • Bring 5+ years of research experience in material development and absorbency solutions. • Demonstrate expertise in molecular‑to‑macro scale fluid dynamics and porous material properties. • Exhibit strong leadership, collaboration, innovation, and conflict‑resolution abilities. • Prefer experience in high‑speed manufacturing or consumer product settings.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor's
• ▸5+ years
• ▸fluid dynamics
• ▸porous materials
• ▸leadership
• ▸manufacturing

Benefits

Kimberly‑Clark’s portfolio includes Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, Kotex®, Poise®, Depend®, and other global brands. The company emphasizes sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and flexible hybrid work arrangements that balance office presence with remote productivity. The compensation package includes a base salary ranging from $105,740 to $130,620 (U.S. locations), target bonus eligibility, 401(k) and profit‑sharing plans, comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, on‑site fitness resources, flexible spending accounts, income protection insurance, education assistance, and relocation support for the selected candidate.

Work Environment

Hybrid