Senior Scientist, Organic Synthesis - Onsite (Portugal) | English & Portuguese
👋 About Us
Elementis is a global specialty chemical company with 1,300 employees working at 17 manufacturing sites worldwide. We're all about combining expertise, innovation, and teamwork to tackle complex challenges in formulation. We create high-value specialty additives that enhance the performance of our customers' products and make a positive impact globally. Leveraging our expertise in materials flow, surface modification, and formulation, coupled with access to unique natural materials, Elementis provides innovative chemistry and sustainable solutions for various industries, including cosmetics, anti-perspirants, decorative and industrial coatings, automotive, and ceramics.
🔬 The Role
This role focuses on developing and discovering novel and unique raw materials specifically for the personal care industry. It's a pivotal position in expanding our existing portfolio, working alongside the Personal Care Innovation Manager, and aligning with our overall business strategy. The position involves hands-on lab work, testing, and developing new ingredients to optimize cost, enhance performance, and create new solutions that meet evolving market needs.
⚙️ What You'll Do
- Collaborate with a team to develop new products that align with both customer and industry needs within a defined strategy.
- Guide process engineers in developing and implementing manufacturing processes for new products initially developed in the lab.
- Conduct laboratory experiments (bench-scale and 500g scale) to develop new materials, following good laboratory practices and adhering to all safety protocols.
- Identify and analyze inorganic and organic compounds to determine their composition, physical and chemical properties, and structure/performance relationships using techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal analysis, microscopy, and other analytical methods.
- Manage multiple projects concurrently, adhering to timelines and budgets to ensure successful outcomes.
- Actively contribute to new product brainstorming sessions with Marketing and R&D teams.
- Provide regular project updates and input on strategic direction, interacting with senior management and the broader personal care team.
🧠 Decision Making
Key Skills You'll Need
-
Manages complexity: You'll be comfortable navigating complex information, including large quantities of data and sometimes conflicting inputs, to effectively solve problems.
-
Communicates effectively: You can clearly articulate strategic goals, present technical results, and ensure everyone on the team is aligned with project objectives and the overall plan.
-
Strategic mindset: You can anticipate future possibilities and translate them into innovative strategies. You're driven to continuously improve products, processes, and technologies.
-
Plan and align: You're excellent at planning and aligning to effectively manage multiple projects. This includes managing resources, ensuring research activities are synchronized with project timelines, executing projects with precision, maximizing productivity, and achieving desired outcomes.
-
Collaboration: You thrive in collaborative environments and can leverage the expertise and insights of diverse stakeholders like R&D teams, Marketing, regulatory affairs, and external research partners. You're adept at fostering idea exchange, aligning perspectives, promoting synergy, and accelerating the product development process.
Technical Expertise
-
Advanced understanding of product development processes and methodologies.
-
Advanced knowledge of GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and lab safety procedures.
-
Advanced knowledge of chemical synthesis at gram or kilogram scale.
-
Intermediate knowledge of the personal care industry and its key trends.
-
Intermediate knowledge of the principles of green chemistry.
-
Basic awareness of regulatory guidelines and restrictions for new product development.
What We're Looking For
-
Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
-
Experience: 7+ years of hands-on experience in product development.
-
IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with a strong ability to create presentations. Experience with project management software.
-
Language Skills: Fluent in English and Portuguese (verbal and written).
-
Working arrangements: Lab-based position, onsite 5 days a week.
-
Travel: Minimal travel may be required, potentially for local trade shows and customer visits.
Job Category: Healthcare