Job Description

Clariant is a leading global specialty chemicals company headquartered in Switzerland that develops sustainable and innovative solutions for numerous industries.

For our Catalysts Business Unit, we are seeking a dedicated individual to serve as an R&D Scientist – Oxidation (m/f/d) who will drive the development of coated and bulk mixed-metal catalysts for partial oxidation reactions. This position is based at the Clariant Heufeld R&D Center.

This position combines scientific expertise with team development and operates at the intersection of catalyst synthesis, characterization, testing, kinetic modeling, and data science. The position reports to the R&D Head of Oxidation in Heufeld with a global reach and impact on projects worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Developing synthetic recipes for coated and bulk mixed-metal catalysts for partial oxidation reactions, with full responsibility for synthesis approaches and strategies
• Overseeing the efficient operation of catalyst test facilities, executing kinetic measurements, and developing reactor models (e.g. with gProms) for oxidation reactions
• Ensuring the quality and integrity of data, reports, and technical documentation across the R&D project
• Coaching and developing 1–2 R&D team members, focusing on technical skills, work methods, and performance improvement
• Driving continuous improvements in catalyst synthesis processes and proposing state-of-the-art R&D equipment, infrastructure, and CAPEX investments
• Maintaining continuous data exchange and close cooperation with all project teams within the Oxidation Department
• Advancing the department's capabilities in data mining, statistics, and data science tools, while coordinating external technology collaborations
• Actively participating in the Department Steering meetings, monitoring R&D project costs within the Oxidation team, and adhering to Clariant's Code of Ethics and ESHA regulations

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with specialization in heterogeneous oxidation catalysis
• 3+ years of relevant R&D experience
• Proven leadership experience in managing small R&D teams, including laboratory technicians
• Experience managing projects with internal and external partners
• In-depth knowledge of kinetic reactor testing and performance measurements
• Expertise in catalyst synthesis and characterization
• Proficient in statistical data analysis and data mining, with practical Python skills; Statistica knowledge is a plus.Collaborative and innovation-driven, with strong communication skills and a firm commitment to safety and ethics

Our Offer

• Actively shape cutting-edge catalyst technologies in a collaborative R&D setting with access to state-of-the-art testing infrastructure
• Gain leadership experience by guiding a dedicated R&D team while growing professionally within Clariant's global R&D network
• Engage in international project collaborations and external technology partnerships within a leading specialty chemicals company
• Work in an environment that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and ethical conduct

Your Contact

Magdalena Viegas

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Tel. 069 305 36903

Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.

At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.

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