Breakthrough Innovation Researcher - Low Carbon H2 (F/M/X)

Solvay is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

About the role

Our Breakthrough Innovation team, composed of 7 people, is integrated in the Peroxides R&I department and focuses on breakthrough developments and decarbonization in collaboration with external technology providers, academia, and internal engineering/production teams.

As a Breakthrough Innovation Researcher (Hydrogen Peroxide Decarbonization), you will work on identifying and screening next-generation H2 technologies, conducting rigorous techno-economic analyses, and mapping the strategic path to industrial scale-up to support Solvay's transition to minimize CO2 emissions. You will get the opportunity to contribute to pioneering industrial-scale decarbonization and have a positive impact on the future of H2O2 production and global sustainability.

You will be accountable for:

• Complete techno-economic assessments and stage-gate project execution for low-carbon H2O2 technology options. Mass and energy balances, block diagrams, PFD, P&ID, cash flow, and sensitivity analysis of different business cases.
• The successful identification and validation of next-generation technologies leveraging low-carbon hydrogen, managing strategic external partnerships and securing external funding for innovation projects.
• Acquiring a deep understanding of global electricity markets and their impact on hydrogen production economics
• Ensuring an updated technology watch and contributing to intellectual property (patents/registration).

We offer a permanent contract based on a hybrid (4 days per week onsite) working mode.

About you

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering/scientific field. Relevant work experience in hydrogen production technologies or process design/techno-economic analysis (academia or industry).

Competencies:

• Process Design Principles and Safety Assessment
• Techno-Economic Modeling and Data Analysis
• Project Planning and Stage-Gate Execution

Behaviors:

• Agility and Proactive Innovation
• Collaboration and Networking (External Stakeholders)
• Commitment to Sustainability and HSE Standards

About the pay

Attractive and equitable pay for all: compensation is determined within a range to foster your development in the role. The base pay expected for this role is: €70,000 - €85,000 per year in Belgium.
Your salary may ultimately be higher or lower based on your skills and experience. Additionally, we provide a competitive total rewards package that includes a bonus and/or other incentives.

Benefits:

• Solvay Cares program: minimum of 16 weeks of parenting leave for all employees and package with healthcare, disability and life insurance coverage.
• Prioritization of well-being: work-life balance promotion, flexible approach to work part-time or hybrid work arrangements (depending on the type of job), employee assistance program with access to physical and psychological support.
• Professional development: prioritization of internal talents for career progression, access to a training platform, opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for experience sharing and mentorship and free language courses.

About us

• Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. As a world-leading company with €4.7 billion in net sales in 2024 and listings on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB), its unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition.
• At Solvay, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

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