Sr. Microbiologist

Syensqo 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.

We are looking for:
A Senior Microbiologist to provide technical expertise to guide and develop R&I activities in a BSL Level II microbiology laboratory. The lab is part of Solvay's Research and Innovation Center based in Bristol, PA and focuses on supporting the development of products for the Home and Personal Care, Coatings, Agricultural and Industrial markets. The successful candidate will have a broad focus, reflective of the range of activities at the Bristol R&I center, including development of biological control agents for the agricultural market,  disinfection solutions, and skin and scalp care products. In addition, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to advise on microbiological hygiene in our North American production plants. 

The Senior Microbiologist will be working in a small team, reporting to the Lab Manager. 

We can count on you to: 

• Evaluate new technologies and antimicrobial actives for potential products while following regulatory requirements for pesticides and microbiological efficacy standards

• Study and resolve fundamental topics and/or propose further research

• Provide guidance and support to junior personnel

• Excellent laboratory skills and ongoing interest to spend at least half of time in the laboratory

• Be able to quickly gather facts and understand the aim of projects, make recommendations and put together work plans

• Collaborate in a Chemical R&D environment, and be a key contact for specific project areas, proposing and planning workflows

• Maintain good practices in the laboratory and good record keeping in compliance with ISO standards
   

Safety Responsibilities:

• Be an active contributor to Solvay's Safety Goals and Culture

• Demonstrate a commitment to good safety practices and pay specific attention to the Safety requirements for the operation of a BSL II Microbiology lab  

You can count on us for:

• We offer the opportunity to join an exciting growth company

• A full range of benefits as expected of a successful company

• Opportunities for growth and learning

• Encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individual differences and backgrounds

• Long-lasting excellent customer relations, self-dependent working, and a variety of tasks in one of the world’s leading chemical companies.​​​​​​​

You will bring: 

• PhD level Microbiologist with 1+ year industrial experience in a relevant field (industrial microbiology, disinfection, cleaning protocols, skin microbiology, biocontrol, etc.) preferred

• Ability to quickly and accurately assess and implement standard testing protocols, where they exist. 

• Experience proposing and developing testing protocols to support product development where standard test methods do not exist.

• Specific experience with either: microbial biocontrol for agriculture market, assessment of microbiome-related claims for skin or scalp care products, standardized disinfection efficacy testing (either US or European norms) preferred

• Experience in the areas of industrial microbiology and relevant experience in cleaning and disinfection (state of the art and protocols) a strong advantage

• Experience with high throughput or automation an advantage

• Strong interest in applied research at the boundaries of microbiology and chemistry, showing an ability to work successfully in multi-disciplinary teams

• Demonstrated practical approach to problem-solving

• Experience developing and supporting others, or supervisory experience an advantage

• Ability to communicate effectively with internal customers and potentially external contacts

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You will get:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• The U.S. base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position is $108,000.00 to $148,000.00 per year. Since actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted base salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.

• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations

• Training platform for all employees

• Free language courses (24 languages available)

• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

About us

• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, 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.