Microbiology Analytical Senior Scientist

About the role

This job is designed to lead product preservation efforts and expand microbiology and product preservation capabilities supporting a diverse portfolio of water-based formulations and materials. The role combines hands-on laboratory expertise with scientific leadership, applying microbiology, analytical chemistry, polymer characterization and data-driven problem solving to support product development, manufacturing, quality improvement, and customer success. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert for microbiology and preservation science, analytical & polymer science and work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Service, and external partners to investigate complex challenges, improve testing capabilities, and develop practical solutions that enhance product performance, sustainability and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and perform day‑to‑day microbiology, polymer characterization, and analytical testing to support product development, manufacturing, QA, and customer investigations.
• Lead and execute projects using microbiological methods (sample collection/isolation, culturing, gram staining, imaging, sequencing, challenge tests, etc.) and analytical/polymer techniques (redox/pH, GC, LC, MS, thermal analysis, DMA, rheometer, SEM, etc.) to diagnose issues and drive solutions.
• Evaluate and implement new testing technologies, instrumentation, and laboratory capabilities that strengthen product preservation, analytical and polymer science.
• Design, execute, and interpret microbiological, biocide efficacy, and analytical and polymeric studies to evaluate product performance, stability, and preservation effectiveness.
• Investigate product quality issues which may result from preservation failures or non-microbial contamination events, providing scientifically sound recommendations and corrective actions.
• Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, laboratory standards, and technical documentation that support consistent execution across laboratories and manufacturing sites.
• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Service, Supply Chain, and external laboratories to support business-critical projects and customer needs.
• Combine results from several methods to fully explain problems and customer observations leveraging microbiology, biocide knowledge and chemical structure-property relationships to solve complex technical problems and identify root causes.
• Drive digitalization and continuous improvement initiatives through data visualization, automation, database management, chemometrics and analytical reporting tools.
• Communicate technical findings, conclusions, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Support laboratory safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and governance requirements while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Polymer Science, Analytical Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering, Data Science or related field.
• MS, PhD in relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial or academic experience in a laboratory and scientific environment.
• Ability to develop analytical, polymer, microbiology testing methods based on standards and literature references to enhance and expand capabilities of the lab and solve complex problems.
• Knowledge and laboratory proficiency in the fields of microbiology and analytical science and other appropriate characterization methods and techniques are required for this lab role.
• Demonstrated ability to combine pieces of information together to reach a conclusion that explains the information available.
• Ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders to interpret results and ask probing questions to assist in the analysis of samples to solve problems.
• Creative and curious with a high degree of motivation and personal responsibility.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highest standards of job safety, integrity, accuracy, reproducibility, and attention to detail.
• Highly proficient in MS Office.
• Ability to balance curiosity, depth of analysis, and speed will be critical towards success.

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of dispersion polymer systems.
• Knowledge of analytical equipment such as GC, LC, MS, thermal analysis, DMA, rheometer, GPC, IR, UV/Vis, SEM, SEM-EDS or similar.
• Knowledge of LIMS, chemometrics, programming, database management.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible.
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options.
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members.
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more).
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages.
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive.
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens.
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more.