Senior Scientific Specialist

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect nutrition, health, and infrastructure through chemistry and biotechnology. With customers in over 100 countries and sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024, Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers.

About the role

As a Senior Scientific Specialist within our North American Wood Protection R&D team, you will manage a small team of scientists and drive innovation from concept through commercialization, supporting the future growth of our Wood Protection business. You will work closely with customers, commercial colleagues, regulatory specialists, manufacturing teams, marketing, and global R&D partners to transform ideas into commercially successful products. This position is ideal for an experienced formulation scientist who thrives at the intersection of innovation, customer collaboration, and business impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative wood protection technologies and specialty chemical formulations
• Develop new products and technical solutions aligned with business growth strategies, customer needs, and market opportunities
• Manage and mentor a team of scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration, scientific excellence, and innovation
• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory and field studies to support product development, validation, and commercialization activities
• Lead multiple R&D projects simultaneously, managing timelines, priorities, resources, and project risks
• Serve as a subject matter expert in chemistry, formulation science, material protection, biocides, preservatives, coatings, or related disciplines
• Collaborate closely with commercial, regulatory, manufacturing, supply chain, and technical service teams to accelerate innovation and business growth
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and scientific excellence
• Support laboratory operations, equipment investments, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Build strong relationships with customers and industry partners through technical consultations, product evaluations, and problem-solving initiatives
• Deliver technical presentations, represent Arxada at industry events, and support product launches, field trials, and commercialization activities

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Applied Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline
• Minimum 5-10 years of experience as a formulation scientist, formulation chemist, or in an equivalent product development role within specialty chemicals or related industries
• Extensive experience in wood protection R&D is strongly preferred
• Proven track record of developing and commercializing new formulations, technologies, and products from concept through market launch
• Demonstrated experience working in customer-facing technical roles, partnering directly with customers to understand needs, solve challenges, and identify innovation opportunities
• Leadership ability to coach and mentor scientific teams
• Project and portfolio management skills with experience leading multiple complex development programs
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and presentation skills with the ability to engage audiences ranging from scientists and customers to senior business leaders

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid sick leave
• Short-term incentive bonus

Pay

The expected salary range for this role is $110,000 - $148,500 USD, with specific compensation varying based on factors including experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location, and other job-related factors.