Research & Application Specialist - Hygiene

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection. 

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success. 

The Research & Application Specialist – Hygiene will drive research excellence at Arxada across multiple markets within professional and consumer hygiene formulation technologies. This role is focused on delivering innovative solutions through new inventions, advanced formulation insights, and novel product formats that enhance disinfection efficacy, cleaning performance, and aesthetic attributes.

As a key member of cross-functional teams including Marketing, Sales, R&D and Regulatory Affairs, the successful candidate will lead technical programs supporting growth strategy initiatives while providing scientific expertise and market-driven innovation. The position will play a critical role in advancing industry knowledge and developing solutions aligned with customer and market needs.

A primary focus will be on the Professional & Consumer Hygiene segment, leading the implementation of strategic initiatives and collaborating with experts across the organization to deliver differentiated solutions.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide technical direction and insights into customer innovation needs and demonstrate how Arxada technologies can address those needs through deep application expertise and customer-focused support.
• Initiate and lead innovation pipeline programs, partnering with Marketing, Regulatory, Process and R&D teams to ensure projects progress successfully through stage-gate milestones and are delivered on time and in full.
• Independently design, plan and execute experiments to develop new ideas, concepts, formulations and applications that lead to innovative products and technologies.
• Develop expertise in disinfectant formulations, including quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide and peracid-based systems.
• Lead formulation development activities and generate robust technical data supporting new products and technologies.
• Create and deliver technical reports, customer presentations, seminars, webinars, academies, product data sheets and sales support tools in partnership with Global R&D and Marketing teams.
• Collaborate within a matrix organization across Marketing, R&D, Regulatory Affairs and cross-functional project teams globally.
• Provide timely and effective technical support to internal and external customers, often serving as a key interface to strategic customers.
• Develop a strong understanding of competitor and customer products to support the creation of compelling value propositions and product positioning strategies.
• Design and oversee application testing programs to support product development and commercialization activities.
• Prepare detailed technical assessments, reports, invention disclosures and supporting documentation for key technology developments and discoveries.
• Ensure intellectual property opportunities are identified, documented and filed appropriately.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemistry.
• 8+ years of industrial R&D experience in antimicrobial technologies and disinfectant formulation development.
• Strong expertise in formulation science, particularly oxidizer-based disinfectant systems and surfactant technologies.
• Demonstrated experience developing liquid disinfectants, wipes and dilutable concentrate formulations.
• Excellent understanding of disinfection and sanitization regulatory frameworks, including EPA and BPR requirements.
• Experience working within regulated industries.
• Ability to independently design experiments, generate innovative concepts and translate scientific findings into commercial opportunities.
• Proven capability to act as technical lead for new product development programs in the disinfection and hygiene sector.
• Strong project leadership, stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage both technical and commercial audiences.

The expected salary range for this role is 100,000 $- 125,000K $, but specific employee compensation may vary depending on factors including experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location and other job-related, non-discriminatory factors permitted by law.

This role is also eligible to earn a short-term incentive bonus and the following benefits: 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays and paid sick leave. 

Arxada has world class offerings in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.