Senior Chemist, R&D

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.

As a Senior Chemist within our Paints & Coatings (P&C) business, you will play a critical role in advancing innovative formulation technologies that support our customers and drive business growth. Working at the intersection of chemistry, microbiology, and process engineering, you will lead complex R&D programs, contribute to the development of high-performance solutions, and help bring new technologies from concept to commercialization.

This is an exciting opportunity for a scientifically rigorous and collaborative professional who thrives on solving complex challenges, driving innovation, and delivering high-impact results. You will act as a technical leader within project teams, shaping the direction of research while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design and execute experimental programs to develop and optimize chemical formulations, raw materials, and processes for P&C applications
• Independently analyze complex scientific data, draw conclusions, and recommend next steps to drive project success
• Lead technical workstreams and projects, defining objectives, timelines, and delivering against key milestones
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges, including chemical and physical stability, to meet performance expectations
• Develop and maintain advanced analytical methods and leverage techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and ICP for formulation characterization
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to scale up technologies and support commercialization efforts
• Maintain and continuously improve laboratory procedures, SOPs, quality systems, and safety standards

Qualifications & Experience:

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• 5–10 years of experience in developing and evaluating biocidal formulation stability in line with EPA and/or relevant regulatory guidelines
• Proven expertise in formulation systems such as solutions, emulsions, and dispersions, ideally within paints and coatings
• Strong knowledge of chemical synthesis techniques and ability to execute low- to medium-complexity reactions
• Advanced proficiency in analytical characterization methods (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, ICP)
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot formulation and performance challenges
• High level of scientific rigor, attention to detail, and commitment to data quality and reproducibility

Arxada has world class offering 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.