About this role
Job title: Research Scientist, Advanced Physical Chemistry
About the Role Join Syensqo’s Advanced Physical Chemistry team at the Lyon Research and Innovation Center. You will strengthen the laboratory’s expertise in polymer science in solution, dispersed media, polymer/solid/liquid interfaces, rheology, and surface chemistry, with data-driven and AI-enabled approaches to link structure, processing, and application properties.
What You'll Do
- Bring advanced expertise in the physical chemistry of polymers, solutions, suspensions, colloids, and interfaces to uncover mechanisms governing system performance.
- Design and conduct innovative experimental programs from hypothesis to laboratory-scale validation; generate high-quality data and structure it in ELN/LIMS/databases; analyze with Matlab or Python; integrate modeling, data analysis, and AI where applicable.
- Lead multidisciplinary R&D projects, coordinate workstreams, translate results into actionable recommendations, manage a project team, and develop strategic skills.
- Identify intellectual property potential and contribute to patent applications; apply good laboratory practices and safety rules; supervise technical staff as needed.
What We're Looking For
- A Master’s degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, or chemical engineering with a PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, or related field.
- Very strong knowledge in rheology, polymers in solution and at interfaces; expertise in mechanisms in complex fluids: self-assembly, adsorption/desorption, network formation and percolation, shear-induced structuration, imbibition phenomena in porous media.
- Proficiency with analytical techniques: QCM-D, SAXS, DLS, zeta potential, LUMiSizer, XPS, IGC, surface tension.
- General chemical engineering knowledge; excellent problem-solving, written and oral communication, and presentation skills; ability to propose new ideas; proactive, collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset; ability to manage multiple topics.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: €50,000–€62,500 per year (base). Actual compensation determined by skills, experience and internal equity.
- 16 weeks or more of maternity, paternity, and co-parenting leave, depending on local regulations.
- A learning platform available to all employees.
- Exposure to different functions and stakeholders, including business and production teams.
- A collaborative group where science plays a central role and mutual support is valued.