Senior Scientist - Advanced Physical Chemistry

Job title: Senior Scientist - Advanced Physical Chemistry

About the Role Join Syensqo's Advanced Physical Chemistry team at the Lyon Research and Innovation Center. The role strengthens the laboratory's expertise in polymer science in solution, dispersed media, polymer/solid/liquid interfaces, rheology and surface chemistry, linking structure, processing and application properties. It contributes to three strategic growth areas: understanding product action in customer applications, accelerated screening of molecules/formulations and polymer architectures, and developing application tests to assess performance. You will work at the interface between polymer chemistry, colloid physical chemistry, interface characterization and formulation processes, using a broad range of analytical techniques and robust experiments. You will also contribute to the digital transformation of Syensqo R&I by structuring data at the source and supporting integration of AI, ML and automation into laboratory projects.

What You'll Do

• Bring advanced expertise in the physical chemistry of polymers, polymers in solution, suspensions, colloids and interfaces to elucidate mechanisms of performance.
• Design, propose and carry out innovative experimental programs from hypothesis to laboratory-scale validation.
• Generate high-quality data and structure it in ELN, LIMS and databases; analyze with Matlab or Python.
• Integrate modeling, data analysis and AI approaches to accelerate understanding or product development.
• Lead multidisciplinary industrial R&D projects, coordinate workstreams, and translate results into actionable recommendations.
• Lead a project team: manage priorities, plan activities, monitor deliverables and develop strategic skills.
• Identify intellectual property potential and contribute to patent applications if appropriate.
• Apply good laboratory practices and comply with health and safety rules; supervise staff if needed.

What We're Looking For

• Master’s degree in chemistry, physical chemistry or chemical engineering; PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science or related field.
• Very strong knowledge in rheology, polymers in solution and at interfaces; mechanisms in complex fluids (self-assembly, adsorption/desorption, network formation, percolation, shear-induced structuration, imbibition in porous media).
• Strong expertise in analytical techniques for physical chemistry (QCM-D, SAXS, DLS, zeta potential, LUMiSizer, XPS, IGC, surface tension, etc.).
• General knowledge of chemical engineering principles. Excellent problem-solving, diagnostic, written and oral communication and presentation skills. Proactive, collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset with flexibility and ability to manage several topics in parallel; strong motivation and ability to learn independently.

Nice to Have

• Experience with data-driven lab workflows, AI/ML, and automation; ability to drive digital transformation in R&I projects.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base annual salary in France between €50,000 and €62,500.
• 16 weeks or more of maternity, paternity and co-parenting leave (depending on local regulations).
• Learning platform available to all employees; free language courses (24 languages); free wellbeing sessions addressing physical and psychological wellbeing.