Synthetic Chemist - Light Cure

Position Overview

Henkel seeks an inventive and motivated Chemist or Materials Scientist to join our R&D team focusing on developing advanced light-cure materials and technologies. The successful candidate will spearhead research initiatives from initial concept to technical verification, creating novel polymers and functional materials with distinct performance advantages. Key responsibilities involve exploring structure-property dynamics, refining chemical processes, assessing product efficacy, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to successfully commercialize new technologies. This role presents an exciting challenge for a scientist dedicated to innovation, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of advanced material science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and evaluate new oligomers and functional substances tailored for light-cure applications.
• Develop novel synthetic methods and chemical processes to enable cutting-edge technologies with superior capabilities.
• Analyze structure-property relationships to steer material design and product innovation effectively.
• Lead polymer synthesis experiments, reaction optimization, scale-up assessments, and performance testing.
• Manage product analysis and testing workflows while maintaining comprehensive documentation within Henkel's systems.
• Interpret experimental results with critical scientific reasoning and recommend subsequent research steps.
• Identify promising opportunities for new product developments and performance improvements aligned with strategic goals.
• Lead pivotal R&D projects from ideation through technical validation phases.
• Contribute intellectual property through patent applications, publications, and innovative technological developments.
• Establish and nurture collaborative relationships with academia, suppliers, research centers, and other external partners.
• Present scientific findings both internally and externally, representing Henkel in scientific forums.
• Disseminate technical knowledge throughout the company and assist project teams in resolving complex chemistry and materials challenges.
• Communicate technical data and feedback effectively to promote customer-driven innovation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry or polymer synthesis.
• Proficiency in designing and executing multi-step syntheses and innovating new chemical materials.
• Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques and understanding of structure-property relationships.
• Experience or knowledge in UV/light-cure materials, photopolymers, adhesives, coatings, or related sectors is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage scientific projects and multiple research endeavors.
• Track record of generating intellectual property, patents, scientific papers, or technical disclosures is advantageous.
• Exceptional communication and teamwork skills.

Employee Benefits

• Opportunities for diverse international growth and development.
• Comprehensive global wellbeing programs including health and preventive care.
• Gender-neutral parental leave policy providing at least 8 weeks of leave.
• Employee Share Plan offering voluntary investment options with company matching shares.
• Performance bonuses and incentive schemes.
• Competitive pension and life assurance benefits, including company contributions up to 10% of basic salary.
• Comprehensive private medical insurance through VHI.
• Flexi-time working policy to support work-life balance.

Henkel's Commitment

We value the diversity of our workforce, embracing differences in backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Every employee's unique contributions are considered a core strength of our company. We encourage applicants from all genders, ethnic origins, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, and generational groups to become part of our inclusive team.