Senior Scientist I, Agrochemical Additives Development, Southfield, MI or Cincinnati, OH

Location: Southfield, MI or Cincinnati, OH

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to join our EM team.

Where the chemistry happens...

As the leading global chemical supplier for the personal care, home care, industrial and institutional cleaning industries, and technical applications in the agrochemical industry, BASF Care Chemicals is focused on partnering with customers to create innovative solutions with great speed and agility to meet the current and future needs of society in a more sustainable way. We are proud to contribute to the long-term success of our customers’ brands by offering a broad range of products and concepts such as common household items, like cosmetics, detergents and cleaners, as well as industrial products and processes like crop protection, rubber belts, hoses, concrete, and metal plating.

At Care Chemicals, we not only care about supporting our customers and achieving strong business results; we care about our team members. We aim to create a motivating, inspiring and inclusive work environment where all team members feel supported, heard and developed. Being part of our team means showing up every day to work collaboratively across functions to win for the overall success of the team. We value bringing diverse perspectives and backgrounds together to stretch our teams to think differently, have the courage to speak up and challenge the status quo, and problem solve for the greater good of our customers and society.

We as the Care Chemicals division of BASF carry the passion to care in our DNA: we care for our customers, consumers, employees, society and our planet. Come, be a part of our team and create Care Chemicals with us.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Scientist I to join our Global New Product Development and Innovation team. As a Senior Scientist I, you will lead and contribute to the creation and development of novel agrochemical additives and adjuvants. You will be responsible for managing diverse projects through the innovation chain process, from ideation to commercialization, while closely collaborating with cross-functional teams. Your established expertise, particularly in the area of surfactants, polymers, solvents, and agricultural formulation types such as emulsion concentrates, suspension concentrates, soluble liquids and dry formulations, will be instrumental in driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions. The ability to adapt and support the dynamic and evolving needs of Industrial Formulators is essential, as is the ability to work independently, apply problem-solving skills, and create cutting-edge solutions.

• Lead and contribute to the development and innovation of agrochemical additives and adjuvants to enhance crop protection, nutrient management, and yield optimization.
• Manage diverse projects through the innovation chain process, from ideation to commercialization, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timelines.
• Utilize your expertise in surfactants, polymers, solvents, and formulation types (e.g., EC, SC, SL, SE, WP, etc) to design and optimize product formulations and demonstrate their impact on physical and biological performance and stability.
• Independently design and execute scientific experiments, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to propose innovative solutions, overcome technical challenges, and optimize product performance.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, drawing scientifically sound conclusions, and effectively communicating findings to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including Research & Development, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, and Manufacturing, to drive product development strategies and achieve project milestones.
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory changes in the field of agrochemical additives and adjuvants, providing guidance and recommendations to internal teams.
• Flexibly adapt and support the dynamic and evolving needs of BASF’s Industrial Formulators development group, providing technical support and expertise to other market segments where needed (i.e., beyond AgChem).
• Mentor and provide scientific guidance to junior scientists and research associates, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Contribute to the generation of intellectual property through the preparation and submission of patents, technical reports, and scientific publications.
• Represent the company at customers, scientific conferences, industry events, and regulatory meetings, establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.

• Preferably a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or other related technical fields with minimum 2 years of experience or a Master’s Degree with minimum 5 years of experience. 
• Have proven experience with innovation management and track record of success in new product development and launch for agrochemical additives and adjuvants, while adhering to strategic goals and timelines.
• Have strong project management skills, with the ability to effectively lead and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Possess working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiments and statistical tools to manage complexity, drive efficiency, and optimize resources.
• Consider you have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.