General Information

Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. Our purpose—we bond people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress—is a call to go beyond, to reinvent future forms of progress and create sustainable shared value for all through the power of science. In a world facing an ever-growing population and quest for resources, we aim to be the driving force triggering the next breakthroughs to enable humanity to advance while protecting the planet we all share.

We bond with customers and partners to address today and tomorrow’s megatrends. As a global leader in Materials, Chemicals and Solutions, Solvay brings advancements in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, water and air treatment, to solve critical industrial, social and environmental challenges. You can count on our innovative solutions to contribute to safer, cleaner and more sustainable future.

The Research & Innovation function (R&I) leads Solvay into new growth territories with breakthrough innovation to generate new products, applications and processes in the field of sustainable chemistry. Partners with the GBUs to deliver more value and leverages the Group’s capabilities to improve competitiveness and create new business opportunities for Solvay and its customers.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

The Research Scientist - Computational Chemistry is responsible for investigating the chemical reactivity of ionomer materials in membranes and in electrodes. The relevant oxidation and degradation reaction mechanisms of the polymers are the key knowledge to be acquired. The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team dedicated to the development of eco-efficient products and processes, in collaboration with internal groups and external research institutions. The key missions include:

• Work in the Research and Innovation Center in Shanghai for Solvay/CNRS Joint Lab – Eco-Efficient Products and Processes Laboratory (E2P2L)
• Plan, perform, analyze, and document calculations for the study of chemical reactivity and interfaces, also in collaboration with internal and external partners
• Build project files with the most up-to-date literature and ensure the update of such files during the lifetime of the projects
• Supervise the work of interns and coordinate collaborations with external research institutions
• Identify and promote the added value of modeling for R&D projects and propose corresponding modeling approaches, using their quantum and physical chemistry skills

Education and Experience

• Doctorate or postdoctorate in science, applied to computational modeling of reactivity by means of DFT or Post-HF methods, including multiconfigurational methods
• At least 2 years of relevant working experience

Skills

• Expertise in reactivity kinetics study applied to polymerization, degradation, radical or nucleophilic/electrophilic reactions
• Expertise in the prediction of thermodynamic stability of molecules and polymer materials (Redox stability), including the environmental effects (dielectric medium, QM/MM…)
• Expertise with homogeneous medium reactions is a must
• Expertise with heterogeneous reaction modeling and interfacial reactions is a plus
• Knowledge of standard software for these methods, either commercial or open-source with a preference for open-source solutions, and the capability to parameterize these methods.
• Critical thinking and strongly problem-oriented work style
• Excellent ability to work in a team and communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Fluent in English (both written and spoken)

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 16 weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave
• Training platform for all employees
• Free language courses (24 languages available)
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)
• Hybrid

Location

• City: Shanghai
• Country: China
• Region: Asia Pacific

About Us

After 50 years, we are going back to the Moon... Solvay Materials are making it possible once again for Humans to return to the Moon. Check here our Artemis missions with NASA: we will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon.

Solvay’s purpose is to bond people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. We can only fulfill this purpose with a diverse workforce that feels respected and appreciated, and has equal opportunities to work, grow and thrive. Our differences, visible or not, are valued. As Solvay seeks to promote unity and not uniformity, we invite you - regardless of background, age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity - to consider a future with us.

Interested candidates are encouraged to send his/her resume with all publications and professional experiences to changru.ma AT solvay.com.