Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. We innovate and partner with customers in diverse global end markets. 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. It 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.

Vacancy description

For our Research & Innovation center in Shanghai, we are looking for a Research Scientist Computational Chemistry to investigate chemical and physical properties of materials, such as chemical processes occurring at solid / liquid / gas interfaces, adsorption phenomena on porous and non-porous materials, reactivity of polymers, high-throughput modeling of organic reactions, and (catalytic) reaction mechanisms. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team dedicated to the development of eco-efficient products and processes, in collaboration with internal teams and external research institutions.

Key missions

• Work in the Research and Innovation Center Shanghai for Solvay/CNRS Joint Lab – Eco-Efficient Products and Processes Laboratory (E2P2L), UMI 3464.
• 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 updates 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 his / her quantum and physical chemistry skills.

Profile

• Doctorate or postdoctorate in computational chemistry, physics, materials science or a related discipline.
• Strong track record in applying quantum-chemical (DFT or wavefunction-based) and force-field based methods to the study of chemical reactivity, adsorption phenomena, and related properties.
• Experience with one or more additional techniques, such as machine learning, QSPR approaches, modeling of electrochemical phenomena, solvents effects, modeling of kinetics and thermodynamics.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (Python, Perl, bash …) is not mandatory, but considered a plus.
• Critical thinking and strongly problem-oriented work style.
• Good ability to work in a team and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.