Main Functions
Lallemand is building one of the most ambitious bio‑based products platforms in Europe — a scalable, industrial‑grade alternative to petroleum‑based materials for various applicative industries. A specific project investigates solutions for bio‑polymers uses: it is a commercially driven program on a clear trajectory from lab‑scale formulation to industrial production.
We are recruiting an engineer who will own the critical interface between product chemistry and application reality — securing formulation robustness, generating the data that drives industrial decisions, and supporting the first customer deployments.
You take ownership of lab‑scale formulation development and application engineering. You build the structure–property relationships that convert promising chemistry into a robust, deployable product. You produce the technical data that makes industrial scaling credible and quality decisions defensible.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
* A rare combination of scientific depth and industrial impact
* Your work directly shapes the qualification of the first bio‑adhesive volumes delivered to market.
* You operate within a team of recognized experts across chemistry, industrialization and customer deployment.
* The scope will grow with the program — giving you the opportunity to shape your own level of responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Develop and optimize bio‑based materials formulations at lab scale (e.g., adhesive applications)
* Build structure–property–performance maps linking chemistry, microstructure and macroscopic behaviour.
* Drive robustness and variability studies on raw material batches and critical formulation parameters.
* Produce structured application data supporting customer trials, after‑sales technical support, and Go/No‑Go qualification decisions.
* Translate lab‑scale constraints into industrial language — viscosity, pot life, cure kinetics, cost — for the industrialization team.
* Manage your projects with discipline: timelines, resources, reporting, and structured data delivery.
* Contribute to sustainability positioning: LCA support, bio‑sourcing traceability, eco‑label compliance.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
* MSc or PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry or equivalent.
* Solid hands‑on formulation experience in aqueous or bio‑based adhesive/resin systems.
* Characterization proficiency: rheology, mechanical testing (hot press, bond strength), DSC, FTIR.
* Ability to connect physico‑chemical data to real application performance.
* DOE (Design Of Experiments) methodology and statistical analysis — structured experimental design.
* 5 to 10+ years of relevant experience in formulation R&D, ideally with industrial transfer exposure.
* English.
AN ASSET
* Knowledge of wood panel manufacturing (hot press, bonding conditions) is a meaningful plus.
* French and/or German.
PERSONAL ABILITIES
* Results‑oriented and pragmatic — you move from data to decision without losing scientific depth.
* Autonomous and self‑driven — you structure your own agenda and deliver with rigor.
* Comfortable in a fast‑moving, multi‑disciplinary team where priorities can shift.
* Natural communicator: you can brief a chemist, an industrialist, and a customer in three different registers.
GENERAL CRITERIA
* Available to visit production facilities.
* Valid work permit or residence permit for Switzerland.
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