Job Overview and Responsibilities

This is to invite applications for a Post-doctoral Research assignment on a Breakthrough Innovation project within the Home and Personal Care group at Solvay Novecare, Research and Innovation Center, Bristol, PA. We are located near the PA and NJ border along the Delaware River and not far from the greater Philadelphia Metro area.

• Working in teams in formulation development and applications testing. Greater experience especially related to treatment or modification of surfaces and/or microbial control would be preferred. Demonstrated focus on objectives and achieving them through teamwork.

• Experience working in a research/laboratory environment with appreciation for safety while working with chemicals. Creative mindset with good observation skills, and ability to adapt formulations to meet application test targets.

• Presentation and communication skills.

Education and Experience

PhD related to the chemical, physical or biochemical sciences e.g. chemistry, physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, polymers science, microbiology or biochemistry

Skills

• The Post-doc will work with senior scientist at Solvay on novel base formulations development for long-lasting cleansing and/or disinfection of hard surfaces. This relates to design and evaluation performance of complex fluid mixtures and their efficacy as robust additives in final formulations, the mode of action understanding, the definition of scientific validation of concept developed. The work requires the preparation of compositions containing different types of biocides, specific surfactants (branched & linear, nonionic or ionic), co-solvents (bio-derived/ biodegradable/ non-toxic) and macromolecules (cationic, anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic, amphiphilic copolymers) and their solution structures for their ability to deliver and sequester antimicrobial actives to surfaces.

• The physico-chemical concepts and phase behavior of supramolecular assemblies of colloidal micelles and different polymer architectures will be explored while designing performance formulations. This may involve using solution characterization techniques, adsorption and film formation and test methods.

• Delivery systems such as sprays, flow coating tools, or wipes and performance parameters for providing the required film would be evaluated.

• The durability of adhesion of the supramolecular assembly constructs to surface will be evaluated by standardized application test methods such as abrasion testing, contact angle measurements, visualization through microscopic imaging. This would be validated by antimicrobial performance by the microbiology teams.

• The collaboration with Solvay Corporate labs

• The collaboration of external bodies as academics, start-ups and with our customers

Additional Information

The researcher will be responsible for formulation preparation and application testing of treated test substrates (polymeric, stainless steel or ceramic) for assay of cleaning performance, film appearance and disinfection efficacy by microbial challenge studies according to standardized EPA test protocols

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Solvay is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics .

Primary Location

: USA-Pennsylvania-Bristol, Pennsylvania