Now hiring! Microbiology Analytical Senior Scientist

Charlotte, NC  (Onsite)

Come create chemistry with us!

This job is designed to lead product preservation efforts and expand microbiology and product preservation capabilities supporting a diverse portfolio of water-based formulations and materials. This role combines hands-on laboratory expertise with scientific leadership, applying microbiology, analytical chemistry, polymer characterization and data-driven problem solving to support product development, manufacturing, quality improvement, and customer success. 

The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert for microbiology and preservation science, analytical & polymer science and working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Service, and external partners to investigate complex challenges, improve testing capabilities, and develop practical solutions that enhance product performance, sustainability and reliability. 

As a Microbiology Analytical Senior Scientist, you create chemistry by...

• Develop, optimize, and perform day‑to‑day microbiology, polymer characterization, and analytical testing to support product development, manufacturing, QA, and customer investigations. 
• Lead and execute projects using microbiological methods (sample collection/isolation, culturing, gram staining, imaging, sequencing, challenge tests, etc.) and analytical/polymer techniques (redox/pH, GC, LC, MS, thermal analysis, DMA, rheometer, SEM, etc.) to diagnose issues and drive solutions. 
• Evaluate and implement new testing technologies, instrumentation, and laboratory capabilities that strengthen product preservation, analytical and polymer science.  
• Design, execute, and interpret microbiological, biocide efficacy, and analytical and polymeric studies to evaluate product performance, stability, and preservation effectiveness.   
• Investigate product quality issues which may result from preservation failures or non-microbial contamination events, providing scientifically sound recommendations and corrective actions.  
• Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, laboratory standards, and technical documentation that support consistent execution across laboratories and manufacturing sites.  
• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Service, Supply Chain, and external laboratories to support business-critical projects and customer needs.  
• Combine results from several methods to fully explain problems and customer observations leveraging microbiology, biocide knowledge and chemical structure-property relationships to solve complex technical problems and identify root causes.  
• Drive digitalization and continuous improvement initiatives through data visualization, automation, database management, chemometrics and analytical reporting tools.  
• Communicate technical findings, conclusions, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.  
• Support laboratory safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and governance requirements while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and operational excellence. 

If you have...

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Polymer Science, Analytical Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering, Data Science or related field. MS, PhD in relevant field preferred. 

Minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial or academic experience in a laboratory and scientific environment.  

Ability to develop analytical, polymer, microbiology testing methods based on standards and literature references to enhance and expand capabilities of the lab and solve complex problems. 

Knowledge and laboratory proficiency in the fields of microbiology and analytical science and other appropriate characterization methods and techniques are required for this lab role. 

Knowledge of dispersion polymer systems is a benefit to this role. 

Knowledge of analytical equipment such as GC, LC, MS, thermal analysis, DMA, rheometer, GPC, IR, UV/Vis, SEM, SEM-EDS or similar is a benefit to this role. 

Knowledge of LIMS, chemometrics, programing, database management is a benefit to this role. 

Demonstrated ability to combine pieces of information together to reach a conclusion that explains the information available. 

Ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders to interpret results and ask probing questions to assist in the analysis of samples to solve problems. 

Creative and curious with a high degree of motivation and personal responsibility 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

Highest standards of job safety, integrity, accuracy, reproducibility, and attention to detail 

Highly proficient in MS Office 

Ability to balance curiosity, depth of analysis, and speed will be critical towards success

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

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!

About us

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

Privacy statement

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 Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

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.