PhD Leadership Development Program (LDP) - Class of 2025

Leadership Development Program (LDP) – PhD, Class of 2025

The world needs solutions, and we need you!

At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation.

We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment with a strong emphasis on process safety and the safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate. We are always working to form the best team—especially from within, through an emphasis on lifelong learning and career development.

At BASF, we are committed to creating an exceptional workplace that values diversity and prioritizes our employees' well-being and development. Our dedication has been recognized through various awards and accolades. In 2024, BASF received Business Group on Health’s Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Well-being award and ranked on the Top 50 Employers list by the readers of Minority Engineer Magazine. Fair360 (formerly Diversity Inc) also ranked us 22 on their Top 50 Companies List, and we were named one of America's Best Large Employers by Forbes and Statista. For the 10th consecutive year, we are proud to have achieved a top score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, earning the 2023-2024 “Equality 100 Award" as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.

Come join us on our journey to create innovative solutions for a sustainable future!

Where the Chemistry Happens…

BASF's Leadership Development Programs (LDPs) were created to provide highly motivated, leadership oriented, mobile-minded graduate students an opportunity to enhance their professional skills through a variety of diverse learning experiences. Participants will contribute to real-world rotational assignments within different domestic locations. They will explore a range of dynamic career options, each of which offers the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to BASF’s business and customers. In addition to expanding their knowledge and skill sets, participants will gain valuable insight into their own capabilities, strengths, and passions. Our program also provides an immersive introduction to BASF's culture and values, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to excel in their future roles.

Program Summary:

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO CANDIDATES RECEIVING A PhD DEGREE OR COMPLETING THEIR FIRST OR SECOND YEAR OF THEIR FIRST POST DOC POSITION BETWEEN MAY 2024 AND AUGUST 2025. CANDIDATES MUST HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED THEIR THESIS PRIOR TO AUGUST 2025.

• Our 24-month cross-functional program offers participants three eight-month assignments, providing exposure to diverse technologies and exciting career opportunities at BASF, while honing their skills and equipping them with a well-rounded perspective on our industry.
• Participant mobility is crucial for this program as assignments will take place in various locations throughout the U.S., with each assignment being based in a different location to support a distinct business unit.
• The program’s first assignment will leverage participants’ scientific capabilities and be housed at one of our Research, Development, and Technical hubs, ensuring that participants gain a strong technical foundation to build on in future assignments.
• Upon completion of the rotational program, participants may be offered opportunities in research, development, or applications in the following: materials, organic chemicals, polymers, agro-chemicals, biotechnology, ecology, and quality improvement, production/process support, innovation, and technical business functions.
• Available start dates are June and August of 2025

Create Your Own Chemistry: What We Offer You…

Adding value to our customers begins with adding value to you. You@BASF is the suite of benefits, perks, programs and unique opportunities we offer to support you—the whole you—in all stages of your life and career. With you@BASF, you create your own chemistry.

The total rewards that you receive as a BASF employee go way beyond a paycheck. From competitive health and insurance plans, to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, to making sure you never stop learning, we believe investing in you is investing in our success. Working for a large, global organization, you’ll have a chance to grow professionally and personally, expand your network and build a rewarding and dynamic career.

• Enhanced career and leadership development, and value delivery to BASF through planned assignments
• Development of your technical expertise and the ability to network with upper level management throughout BASF
• A comprehensive program of employee benefits, including flexible work arrangements, and a competitive retirement savings plan 

To learn more about our programs, visit: www.basf.com/universitycareers.

Formula for Success...

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biosciences, Material Science, or Polymer Science

• PhD Graduation dates: May 2024 - August 2025 (MUST successfully defend prior to August 2025) OR completing 1st or 2nd year of first post-doctorate position

• Authorization to work in the U.S. without restrictions or need for future sponsorship

• Commitment to relocate anywhere in the U.S. during and upon placement from the program. All assignments are in-person/hybrid.  

• Demonstrated previous leadership experience & academic achievement  

• On-campus involvement during graduate studies, such as clubs, organizations, conferences, etc.

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 myhr@basf.com to report fraud.

Pay Transparency

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive annual base compensation for this role is $115,000. Sign-on bonuses will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

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.