📍 Breukelen, the Netherlands (hybrid)
🌍 Global role | No travel required
🧪 Innovation & R&D | Cleaning & Hygiene Solutions
We are looking for a highly motivated Innovation Scientist – Chemistry to join our global Innovation team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of developing and validating new technologies for cleaning and hygiene applications, with a strong focus on sustainable innovation. You will work on early-stage projects—assessing ideas, building proof-of-principle, and helping bring the most promising technologies into our innovation pipeline.
You will be based in Breukelen, the Netherlands, working closely with a small local team and a broader international team based in Fort Mill, USA. Collaboration, curiosity, and creativity are key to success in this dynamic and open-minded group.
We are seeking someone with a passion for innovation and strong formulation or applied chemistry skills—ready to explore, test, and help shape the future of cleaning and hygiene solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the chemistry aspect of early innovation projects—from ideation to proof-of-principle;
- Evaluate and assess new technologies (internal or external) for use in cleaning and hygiene products;
- Contribute to the development of new, sustainable formulations, in line with market needs and regulatory requirements;
- Translate customer or market problems into technical solutions through creative exploration;
- Participate in brainstorming, idea generation, and innovation workshops;
- Work with the Open Innovation Lead to identify and assess external technologies and partnerships;
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in chemistry, microbiology, and marketing to bring forward the most promising ideas;
- Communicate results clearly through reports and presentations to internal stakeholders;
- Stay current with emerging technologies, competitive products, and industry developments;
- Build internal and external networks with innovation, R&D, and technical experts.
Who You Are
- MSc or PhD in Chemistry or related scientific field;
- 5+ years of experience in product formulation, applied chemistry or R&D (experience in cleaning & hygiene industry is a strong plus);
- Demonstrated ability to develop and test formulations—preferably including performance and efficacy testing;
- Strong problem-solving mindset and curiosity-driven approach to innovation;
- Able to multitask and work on multiple early-stage projects without needing to bring everything to final completion yourself;
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively—you will work closely with a local team and connect daily with international colleagues;
- A strong self-starter who is eager to take initiative and move ideas forward;
- Fluent in English; Dutch is not required.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a global innovation team working across Europe and the US;
- Collaborate with passionate colleagues in chemistry, microbiology, marketing, and R&D;
- Contribute to meaningful innovations that promote sustainability and hygiene across industries;
- Enjoy a flexible, hybrid work environment based in Breukelen (NL);
- Opportunity to grow into innovation leadership or customer-facing technical roles;
- A warm, collaborative culture that values open discussion, knowledge sharing, and creative exploration.
About Solenis
Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including pulp, paper, oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power, and municipal markets. On July 5, 2023, Solenis completed the acquisition of Diversey, a leading provider of hygiene, infection prevention, and cleaning products in the healthcare and food & beverage markets. Together, we are a unified global organization offering expanded offerings and capabilities to better serve our customers.
Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the combined company has a workforce of more than 15,000 employees across 130 countries. Our diverse team is united by a common purpose: to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world.
