📍 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.