Laboratory Technician R&D Operations

Omya International AG; Egerkingen; On-site; CHF 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Omya International AG in Switzerland invites applicants for a laboratory-oriented role focused on chemical and physical modification of mineral powders. You will operate pilot-scale equipment, perform material characterisation, and report results, while supporting cross-functional projects.

The position requires lab experience, chemistry knowledge, and fluent German/English, with a collaborative, proactive mindset and a commitment to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Technical studies in chemistry or natural science are required.
• Experience working in a laboratory.
• German and English language proficiency.
• Good lab and organizational skills.
• Willingness to operate pilot-scale equipment.
• Fundamental knowledge in inorganic and organic chemistry.
• Excellent computer and software skills in Word and Excel.
• Motivation by lab work and practical experimentation.
• Excellent team spirit and collaboration skills.
• Proactive, motivated, target-oriented and multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Chemical and physical modifications of mineral powders, e.g. grinding, precipitation, granulation.
• Work with dispersants, grinding aids, rheology modifiers in processes like wet/dry grinding, surface modification, slurry dewatering, spray drying, stabilization.
• Pilot-scale equipment operation (ball mill, glass furnace).
• Characterize materials using appropriate analytical methods.
• Test, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment; document results.
• Support scientists and engineers on interdisciplinary projects.
• Collaborate with team members and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain safety, quality standards and operating protocols.

Skills

Good lab skills

Organizational skills

Word and Excel proficiency

Team spirit and collaboration

Proactive and target-oriented

Motivation for lab work

ISO experience

Multidisciplinary project experience

Education

Technical studies (apprenticeship or similar) in chemistry or natural science

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Chemical and physical modifications of mineral powders, i.e. grinding, precipitation, granulation.


• Work with dispersants, grinding aids, rheology modifiers in processes such as wet grinding, dry grinding, surface modification, slurry dewatering, spray drying, slurry stabilization.


• Work with pilot-scale equipment such as ball mill and glass furnace.


• Material characterization via the appropriate analytical technique.


• Test, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.


• Accurately document and report experimental results in a clear and timely manner.


• Support of scientists and engineers for various interdisciplinary research projects.


• Collaborate effectively with team members and actively contribute to departmental and cross-functional activities.


• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety procedures, quality standards, and established operating protocols.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Technical studies (apprenticeship or similar technical degree) in the field of chemistry or other fields of natural science.


• Experience working in a laboratory.


• Good command of German and English.


• Good lab and organizational skills.


• Willingness to operate pilot-scale equipment.


• Fundamental knowledge in inorganic and organic chemistry.


• Excellent computer and software skills in Word and Excel.


• Motivated by lab work and practical experimentation.


• Excellent team spirit and collaboration skills.


• Proactive, motivated, target-oriented and willing to work on multidisciplinary projects.


• Experience in an ISO-certified environment.

Omya is a leading global producer of industrial minerals and a worldwide distributor of specialty materials. Our company was founded 140 years ago and remains a privately-owned, independent company headquartered in Switzerland but with offices and plants in more than 50 countries. When you join Omya, you become part of a global team that uses its creativity, expertise and experience to make a difference to people's lives. Thinking of Tomorrow means focusing on the challenges of the future and how we can develop mineral products to solve them. This is a collaborative environment where people work towards common goals, with a common purpose Our purpose, combined with our values of modesty, courtesy, integrity and perseverance, is the foundation of our business. Our values are relevant to our lives, not just our work. All Omya employees, partners and suppliers are bound by a Code of Conduct which reflects our values and guides our behavior.