Research Scientist

Sotalent; Stein; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Modern laboratory facilities

International working environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Sotalent, based in Stein, Switzerland, seeks a Synthetic Organic Chemist for a 12-month temporary assignment on-site. The role focuses on practical synthesis, reaction optimisation and compound characterisation in a research lab serving the global agribusiness sector.

You will use laboratory automation and high-throughput systems to develop and optimise chemical processes, perform experiments independently, and maintain thorough documentation under safety and environmental guidelines.

Qualifications

• MSc in Chemistry or equivalent practical training with synthesis experience.
• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction optimisation.
• Proficiency with purification and characterisation (LC-MS, GC, NMR).
• Hands-on automation and high-throughput experimentation experience.
• Familiarity with dispensing systems and glovebox operation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct synthetic organic chemistry experiments and optimise reaction conditions.
• Characterise target compounds using LC-MS, GC and NMR.
• Operate automated synthesis workflows and parallel synthesis equipment.
• Perform high-throughput reaction optimisation and data collection.
• Complete risk assessments and ensure health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Document procedures, results and data for reproducibility.

Skills

Synthesis expertise

Laboratory automation

High-throughput testing

LC-MS/GC/NMR

Data analysis tools

Independent working

Education

MSc in Chemistry

Lab technician training (Laborant)

Tools

MassLynx

TargetLynx

Spectrus

Virscidian

Job description

Work Arrangement: On-site, 100%

Contract: Temporary assignment, minimum 12 months

Job Overview

A Synthetic Organic Chemist is required to conduct practical organic synthesis, reaction optimisation and compound characterisation within a research laboratory supporting the global agribusiness industry.

The role involves using laboratory automation and high-throughput experimentation systems to develop and optimise chemical synthesis processes. You will independently perform experiments, analyse results and maintain accurate research documentation while following established health, safety and environmental procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct synthetic organic chemistry experiments using a range of synthesis, purification and characterisation techniques.
• Characterise target compounds using appropriate analytical methods.
• Operate automated synthesis workflows, including liquid and solid dispensing, parallel synthesis, analytical and purification systems.
• Perform high-throughput reaction optimisation using laboratory automation equipment.
• Complete and review laboratory risk assessments in line with health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Document experimental procedures, results and research data accurately to ensure reproducibility.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory productivity, data quality and record-keeping.
• Communicate research progress and findings through written reports and presentations.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows and experimental processes.

Requirements

• MSc in Chemistry, or vocational chemistry training (Laborant) with demonstrated practical experience in synthesis and laboratory automation.
• Practical expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction optimisation.
• Experience with purification and characterisation techniques, including LC-MS, GC and NMR.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput experimentation.
• Familiarity with liquid and/or solid dispensing systems and glovebox operation.
• Experience using analytical and data analysis software such as MassLynx, TargetLynx, Spectrus or Virscidian.
• Strong understanding of organic reaction mechanisms and functional-group transformations.
• Excellent practical problem-solving, planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver results under time pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Important eligibility requirement: PhD holders are not suitable for this position and will not be considered.

• Modern laboratory and workplace facilities.
• International working environment.
• Further education and professional development opportunities.