Chemist & R&D Engineer

Listgrove Ltd

Bordeaux

On-site

EUR 60,000 - 90,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Listgrove’s client seeks an exceptionally skilled Organic Chemist or R&D Engineer (polymers) to join the R&D team in Bordeaux. You will design and execute organic syntheses, monomer design, and polymerization studies, turning laboratory routes into robust, documented processes.

Collaborate with chemists, polymer scientists, technicians and ML colleagues to advance materials discovery, optimize reactions, mentor staff, and drive DoE campaigns while maintaining safety and compliance.

Qualifications

Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a related discipline.
Master’s degree in Chemistry.
Diplôme d’ingénieur from a French chemistry engineering school.
Industrial experience is mandatory.
With a Ph.D.: at least 3 years of post-PhD experience in chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry or process development.
With a Master’s degree or a Diplôme d’ingénieur: at least 5 years of hands-on experience in chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry or process development.
Proven experience leading R&D projects and optimizing synthetic processes.
Strong practical background in air‑sensitive techniques, multi‑step organic synthesis, purification methods and reaction setup.
Hands‑on experience in small molecule purification and characterization.
Experience in polymers, including polymerization and polymer characterization (e.g., SEC, DSC, TGA), is a strong asset.
Solid grounding in reaction mechanisms, kinetics, functional group transformations, retrosynthetic analysis and modern synthetic methodologies.
Practical expertise in core analytical techniques for organic molecules (e.g., 1D/2D NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR).
Solid knowledge of polymerization processes and of the links between process conditions, material structure and properties.
Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques (e.g., SEC, FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, rheology).
Working knowledge of statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DoE) principles applied to chemical synthesis.
Deep understanding of standard chemical hazards, reactive chemical handling, process safety, PPE, hazard communication, and solvent/chemical waste management.

Responsibilities

Design and execute multi-step organic syntheses (including purification and isolation) of monomers, intermediates and functional molecules, with a high degree of autonomy.
Lead reaction and process optimization: propose new or improved synthetic routes and define critical process parameters to improve yield, purity, quality, reproducibility and robustness.
Design and optimize polymer synthesis and formulation processes, and contribute to polymerization and post-polymerization functionalization work.
Plan and lead experimental campaigns, applying Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical tools.
Prepare chemical intermediates, track project milestones, and maintain detailed records of daily reaction conditions, yields and protocols.
Analyze experimental data, interpret spectroscopic and chromatographic results, and adjust reaction parameters accordingly.
Train, guide and mentor technicians and junior team members on synthetic procedures and good laboratory practice.
Prepare clear technical reports and present synthetic and project progress during internal team reviews.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer chemistry

R&D engineering

Process development

DoE

Data collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Master’s in Chemistry

Diplôme d’ingénieur

Tools

HPLC/LC-MS

NMR

GC-MS

Schlenk lines

GPC/SEC

In-line analytics

Job description

Organic Chemist or R&D Engineer, Polymer Chemistry

Full Time, Bordeaux

Job ref: AZ /65284

Bringing chemistry and AI together to revolutionize polymer discovery

Listgrove’s client is a pioneering startup that revolutionizes the discovery and synthesis of novel polymer materials, by merging a patented, innovative process to synthesize polymers with cutting-edge AI algorithms. Accelerating their development will enable groundbreaking innovations and support sustainable development.

Work Environment

Meaningful work: Tackle complex challenges at the forefront of chemistry and artificial intelligence.

Cutting-edge technology: Be at the center of a revolutionary platform, shaping the future of materials.

Collaborative environment: Work alongside talented and passionate colleagues who share your drive for innovation.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptionally skilled, hands on industrial experienced, Organic Chemist or an experienced R&D Engineer with experience in polymers to join the R&D team and drive innovation in the development of advanced materials.

Role overview

You will focus on organic synthesis, monomer and building-block design, small-molecule reaction optimization, polymer synthesis and functionalization, and molecular structure elucidation.

Working closely with a team of skilled chemists, polymer scientists, technicians and machine learning colleagues, you will independently design and run chemical reactions and experiments to support R&D initiatives, develop novel functional molecules, and turn laboratory routes into reproducible, well-documented processes. You will also guide technicians on synthetic methods and lead defined sub-projects.

Responsibilities

Research and Development Execution

Design and execute multi-step organic syntheses (including purification and isolation) of monomers, intermediates and functional molecules, with a high degree of autonomy.

Lead reaction and process optimization: propose new or improved synthetic routes and define critical process parameters to improve yield, purity, quality, reproducibility and robustness.

Design and optimize polymer synthesis and formulation processes (reaction conditions, kinetics, work-up, purification and isolation), and contribute to polymerization and post-polymerization functionalization work.

Plan and lead experimental campaigns, applying Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical tools.

Prepare chemical intermediates, track project milestones, and maintain detailed, precise records of daily reaction conditions, yields and protocols, building reproducible process protocols.

Analyze experimental data, interpret spectroscopic and chromatographic results, and adjust reaction parameters accordingly.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Work alongside chemists, material scientists and laboratory technicians to support smooth process development and technology transfer.

Coordinate with data and machine learning colleagues so that process data feeds AI platform.

Train, guide and mentor technicians and junior team members on synthetic procedures and good laboratory practice.

Participate in cross-functional meetings to define product specifications, target purity profiles and reaction specifications.

Prepare clear technical reports and present synthetic and project progress during internal team reviews.

Compliance and Safety Adherence

Lead process safety assessments (e.g., hazard identification, exotherm and thermal stability review) for new reactions and procedures.

Strictly adhere to laboratory safety regulations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and relevant chemical safety protocols (e.g., REACH, CLP, OSHA).

Assist in maintaining chemical inventory, managing solvent waste streams, maintaining safety documentation, updating risk assessments, and compiling data for Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment, reporting equipment or safety concerns proactively.

Continuous Learning and Process Enhancement

Stay informed on current organic and polymer chemistry literature, reaction methodologies, synthetic strategies, purification technologies, industry standards and emerging technologies.

Troubleshoot synthetic routes, reaction setups and purification procedures (e.g., column chromatography, crystallization), and evaluate new equipment, reactor technologies and in-line analytics.

Evaluate alternative synthetic pathways, safer reagents and green chemistry principles.

Qualifications

Education (one of the following):

Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a related discipline.

Master’s degree in Chemistry.

Diplôme d’ingénieur from a French chemistry engineering school.

Experience:

Industrial experience is mandatory.

With a Ph.D.: at least 3 years of post-PhD experience (postdoctoral and/or industrial) in chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry or process development.

With a Master’s degree or a Diplôme d’ingénieur: at least 5 years of hands‑on experience in chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry or process development.

Proven experience leading R&D projects and optimizing synthetic processes.

Strong practical background in air‑sensitive techniques, multi‑step organic synthesis, purification methods and reaction setup.

Hands‑on experience in small molecule purification and characterization.

Experience in polymers, including polymerization and polymer characterization (e.g., SEC, DSC, TGA), is a strong asset.

Technical Knowledge

Solid grounding in reaction mechanisms, kinetics, functional group transformations, retrosynthetic analysis and modern synthetic methodologies.

Practical expertise in core analytical techniques for organic molecules (e.g., 1D/2D NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR).

Solid knowledge of polymerization processes and of the links between process conditions, material structure and properties.

Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques (e.g., SEC, FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, rheology).

Working knowledge of statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DoE) principles applied to chemical synthesis.

Regulatory and Safety Awareness

Deep understanding of standard chemical hazards, reactive chemical handling, process safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, and solvent/chemical waste management.

Skills

Scientific and Technical Skills

Ability to design and execute complex synthetic procedures and experiments precisely, record data methodically, and draw logical conclusions from results.

Proficiency in operating standard organic lab equipment and analytical instruments (e.g., rotary evaporators, automated chromatography systems, glove boxes/Schlenk lines, laboratory reactors, HPLC/LC-MS).

Competence in chemical drawing and data analysis software (e.g., ChemDraw, Mestrelab/MNova, Excel, Origin, Python or statistical software).

Task Management and Execution

Strong organizational habits with the ability to manage several projects and priorities in parallel.

Ability to take full ownership of projects and deliver within established deadlines.

Communication and Interpersonal

Clear verbal and written communication skills in English (French proficiency is a plus).

Strong active listening skills and an open mindset when receiving technical feedback.

Ability to collaborate productively within a multi-disciplinary team environment.

High level of curiosity, adaptability and self‑motivation in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Compensation and benefits

Base salary and annual bonus based on performance

Healthcare (mutuelle)

Location

Mérignac (Bordeaux Métropole)

Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is located. Evidence of the right to work may be required during the recruitment process

For reasons of readability, gender-specific language has been simplified. All references to individuals apply equally to people of all genders.

Why select Listgrove?