Analytical Scientist: Biosurfactants, HPLC & Innovation

Startup Atlas; Belgique; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers

Additional leave days (ADV)

Hospitalization insurance

Group insurance

CAO90 bonus

Bicycle allowance

Shuttle service

Job summary

AmphiStar is seeking an Analytical Scientist to ensure the quality and performance of biosurfactant solutions by operating HPLC systems, developing analytical methods, and analyzing samples in a laboratory setting. The role focuses on rigorous data interpretation and supporting physicochemical characterization to enhance product performance.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience with HPLC and LC–MS basics, and the ability to work hands-on in a matrix environment

Qualifications

• Master or bachelor degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotech, biochemistry, bio-engineering or equivalent.
• Bachelor degree with min. 2 years experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain an HPLC system and other analytical equipment, troubleshooting issues with technicians.
• Develop and validate analytical methods in compliance with SOPs.
• Perform sample analysis for biosurfactant production and metabolic fingerprinting; interpret data.
• Support physicochemical characterisation (surface tension, other instruments).
• Contribute to formulation development and provide analytical insights to improve product performance.
• Communicate with crossfunctional teams for timely reporting.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure quality standards.

Skills

HPLC systems

LC-MS basics

Characterisation tools

Problem solving

Cross-functional communication

Project management

Market knowledge

Formulation

Communication

Education

Bachelor/Master in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or Biotech or Biochemistry or Bio-engineering

Bachelor with 2+ years experience

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

Job description

AmphiStar is the first company to develop, scale-up, produce, and sell biosurfactants made entirely from biobased waste- and side streams with applications for consumer products including home care, personal care, industrial cleaners, textiles, and agrochemicals.

As an Analytical Scientist at AmphiStar, you will ensure the quality and performance of innovative biosurfactant solutions by operating HPLC systems, developing analytical methods, performing sample analysis, and supporting physicochemical characterization in a laboratory setting.

Job Description

Analytical Scientist

Are you ready to make an impact in one of the world’s biggest industries? Does climate change concern you and are you excited by biotech and circular economy?

Then AmphiStar’s team is looking for you!

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The surfactant market is a highly dynamic environment, requiring continuous product improvements and short- to medium-term innovation projects. With several competing technologies entering the biosurfactant space, AmphiStar must keep differentiating itself.

As an Analytical Scientist, you will play a key role in ensuring the quality and performance of our innovative biosurfactant solutions. This role calls for solid analytical expertise and the ability to tackle practical problems in a laboratory setting as well as to perform in depth data analysis. You will:

• Operate and maintain an HPLC system and other analytical equipment, ensuring continuous functionality and troubleshooting issues in collaboration with technicians;
• Develop and validate analytical methods in compliance with SOPs;
• Perform sample analysis for biosurfactant production and metabolic fingerprinting and process & interpret data accurately;
• Support physicochemical characterisation, e.g. surface tension analysis and work with characterization instruments for surfactant chemistry;
• Contribute to formulation development and provide analytical insights to improve product performance;
• Communicate effectively with crossfunctional teams to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with quality standards.

Our ideal candidate can identify themselves in the following qualifications:

• Master or bachelor degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotech, biochemistry, bio-engineering or equivalent. Bachelor degree with min. 2 years experience;
• Experience with analytical techniques and HPLC-systems, basic knowledge of LC-MS interpretation;
• Familiarity with characterisation tools for surfactants and formulation processes (interfacial tension, contact angle,..);
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work hands-on in a laboratory environment;
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects in a matrix environment and strong in cross-team communication;
• Good knowledge of the surfactant market and especially on the Home & Personal Care market in its different applications area (detergent, ADW, body wash, shampoos, hard surface cleaner ….) is a plus.
• Technical background in formulating surfactants in different applications is a plus;
• You are a strong communicator and can easily build relations and grow partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders;
• You are an enthusiastic team player, but you can work independently and take initiative to get things done;
• You are fluent in English; other languages (French, German, Dutch) are an asset.

WHAT DO WE OFFER YOU?
We offer you the opportunity to take on a key role within one of the most innovative biosurfactant companies in the world, headquartered in Ghent (Zwijnaarde).
You will join a young, growing, and informal organization where initiative, engagement, and responsibility are truly valued.

• A varied position with room to grow and add your own personal touch.
• A close-knit and enthusiastic team of AmphiStars who support each other and have fun together.
• An open, multicultural, and inclusive work environment where respect, sustainability, and collaboration are central.
• A competitive salary package, complemented by:
  • Meal vouchers
  • Additional leave days (ADV)
  • Hospitalization insurance
  • Group insurance
  • CAO90 bonus
  • Bicycle allowance
• A safe and pleasant workplace in Zwijnaarde, easily accessible from Gent Sint-Pieters with a free shuttle service.

Are you excited to help build a more sustainable future and shape the bio-economy of tomorrow? Send us your motivation letter and CV today – we look forward to meeting you!