The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and contributes to the Group's transformation. It is responsible for imagining, developing and incubating new solutions until they are brought to market, particularly when it comes to offers with a high technological content (including digital and IT). IDD gathers more than 3,000 employees from 70 nationalities at 60 sites.How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?The Materials, Design, and Manufacturing group supports growth of Air Liquide business through development of materials and technologies applied to gas separations (membranes, adsorption, etc.), and advanced manufacturing processes. The Research Scientist will have a strong focus on membranes, and will be responsible for conducting research and development activities for cutting edge technologies from conception, prototyping, scale-up, demonstration, and integration into Air Liquide’s diverse membrane product portfolio.Duties and ResponsibilitiesServe as a safety role model; promote a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety practicesDrive innovations from lab scale to pilot scale, and eventually to Air Liquide’s industrial manufacturing and business unitsScientifically rigorous design and execution of experimental plans to support theories and prove solutionsDesign, build and operate laboratory / pilot setups to support the fabrication of materials and evaluation of materials and processesHands-on work in membrane-focused R&D and manufacturing environments, especially in hollow-fiber membrane technology (i.e., coating, extrusion/spinning)Collect, analyze, document and communicate the results of experimental testsPropose innovative solutions and technical methods to solve problems and deliver results; supports development of intellectual propertyCollaborate closely with R&D team and business entities to solve problems and deliver resultsAcquire understanding of Air Liquide’s industrial membrane production platforms and business to support operations and to help guide R&D towards manufacturable developments and business value creationRemain abreast of state-of-the-art in the membrane domain/literature, to ensure Air Liquide is at the cutting edge of the field.Are you a MATCH?QualificationsPhD or Master’s degree plus three years experience, and preferably in chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, polymer science and engineering2+ years in hands-on development of membrane materials and testing, preferably for gas separationExperienced candidates will be considered and candidates’ experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basisCompetenciesUnderstanding of membrane separation technology, with knowledge in:Materials science, preferably polymer science, process engineering background is a plusEvaluation and characterization (i.e., chemical, thermal, mechanical, rheological, and permeation properties) of membrane materialsMembrane manufacturing processesMembrane systems, processes and applicationsHands-on experience in forming and evaluating membranes, preferably for gas separationExperience with spinning/coating polymeric hollow-fibers is preferredExperience with other separation technologies such as adsorption is a plusExperience with pilot design and operation is a plusDemonstrated experience in safe experimental design (engineering and administrative measures), including the design of equipment and the protocols to use itScientifically-sound approach to designing solution-focused experimental plans (e.g., design of experiments, testing protocols, sample definition)Familiarity with HYSYS/ASPEN for process simulations is preferredWorks effectively within and amongst local and international R&D and manufacturing teams, including operators, technicians, researchers, and management.Excellent communication skills, both written and spokenProject management experience is preferred (i.e., resource planning, work breakdown, transversal management, reporting)Flexibility and willingness to work on different projects according to business and developmental needsWorking ConditionsMajority of time in research laboratories and pilots, with membrane fabrication and testing environments, working hands-on with solvents, polymers, gases, and testing equipment.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, speak and hear.Significant amount of time will be spent in the lab / pilot preparing and conducting experiments.While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.Occasional travel to manufacturing sites (Newport, DE or Woburn MA) for plant support or trials and / or operational plants for field testingOur Differences make our PerformanceAt Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.
