Product Preservation Specialist

About the role

BASF is hiring a Product Preservation Specialist in Charlotte, NC (on-site). The role leads product preservation efforts and expands microbiology and preservation capabilities for a diverse portfolio of water-based formulations and materials. It combines hands-on laboratory work with scientific leadership, working with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Service and external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, perform and interpret microbiological, biocide efficacy, analytical and polymer studies to evaluate product performance, stability and preservation effectiveness.
• Lead projects using microbiological methods (sample collection, culturing, staining, sequencing, challenge tests) and analytical/polymer techniques (GC, LC, MS, thermal analysis, DMA, rheometry, SEM).
• Define hypotheses, sample plans, methods and acceptance criteria, and collaborate with internal labs and external partners on test execution.
• Evaluate new preservation technologies, instruments and data-management approaches and recommend improvements.
• Lead cross-functional investigations of product quality issues caused by preservation failures or contamination, proposing corrective actions.
• Partner with internal and external customers on business-critical projects.
• Establish and maintain methods, SOPs, technical standards and governance across laboratories and sites.
• Support instrument maintenance, laboratory safety, quality systems and regulatory compliance.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Polymer Science, Analytical Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering, Data Science or a related field; MS or PhD preferred.
• At least 5 years of relevant industrial or academic laboratory experience.
• Experience developing analytical, polymer and microbiology testing and characterization methods.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.
• High standards of safety, integrity, accuracy, reproducibility and attention to detail.

Required skills

• Knowledge of dispersion polymer systems and analytical equipment (GC, LC, MS, thermal analysis, DMA, rheometer, GPC, IR, UV/Vis, SEM, SEM-EDS) is a benefit.

What we offer

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible.
• Retirement savings plan with company match and investment options.
• Mental health support, family-forming benefits and back-up child and elder care.
• Mentoring, career development and a matching gifts program.