Are you an expert in biodegradation testing of industrial chemicals? Are you looking for a new challenge in an international team of highly skilled researchers? Then we are looking for you! At Nouryon, our global team of Changemakers takes positive action every day, to reach higher collectively and individually. We create innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers to answer society’s needs – today and in the future.

Researcher, Environmental Microbiologist
Fulltime, Deventer

The production and widespread use of chemicals in different industrial and domestic applications lead to the introduction of these chemicals into nature through discharge of wastewater or by direct applications. Biodegradation is regarded as the most important process in reducing chemical concentrations in the environment. The fate of chemicals in the environment is assessed by performing biodegradation tests.

Part of Nouryon’s Expert Capability Group (ECG), the Environmental Chemistry laboratory is specialized in performing biodegradation tests according to international standard guidelines and under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) quality system. Our knowledge on environmental microbiology and microbial physiology ensures assessment of the biodegradability under optimal conditions. Results from biodegradation testing and research find use in substance profiling including classification and labelling, registrations, notifications, risk assessments and contribute to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) production.

In your future role as Environmental Microbiologist you will independently execute, analyze and interpret guideline tests and research regarding the environmental fate of Nouryon’s substances and products. You will actively contribute to building know-how in the expertise team towards developments in the field of environmental fate testing, where it concerns microbial processes and/or procedures.

Furthermore, you:

• Are responsible for the daily operation of biodegradation tests.
• Advise customers on best strategies for biodegradation testing.
• Are responsible for maintenance of GLP items and procedures for the tasks appointed.
• Prepare GLP biodegradation study plans and test reports.
• Are responsible for the quality and timely reporting of the results.
• Interact with customer and regulatory framework.

We believe you bring:

• Experience in microbiological laboratory techniques (enrichment cultures, media preparation, oxygen measurements, etc). Furthermore, you have/are:
• Master’s degree with three years of work experience or a PhD in Environmental Analysis, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related disciplines.
• You are familiar with guideline testing (OECD, OPPTS, ISO etc.), biodegradation testing, environmental analytics and good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Have affinity with regulatory requirements (e.g. detergents and REACH) as well as systems for registrations (IUCLID).

Great if you:

• Fully understand the Good Laboratory Practice principles and are GLP trained.
• Are experienced in microbiological laboratory techniques (enrichment cultures, media preparation, oxygen measurements, etc).
• Are a motivated, enthusiastic and positive team player, keen to learn and to participate in the challenges ahead.
• Are accurate, have a hands-on mentality, and an analytical-, result- and customer-oriented mind set.

We believe you have:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Good language skills, written and spoken English and Dutch (or willing to learn).

We offer you:

• When you join us, you will be part of our fascinating and ambitious international environment with highly skilled and motivated colleagues. A company that develops, produces, and sells products that are essential for everyday life. Where employees aim high, take ownership, and do it right.

Our employment package comprises:

• A permanent contract with a probationary period of 2 months;
• 25 vacation days + 10 leave days;
• Excellent pension scheme;
• Good growth opportunities.
• Nouryon in Deventer

Our Deventer site consists of a knowledge center with over 200 highly qualified R&D employees. In addition, RD&I Deventer accommodates a number of independently operating research laboratories that are part of the Nouryon businesses as well as laboratories that are part of the Expert Capability Group (ECG) that provides support in analytical, material and environmental sciences to the businesses worldwide. The business RD&I teams and the ECG work as partners in the Business Innovation Teams, delivering expertise in particular fields of science and technology that are critical to the business innovation programs. Furthermore, the Complex Organics Plant – a small production unit producing highly complex chemicals – is situated in Deventer.

Good to know:

This is a permanent position on a full-time basis, based in Deventer. Please apply via our online recruitment system. We will not accept applications via e-mail. Once it’s with us we will review to see if we have a match between your skills and the role! For more information about our hiring process, visit: nouryon.com/careers/how-we-hire/.

We look forward to receiving your application!

About Nouryon:

We’re looking for tomorrow’s Changemakers, today. If you’re looking for your next career move, apply today and join Nouryon’s worldwide team of Changemakers in providing essential solutions that our customers use to manufacture everyday products such as personal care, cleaning, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Our employees are driven by the wish to make an impact and actively drive positive change. If that describes you, we will gladly make way for your ambitions. From day one we support you with your personal growth, through challenging positions and comprehensive learning and development opportunities, in a dynamic, international, diverse, and proactive working environment.

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