Material Scientist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers' success.

Senior Scientific Specialist

Conley, Georgia, USA

As a Senior Scientific Specialist within our North American Wood Protection R&D team, you will manage a small team of scientists and drive innovation from concept through commercialization, supporting the future growth of our Wood Protection business.

You will work closely with customers, commercial colleagues, regulatory specialists, manufacturing teams, marketing and global R&D partners to transform ideas into commercially successful products. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced formulation scientist who thrives at the intersection of innovation, customer collaboration and business impact.

This position is ideal for an individual with a proven track record of innovation, product development, and successful product launches within the specialty chemicals, wood protection, coatings, agricultural, materials science, or related industries.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative wood protection technologies and specialty chemical formulations
• Develop new products and technical solutions aligned with business growth strategies, customer needs and market opportunities
• Manage and mentor a team of scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration, scientific excellence, and innovation
• Design, execute and interpret laboratory and field studies to support product development, validation and commercialization activities
• Lead multiple R&D projects simultaneously, managing timelines, priorities, resources and project risks
• Serve as a subject matter expert in chemistry, formulation science, material protection, biocides, preservatives, coatings, or related disciplines
• Collaborate closely with commercial, regulatory, manufacturing, supply chain and technical service teams to accelerate innovation and business growth
• Promote a culture of safety, quality and scientific excellence
• Support laboratory operations, equipment investments and continuous improvement initiatives
• Build strong relationships with customers and industry partners through technical consultations, product evaluations and problem-solving initiatives
• Deliver technical presentations, represent Arxada at industry events and support product launches, field trials and commercialization activities

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry, Applied Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline
• Minimum 5-10 years of experience as a formulation scientist, formulation chemist, or in an equivalent product development role within specialty chemicals or related industries
• Extensive experience in wood protection R&D is strongly preferred
• Proven track record of developing and commercializing new formulations, technologies and products from concept through market launch
• Demonstrated experience working in customer-facing technical roles, partnering directly with customers to understand needs, solve challenges and identify innovation opportunities
• Leadership ability to coach and mentor scientific teams
• Project and portfolio management skills with experience leading multiple complex development programs
• Exceptional communication, influencing and presentation skills with the ability to engage audiences ranging from scientists and customers to senior business leaders

Why Join Arxada?

• Lead the development of next-generation technologies within a strategically important and growing business segment.
• Play a key role in shaping the innovation pipeline for North America's Wood Protection business.
• Work with customers and industry leaders to create sustainable, high-impact solutions.
• Join a collaborative global organization where associates are empowered to Go Beyond, Collaborate Always, Decide and Drive, and Foster Grit.
• Be part of a company committed to innovation, scientific excellence and protecting the world's essential infrastructure.

The expected salary range for this role is $110,000 - $148,500 USD, but specific employee compensation may vary depending on factors including experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location and other job-related, non-discriminatory factors permitted by law.

This role is also eligible to earn a short-term incentive bonus and the following benefits: 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays and paid sick leave.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.