Senior Chemist

At Fairbrics, we're at the forefront of a groundbreaking approach to sustainability. We’re transforming carbon dioxide from industrial emissions into valuable chemicals used in polyester production—the primary material for clothing. Our mission is to revolutionize the industry by dramatically cutting greenhouse gas emissions and championing a more sustainable future. We are scaling up our operations and seeking a Senior Chemist with a minimum of 5 years of industrial experience to lead and drive chemical operations in our Antwerp laboratory *Please note that this position is a full time and permanent role and will be based in Antwerpen, Belgium. Position Overview As a Senior Chemist, you will oversee daily operations of the Antwerp Kilo Lab, lead the execution of experimental programs, and manage a small technical team. You will be responsible for supervising process development activities, equipment operation, laboratory management, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Key Responsibilities Lead the commissioning, ramp-up, and daily operations of the Antwerp Kilo Lab. Supervise and mentor junior chemists and technicians. Lead and help a team of chemists / chemical engineers and the laboratory itself, including maintenance of chemicals and equipment supply, troubleshooting instruments. Operate and optimize kilo-scale chemical equipment, including high-pressure reactors and separation units. Plan and coordinate experiments to support process scale-up and R&D goals. Analyze and interpret experimental data; provide detailed technical reports to management and engineering teams. Ensure full compliance with safety procedures and proactively identify and resolve potential hazards. Oversee inventory, equipment maintenance, and laboratory infrastructure. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across different company sites. Manage scheduling, procurement of lab consumables, and communication with external suppliers. Troubleshoot equipment and process issues independently and with minimal supervision. Ensure all data, procedures, and observations are meticulously recorded and documented. Required Skills & Competencies Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). Fluency in English; Dutch and/or French are strong assets. Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and separation processes. Demonstrated leadership and project management skills in a laboratory or pilot facility. Practical experience with pressurized gas systems and Swagelok fittings. Strong mechanical aptitude; hands-on experience with lab and pilot-scale chemical equipment. Adherence to safety protocols; experience in regulatory compliance is a plus. Excellent verbal and written communication in technical environments. Precise and efficient technical reporting; capable of writing SOPs and experimental summaries. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary, multicultural start-up environment. Required Qualifications A Master’s degree (or higher) in chemistry, process engineering, electrochemistry, or a closely related field. Minimum 5 years of hands-on industrial experience in chemical R&D, scale-up, or manufacturing environments. Proven experience in operating kilo lab or pilot-scale facilities. Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory teams and complex technical projects. Experience with high-pressure chemical systems is mandatory. Catalysis understanding and experience Purification of product Experience with GC-MS Familiarity with heterogenous / homogenous catalytic systems Experience with liquid/gas and/or high-pressure processes Safety analysis skills (SOP, HAZOP, HAZID…) Familiarity with heterogenous / homogenous catalytic systems Experience with liquid/gas and/or high-pressure processes. *Please note that this position is a full time and permanent role and will be based in Antwerpen, Belgium. Starting date: 01/08/2025

Location: Villebon-sur-Yvette, FR

Posted Date: 7/6/2025