Researcher - Hydrocarbon & Renewable Process Chemistry

5w1 month ago

Veolia

Leuven, BE · Full-time · €50,000 – €75,000

About this role

Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, specializing in water, energy, and waste management. Within this framework, Veolia's Water Technology Business is seeking a researcher for its European Research Centre in Heverlee, Belgium, focused on water and process treatment solutions.

In this role, you will develop new process treatment chemicals for the refining and petrochemical industry, with a particular focus on the transition from conventional petroleum-derived feedstocks towards renewable and alternative sources, including bio-based oils, used cooking oils, plastic-derived pyrolysis oils, and carbon capture applications. You will design and execute laboratory-scale simulation studies to evaluate new treatment chemicals addressing specific industry challenges.

Working closely with application engineers and commercial representatives, you will translate customer challenges into actionable recommendations by benchmarking Veolia's treatment products. You will also support customers across Europe through analytical investigation of process and product samples, identifying root causes of disturbances and recommending solutions.

You will join a dedicated research team in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment committed to tackling complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Staying current with scientific and industrial developments through literature review and external engagement will be a key part of driving new R&D programs.

Requirements

Master's degree (MSc) or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Solid practical and theoretical background in organic or process chemistry.
Proven experience (minimum 2 years) in a research laboratory environment with autonomous R&D project management capability.
Familiar with general laboratory operations and use of an ELN & LIMS tool for sample and project management.
Strong environmental, health, and safety ethics.
Proficiency in general PC software, Google Workspace, and AI-enabled tools.
Fluency in English (verbal and written); knowledge of Dutch or French is a plus.
Ability to work within an ISO 9001 quality framework.

Responsibilities

Develop new process treatment chemicals for the refining and petrochemical industry, focusing on renewable and alternative feedstocks like bio-based oils, used cooking oils, plastic-derived pyrolysis oils, carbon capture, and green hydrogen.
Design and execute laboratory-scale simulation studies to evaluate new treatment chemicals addressing specific industry challenges and gaps.
Stay current with scientific and industrial developments through literature review and external engagement to generate new R&D programs.
Work closely with application engineers and commercial representatives to translate customer challenges into actionable recommendations.
Evaluate and benchmark the performance of Veolia's treatment products, demonstrating process optimization through structured laboratory studies.
Support customers through analytical investigation of process and product samples, identifying root causes of disturbances and recommending treatment solutions.
Characterize hydrocarbon, bio-based, and recycled feedstocks using techniques such as titrations, viscometry, UV/Vis and FTIR spectrometry, distillations, and oxidative stability testing.
Perform sample preparation according to standard operating procedures, conduct periodic instrument maintenance and calibration, and manage inventory of chemicals and consumables.

Benefits

Join a global leader in environmental services operating across all five continents.
Work at the European Research Centre for water and process treatment solutions in Heverlee, Belgium.
Contribute to innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration.
Collaborate with a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to creating a more sustainable future.
Opportunity to work alongside application engineers and commercial teams supporting customers across Europe.