Researcher Hydrocarbon & Renewable Process Chemistry

Company Description

Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management, Veolia Group designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation. Within this framework, Veolia's Water Technology Business brings together a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to tackling the world’s most complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Together, we pursue a shared mission to create a more sustainable future.

Job Description

Role Summary / Responsibilities
For Veolia’s European Research Centre, focused on water and process treatment solutions, located in Heverlee
(Belgium), we are looking for a researcher who will be responsible for:

Research & Development

• Development of new process treatment chemicals for the refining and petrochemical industry, with a particular focus on the ongoing transition from conventional petroleum-derived feedstocks towards renewable and alternative sources, including bio-based oils, used cooking oils (UCO), plastic-derived pyrolysis oils, carbon capture and green hydrogen applications
• Design and execution of laboratory-scale simulation studies to develop and evaluate new treatment chemicals addressing specific industry challenges and gaps
• Staying current with scientific and industrial developments through literature review and external engagement, leading to generation of new R&D programs.

Customer Support & Problem Solving

• Working closely with application engineers and commercial representatives to translate customer challenges into actionable recommendations, by evaluating and benchmarking the performance of Veolia's treatment products, demonstrating process optimization through structured laboratory studies
• Supporting Veolia’s customers, primarily in Europe, but by extension in other regions as well, through analytical investigation of process and product samples, identifying root causes of process disturbances and recommending appropriate treatment solutions

Analytical & Laboratory Work

• Analytical characterisation of hydrocarbon, bio-based and recycled feedstock samples using a range of techniques including, but not limited to, titrations, viscometry, UV/Vis and FTIR spectrometry, distillations, oxidative stability testing, and compatibility and stability analyses
• Sample preparation according to internal Standard Operating Procedures
• Periodic maintenance and calibration of analytical instruments and laboratory test setups
• Managing inventory of chemicals and laboratory consumables

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

•  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 (at a minimum 2 years) in an research laboratory environment, demonstrating capability of autonomous R&D project management
• Familiar with general laboratory operations and use of an ELN & LIMS tool for sample/project mgmt
• Strong environmental, health and safety ethics
• IT: general PC software, Google Workspace, AI-enabled
• Fluency in English (verbal and written); knowledge of Dutch or French is a surplus
• Ability to work within an ISO 9001 quality framework

Desired Characteristics

• Knowledge of the refining and/or petrochemical industry, and familiarity with the ongoing transition towards renewables and recycled materials, is a clear advantage
• Hands-on mentality with good problem-solving skills, including maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment
• Ability to work with full autonomy while maintaining clear communication with colleagues and stakeholders
• Well-organised and focused on delivering results within agreed timelines
• Eager to work in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Passionate about the environment embracing Veolia's sustainability mindset

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Veolia only employs those who are legally authorised to work in Belgium for this opening
• No relocation assistance provided

Additional Information

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.