Scientist II

Now hiring! Scientist II

Southfield, MI (Onsite)

We are looking for a Scientist II to join our Care Chemicals team in Southfield, MI.

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF’s Care Chemicals division is a globally leading supplier to the cosmetics, detergents and cleaning industries. We also offer solutions for technical applications and crop protection. Together with our customers, we create innovative solutions to meet the current and future needs of society more sustainably. We contribute to the long-term success of our customers’ brands with a broad range of products and concepts via our global network of production and development site.

As a Scientist II on the Home Care Industrial & Institutional (I&I) Application Technology Americas team, you will primarily be responsible for providing hands-on laboratory support for the North American Home Care, Industrial and Institutional cleaning markets, including applications in laundry care, automatic dishwashing, and hard surface cleaning.  You will do this by (1) leveraging BASF’s portfolio of surfactants, polymers, chelating agents, enzymes, and biocides to develop innovative cleaning formulations that meet customer and market needs, (2) designing, conducting, and evaluating laboratory experiments to assess and optimize product performance across a variety of cleaning applications, (3) applying scientific expertise to improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of cleaning chemistries, and (4) translating experimental findings into actional recommendations that support customer projects and business growth initiatives.

As a Scientist II, you create chemistry by...

• Demonstrating a strong customer-focused mindset to support business and technical objectives.


• Championing safety and compliance in a laboratory and industrial chemical environment.


• Managing multiple laboratory projects concurrently while maintaining high-quality execution and attention to detail.


• Analyzing experimental data using statistical and data analysis tools such as JMP® and Excel®) to drive informed decisions.


• Delivering accurate, reliable, and reproducible results in a complex formulating environment to support commercial initiatives.


• Communicating technical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely through both written reports and verbal presentations.


• Collaborating closely with Technical Service and Marketing teams to develop technical content and support customer-facing presentations.

If you...

• Have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Chemistry, Materials Science, Medicinal Chemistry, or related scientific discipline, with a minimum of 2 years of experience with formulating and testing involving surfactant and colloidal chemistries.


• Possess a strong foundation in analytical chemistry with hands-on experience using laboratory instrumentation and analytical techniques.


• Have a demonstrated ability developing, validating, and/or executing application testing methods to evaluate product performance.


• Have a keen attention to details with the ability to work independently and generate accurate, reproducible results.


• Show a commitment to maintaining a safe and collaborative work environment, with a proactive focus on personal and team safety.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible


• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options


• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members


• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)


• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages


• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive


• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.


• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens


• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact [email protected] to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.