Associate Formulation Chemist

Bayer•Chesterfield, MO

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Formulation Chemist will work closely with senior scientists, and your primary role is to execute laboratory work, generate high‑quality data, and support formulation projects across both disruptive innovation and current portfolio. You will spend a significant portion of your time in the lab, preparing formulations, running tests, and documenting results, while continuously building your formulation science skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Formulation Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific/technical field;
Basic understanding of formulation principles and physical/chemical characterization techniques, with strong motivation to further develop expertise in this area;
Demonstrated ability to execute laboratory experiments accurately and safely, following protocols and documenting work in a structured, traceable manner;
Strong attention to detail and a high standard of data quality, documentation, and record keeping;
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, supporting senior scientists and collaborating constructively with peers and cross‑functional partners;
Good organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple lab tasks and priorities under supervision while meeting timelines;
Clear written and oral communication skills, with the ability to summarize experimental work and discuss results in a concise, science‑based manner;
Commitment to HSE and good laboratory practices, including safe handling of chemicals, equipment, and waste streams.

Nice To Haves

Initial experience in a formulation, chemistry, or laboratory environment (e.g., internships, academic labs, or 1–3 years of industrial experience), preferably in crop protection, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, or related areas;
Experience with pesticides or crop protection formulations (e.g., herbicides, fungicides, insecticides) or with glyphosate specifically;
Experience with standard formulation test methods (e.g., stability testing, viscosity measurement, particle size analysis), basic instrumental techniques, and advanced physical characterization methods (e.g., surface tension, drop analyzer, contact angle);
Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks, LIMS, or other digital data management tools;
Experience working in a cross functional environment or supporting projects that involve multiple stakeholders and interfaces.

Responsibilities

Prepare and test formulations in the laboratory according to experimental plans and protocols defined by senior scientists, including new concepts, proof‑of‑concept studies, and portfolio optimization work;
Execute laboratory experiments such as formulation preparation, stability studies, and physical/chemical characterization (e.g., viscosity, particle size, suspensibility, emulsion quality), as well as compatibility testing (e.g., tank‑mix, packaging, water quality);
Accurately record, organize, and summarize experimental data, maintaining detailed lab notebooks and electronic records, and preparing clear data summaries for review and decision‑making;
Support project teams by providing reliable experimental execution and data to advance formulation projects through feasibility, optimization, and hand‑off to testing and downstream functions;
Assist in troubleshooting formulation issues by performing focused experiments under the guidance of senior scientists and contributing observations and insights from the lab;
Help maintain laboratory equipment and materials, including routine checks, calibration support, inventory management, and basic maintenance to ensure readiness and reliability of instruments and supplies;
Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) requirements and good laboratory practices, including proper handling of chemicals, waste management, and adherence to safety procedures;
Contribute to the preparation of samples and documentation for internal and external testing (e.g., sending samples to CROs, internal biology labs, or other partner functions);
Gradually take on more responsibility in designing small experimental series and suggesting next steps based on observed results, under the guidance and coaching of senior experts;
Collaborate with cross‑functional colleagues (e.g., Analytical, Agronomic Solutions, Product Supply) to support sample analysis, test planning, and data sharing;
Participate in team meetings, share experimental progress, and actively seek feedback and learning opportunities to grow in formulation science and related skills;
Embrace and demonstrate Bayer’s leadership attributes, fostering a culture of safety, scientific rigor, collaboration, and ethical conduct in all lab activities.