R&D Digitalization Team Lead & Data Scientist

Job description

R&D Digitalization Team Lead & Data Scientist – Charlotte, NC

 

At BASF,  we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation.

 

We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment with a strong emphasis on process safety, as well as the safety of our employees and the communities we operate in and are always working to form the best team—especially from within, through an emphasis on lifelong learning and development.

 

Where the Chemistry Happens

 

This role reports functionally to the global Head of Digitalization Group (Ludwigshafen, Germany) and administratively to NA R&D regional heads (Charlotte, NC).

 

In this R&D Leadership role you will be part of a global digitalization team and contribute towards ED’s global R&D vision for digital transformation.  You will be responsible for managing and steering the regional digitalization team (data analyst, automation specialist, data & change manager), and execution of EDI digitalization strategy in Charlotte NC. In this position, you will develop and execute the NA digitalization and automation pipeline in alignment with the global team and digitalization strategy.

 

Formula for Success:        

 

As an integrated member of our global EDI R&D team, you will be responsible for analyzing large sets of R&D data, developing predictive models, and identifying new research opportunities. You will work closely with chemists and other scientists to both employ statistics-based experiments and develop new products using data-first principles.

You will apply your advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning knowledge and experience to interact with business and R&D stakeholders, and identify new problems and opportunities.

You will lead a digitalization team and data science projects in close collaboration with R&D scientists to capitalize on the vast amounts of experimental data, understand business needs, and improve R&D efficiency to expedite the delivery of new products and solutions to our customers.

This will include:

·  Further develop and execute the North American regional Digital Roadmap for R&D, based on the levers: data management, standardization, automation and modeling
·  Align regional digitalization priorities with the global digitalization team and ensure regional compliance with the global digitalization goals
·  Plan and disciplinarily lead personnel resources
·  Plan investment in and implements required equipment & software
·  Use data mining, data visualization, machine learning, and programming skills to help the R&D organization extract value from data.
·  Enable change and push the R&D organization to adopt a data-first approach to innovation. Identify opportunities for the wider use of data science, statistics, and machine learning techniques in the R&D teams and projects.
·  Work with lab team leaders in the use of design of experiment approaches and help them build-up non-biased data sets and adhere to FAIR data principles. 
·  Support the use of user-friendly algorithms, DoE tools, and modeling platforms by non-data scientists. 
·  Proactively identify opportunities to optimize the systems and services and feel comfortable pitching and promoting these ideas.
·  Work and cooperate in interdisciplinary ED project teams, including global data scientists, chemists, process engineers, and IT experts.
·  Stay up to date with the latest advancements in data science and chemical industry research and maintain contact with the BASF and external data science communities

 

What we Look for in You:

·  Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Computational Science, Statistics, Physics, the Natural Sciences or related field with minimum 4-6 (or 2-3 years’) years’ experience in modeling or data science in the chemical industry, preferably with a PhD with 2 years’ experience.
·  A very good command of English is necessary for this role.
·  Good knowledge of a script or computer language (e.g. Python, Scala, Java, etc.).
·  Experience with database management and data pipelines.
·  Both traditional and agile project management experience desirable
·  Analytical and future-oriented way of thinking, with high motivation in driving innovative and sustainable solutions with autonomy
·  Knowledge of polymer chemistry and structure-property relationships is an asset
·  Proficiency with databases and data analysis software such as SQL, Citrix, SAS, R, SPSS, MATLAB, Excel, and Access

 

Create Your Own Chemistry: What We Offer You  

Adding value to our customers begins with adding value to you. You@BASF is the suite of benefits, perks, programs and unique opportunities we offer to support you—the whole you—in all stages of your life and career. With you@BASF, you create your own chemistry.

The total rewards that you receive as a BASF employee go way beyond a paycheck. From competitive health and insurance plans, to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, to making sure you never stop learning, we believe investing in you is investing in our success. Working for a large, global organization, you’ll have a chance to grow professionally and personally, expand your network and build a rewarding and dynamic career.

BASF provides interesting and challenging learning and development opportunities to help you make the most of your talents and your job. #dispersionsresins&additives