Research Chemist (Lempäälä)

Are you passionate about research and development? Are you constantly on the lookout for things that could help in tackling some of the world’s largest problems?   

The built environment generates nearly 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas, and the industries related to it are going through a massive transition towards becoming more environmentally sustainable. We are contributing to this with a compelling vision: SUPER Healthy Buildings.  Creating healthy buildings is our passion, and offers ambitious people an opportunity to create something substantial that will help future generations as well. You can read more about it here. 

To help us develop novel and environmentally friendly adhesives, Kiilto’s research, development and innovation (RDI) unit in Lempäälä is looking for a     

Research Chemist for our polymerization team 

Kiilto is strengthening its expert team in the polymerization unit, which produces polymer dispersions for adhesives. Your role will be to conduct polymerization research with internal and external stakeholders. Polymerization research at Kiilto focuses on emulsion polymerization to produce polymers based on polyvinyl acetate and/or acrylate. You will use the research results to develop viable commercial solutions. You will also help the production department to develop or modify existing polymerization formulas. You will be working in Lempäälä. The position involves some travelling. 

You’ll be a perfect fit for the Kiilto community if you have:    

• polymerization know-how – we are seeking someone with expertise in organic chemistry, polymer synthesis, (emulsion) polymerization and scaling up from the laboratory to production. Some experience in simulation is a bonus. We welcome applicants at any stage of their career.   
• research approach – you are skilled in conducting research and are interested in creating new solutions  
• a passion for the environment – you want to promote sustainable choices in everything you do    
• a can-do attitude – whether you’re faced with an obstacle in research or raw material availability, you always do your best 
• education – you have a PhD, master’s degree or equivalent in organic chemistry or polymer chemistry   
• a start-up spirit – you have innovative ideas that can be developed into practical applications    
• language skills – you are fluent in English and preferably also Finnish  

Typical tasks of a Research Chemist in Kiilto’s RDI unit: 

• following research in the field of polymerization and looking for new trends 
• managing independent research work and applying polymerization expertise as part of the polymerization team 
• joint research projects with universities or research institutes 
• planning, conducting and supervising small-scale laboratory polymerizations 
• scaling up laboratory polymerization to pilot scale and finally to industrial scale 
• evaluating and optimising polymer dispersion properties as adhesives 
• supporting internal stakeholders, including production, purchasing and product development    

At Kiilto, you will be working with a growing and international, but down-to-earth family business. Kiiltonians appreciate our long-term perspective, open and transparent company culture, the Kiiltonian team spirit and versatile opportunities to acquire new skills and grow alongside the company. We organise internal innovation programmes and encourage Kiiltonians to develop their skills through our own training programmes. We are especially proud of our award-winning activities that promote the well-being of our employees. For example, we have been awarded the ’Finland’s Most Active Workplace’ certificate twice. 

Do you want to be part of our community? Do not hesitate to apply. The last day to apply is 26 January 2025. Please also attach your salary request and CV. 

If you want to hear more details on the position, please contact RDI Director Soilikki Kotanen, +358 50 486 2833, on 9 January between 13.00 and 15.00 EET or on 20 January between 8.30 and 10.00 EET. 

We operate in compliance with Kiilto’s recruitment process and treat all communications related to the posting with absolute confidentiality. We will organise the interviews for the role on 6 February 2025. The selected candidate will need to pass a health check, which includes drug testing.

Kiilto is a growing Finnish family business over a hundred years old, whose vision is the year 2080. We develop, manufacture and sell solutions for the chemical industry in four different business areas, which are construction, industrial adhesives and fire prevention, professional hygiene and consumer products. The core ideas of Kiillo’s operations are environmental leadership, closeness and commitment to the future. Kiilto operates in nine countries and employs a total of over 700 people. In 2023, Kiilto’s turnover was approximately EUR 227 million. www.kiilto.com

Osaamisalue: Teollisuus & tuotanto, Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys