R&D AI Scientist - 6-Month Contract

Arxada is a global leader in microbial control, committed to solving the world’s toughest preservation challenges through cutting-edge science.  We aim to help our customers develop more sustainable solutions that protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of people, extend the life of vital infrastructure, and work to reduce ours and our customers’ ecological footprint.

We are seeking an AI scientist for a Six Months contract who can collaborate closely with a data scientist to design, build, and deploy AI/ML modules that accelerate biocide formulation development, improve predictive decision-making (e.g., stability, efficacy, compatibility), and shorten lab iteration cycles. This role sits at the intersection of formulation chemistry/microbiology, experimental design, and data/AI-driven R&D. You will own end-to-end problem framing, data readiness (with LIMS/ELN), model-user requirements, and lab validation of AI outputs—turning models into actionable tools for bench scientists.

Key Responsibilities

• Convert business/scientific questions into model requirements (e.g., predict stability phase separation, viscosity drift, microbial kill under specific conditions, raw-material compatibility, cost/COGS optimization).

• Specify and prioritize features/inputs (formulation composition, physical-chemical properties, process parameters, storage conditions, raw-material attributes).

• Partner on model selection & validation (regression/classification, Bayesian optimization, active learning, multi-objective optimization).

• Define acceptance criteria (accuracy, applicability domain, explainability).

• Lead lab validation loops: design confirmatory experiments, refine datasets, and iterate with the data scientist.

• Work with Data Scientists to generate high-quality datasets for model training/validation.

• Define and develop code to utilize LLMs to optimize for target product profiles (efficacy, stability, cost-in-use, sensory, compatibility, sustainability constraints).

• Translate lab findings into mechanistic and statistical insights that inform model features and constraints.

• Support deployment of user-facing tools (dashboards, notebooks, apps); ensure interpretability and ease of adoption.

• Define metadata schemas for formulations, processes, and test methods; ensure data lineage and versioning.

• Collaborate with IT/data engineering on pipelines from ELN/LIMS to analytics platforms (e.g., Azure ML/Databricks/Power BI).

• Train and coach bench scientists on using AI tools in everyday formulation work.

• Create clear communication artifacts (model cards, SOPs, one-pagers, and decision trees).

• Drive efficiency where AI can eliminate iterations, reduce time-to-lab, and de-risk scale-up.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related; or BS with 7+ years relevant experience.

• 3–5+ years in formulation development (biocides, preservatives, antimicrobials, or adjacent fields such as HI&I, coatings, personal care, agrochemicals, pharmaceutical development).

• Strong experimental design/DoE and statistical analysis skills (JMP, Design-Expert, R, Python, or similar).

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with data scientists on predictive modeling and/or optimization projects.

• Proficiency with ELNs/LIMS and data hygiene—able to structure datasets for modeling and ensure reproducibility.

• Hands-on experience with Azure ML, Databricks, or similar ML platforms; dashboarding with Power BI / other.

• Knowledge of sustainability-by-design (biobased actives, VOC limits, hazard/risk assessment).

The expected salary range for this role is 55.000$ - 70.000$, but specific employee compensation may vary depending on factors including experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location and other job-related, non-discriminatory factors permitted by law.

This role is also eligible to earn a short-term incentive bonus and the following benefits: 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays and paid sick leave.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.