R&D Scientist – Battery Thermal Materials (Contractor position)

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We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Scientist to join the Battery Thermal Materials R&D team in Freienbach, Switzerland. The role focuses on the development of thermally conductive adhesives and thermal interface materials (TIMs) for advanced battery applications in close collaboration with customers, manufacturing, and cross‑functional internal teams.

The successful candidate will combine strong chemistry fundamentals, hands‑on laboratory skills, analytical rigor, and innovative thinking to design, develop, and qualify new material solutions that meet demanding customer critical‑to‑quality (CTQ) requirements.

Key Responsibilities Materials & Formulation Development

• Develop new thermally conductive adhesive and thermal interface material formulations, from concept through customer qualification
• Design and optimize formulations to meet customer‑specific CTQs, including thermal, mechanical, processing, and reliability requirements
• Apply structured formulation design approaches and experimental planning to accelerate development

Analytical Problem Solving

• Perform root cause analysis on complex technical challenges using strong analytical and data‑driven methodologies
• Interpret experimental results, draw sound technical conclusions, and define clear next steps
• Apply innovative, out‑of‑the‑box thinking to develop novel technical solutions beyond conventional approaches

Testing & Qualification

• Plan and execute material testing and validation programs, including internal testing and customer‑specific qualification requirements
• Ensure data quality, robustness, and traceability throughout the qualification process
• Support customer trials and technical discussions during product validation phases

Laboratory & Team Leadership

• Maintain a hands‑on presence in the laboratory, executing experiments and supporting troubleshooting activities
• Collaborate closely with lab technicians, providing technical guidance, task prioritization, and informal leadership
• Contribute to SWAT‑team project execution, balancing speed, rigor, and collaboration

Digitalization, Data & Advanced Methods

• Apply data analysis and statistical methods to formulation development and testing
• Work with a LIMS and data management system to capture and analyze data

Qualifications Required

• Master’s degree in Chemistry (or closely related field such as Materials Science or Chemical Engineering). PhD is a plus but not required
• Strong foundation in polymer chemistry, formulations, and materials characterization
• Proven hands‑on laboratory experience in applied R&D
• Strong analytical mindset with demonstrated problem‑solving capability
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross‑functional, multicultural teams
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal)
• Business fluent (written and spoken) in German and English

Preferred / Plus

• Experience with thermally conductive materials, adhesives, or TIMs
• Exposure to data analytics, statistics, or machine learning in an R&D context
• Experience interacting directly with customers in a technical role
• Willingness to represent DuPont at technical conferences

What This Role Offers

• A hands‑on, technically deep role at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and battery technology
• High visibility projects with leading automotive and battery OEM customers
• A collaborative SWAT‑team environment comb