Assistant Chemist, Resin Research

About the role

We are looking for an Assistant Chemist to support resin research for automotive coating applications at our Shanghai facility. Working under the guidance of research scientists, you will contribute to both experimental and theoretical projects that advance BASF’s coating technologies.

Key responsibilities

• Support resin plant production focusing on e‑coat and clearcoat resins for automotive coatings.
• Develop and evaluate organic and inorganic catalysts and cross‑linking chemistries.
• Perform lab‑scale resin and polymer synthesis and analyse results using GPC, DSC, IR and other techniques.
• Prepare technical reports and maintain accurate electronic lab‑journal entries.
• Collaborate with R&D and production teams on troubleshooting, project planning and interdisciplinary tasks.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage chemical inventory and ensure lab housekeeping.
• Conduct literature and patent searches related to resin technologies.
• Coach new colleagues on resin knowledge and laboratory best practices.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in chemistry, polymer science, materials science or a related discipline.
• Fresh graduate or candidate with internship/lab experience in coatings or the chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of catalysis and catalyst design.
• Proficient in reading and writing English.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and work independently in a laboratory environment.

Required skills

• Resin and polymer synthesis
• Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• Infrared spectroscopy (IR)
• Catalyst development (organic & inorganic)
• Cross‑linking chemistry
• Laboratory documentation (electronic lab journal)
• Literature and patent searching