Lead Microbiologist (m/w/d)

Lead Microbiologist Nalco Water, Research Development & Engineering (RD&E) Team based in Leiden, The Netherlands

Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company, is seeking an experienced and motivated applied microbiologist to join our innovation efforts and support our customers in the Global High Tech (GHT) industry. We are establishing a dedicated EU GHT RD&E team who will work alongside our Global Water RD&E group in Leiden, the Netherlands. The Lead Microbiologist will primarily be responsible for contributing to the development and / or deployment of technologies and products that prevent microbiological growth in cooling water applications. The role will also encompass a significant amount of customer (field / application) support for industrial water applications. We are seeking a candidate with a strong technical background and practical field/application experience, who is self-motivated, has a desire for collaboration and is a creative problem solver.

What’s in it For You:

• The opportunity to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy environments
• The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company and a team that is passionate about growth
• The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best
• A culture that values safety first, including training and personal protection.

The main responsibilities of the role are to:

• Lead and / or collaborate in innovation development and deployment of products and solutions that prevent microbial growth in different cooling water applications.
• Provide customer support to cooling water (and other industrial water) field applications in the context of microbiological prevention and control as well as remediation techniques for biofouling.

This involves:

• Being a key technical contributor on multiple, complex projects by leading and conducting both lab and field tests, ensuring that data is analyzed, documented and results communicated in a clear and concise manner.
• Development of the application guidelines and operational windows for new products and/or technologies.
• Collaborating with a global team, various functions as well as potential 3rd parties on the development of technologies that meet customer needs.
• Provide insight on technical hurdles or risks in innovation development and brainstorm approaches and strategies to overcome the hurdles.
• Identifying and understanding customer needs and challenges within cooling water applications in the global high tech industry (through field visits, engagement with customers and industry experts) and using these learnings and experience to build the EU innovation roadmap.
• Provide advanced technical support to sales and customers which includes but not limited to, technical training, application guidance, technical exchange, trouble-shooting, field visits etc.

Qualifications and experience:

• Masters in Microbiology or related with ideally >5 years of industry/field experience
• Ph.D in Microbiology or related with ideally >3 years of industry/field experience
• Knowledge of cooling water biocidal products
• Industry / field experience in cooling water treatment (open-recirculating and closed) cooling water treatment
• Experience in the Global High Tech industry (and associated cooling technologies such as Direct to Chip cooling, Adiabatic) is an advantage
• Self-starter with great initiative and ‘hands-on’ approach
• Good communication skills; with the ability to deliver complex information in an easy-to-understand format
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Works well under pressure
• Proficiency in English (both written and verbal) required
• Willingness and ability to travel 10-30 % of the time

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Ecolab is committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and furthering the principles of Equal Opportunity to Employment. Our goal is to fully utilize minority, female, and disabled individuals at all levels of the workforce. We will recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, Ecolab will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, or disability.

BENEFITS WE OFFER
Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. We offer benefits to support our associates’ health and wellness, such as healthcare and time-away policies. We also offer benefits designed to promote our associates’ financial well-being, including short- and long-term financial incentives and retirement income and planning. Specific offerings may vary by location. For more detailed information, please speak with your recruiter.