R&D Bio-based Technician

R&D Lab Technician - 1 Year - Oberwinterthur, Switzerland

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
Join our Bio-based R&D team within Chemtech division in Switzerland as R&D Lab Technician to help us take our Bio-based and Renewable Applications to the next level.

You will actively participate in diverse and exploratory work in the field of R&D to facilitate the technology development of sustainable processes for bio-based materials processing and production. Your tasks will include preparation and calibration of analytical instruments, synthesis and characterization of bio-polymers and bio-monomers, lab safety and management, execution of customer trials, and support of internal R&D projects.

Your main tasks and responsibilities:

• Support lab-scale R&D Projects:

• Conduct systematic lab-scale investigations on bio-polymer and bio-monomer synthesis with reactor size up to 5L.

• Assist in sample characterization using standardized measurement methods.

• Present results at group meetings and summarize your work in the form of a report.

• Support technology transitions from lab-scale to pilot-scale:

• Assist in setting up and conducting pilot plant trials.

• Provide technical expertise and troubleshoot issues during trials.

• Support R&D engineers in the operation of pilot plants for the production of bio-based materials:

• Participating in continuous trials of the pilot plants, operating in shifts (around 5-10 days per month)

• Participating occasionally in other bio-based and renewable innovation projects (such as application development / biofuels / chemicals / recycling)

• Reactors and Equipment Management:

• Maintain and troubleshoot various machinery and equipment used in bio-based synthesis.

• Perform routine maintenance tasks to ensure equipment is in its optimal working conditions.

• Assist in the implementation of safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment.

• Warehouse Management:

• Maintain and troiubleshoot various machinery and equipment used in bio-based synthesis.

• Perform routine maintenance tasks to ensure equipment is in optimal working conditions.
• Assist in the implementation of safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• University degree or equivalent higher-level education in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences, or related field.
• Previous experience as a laboratory technician and/or chemical production technician is advantageous.

• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and analytical instruments such as:

• Chromatography techniques (e.g., GC, GPC, HPLC, +MS).

• Tiration (Karl-Fisher) and other spectroscopio techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR)
• Thermal and rheological properties analysis (e.e. DSC, TGA, MFI, rheometer).

• Experience using lab-scale reactive extruder.

• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks.

• Team player with an outgoing personality, precise working style, and strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in English.

What we offer you:

• 1-year fixed-term contract offering a unique opportunity to growth in the bio-based field
• An innovative, vibrant and agile culture where you can contribute to a more sustainable future
• Excellent social benefits (holidays, pension fund etc.)
• Attractive employment conditions
• Access to a wide range of discounts on Everyday Shopping, Entertainment and Lifestyle

No visa or work permit support can be provided for this role.

Do you have a question about the role?
Reach out to Alexi Donadoni at Our team is looking foward hearingfrom you

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.