Building on a strong legacy of almost 150 years, we are leading the way to reimagine and improve life every day. Today and for generations to come. Through our innovative and sustainable brands and technologies, across our teams around the world.
Henkel holds leading positions in both industrial and consumer businesses: Our portfolio includes well-known hair care products, laundry detergents, fabric softeners as well as adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings.
Synthetic Chemist - Light Cure
Apply for this role
About this Position
We are looking for an innovative and driven Chemist/Materials Scientist to join our R&D team, developing next-generation light-cure materials and technologies. In this role, you will lead research projects from concept through to technical validation, designing and synthesizing novel polymers and functional materials that deliver differentiated performance. You will investigate structure-property relationships, optimise chemical processes, evaluate product performance, and collaborate with internal and external partners to bring new technologies to market. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist who is passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and advancing cutting-edge material technologies.
What you´ll do
- Design, synthesize, and characterize novel oligomers, and functional materials for light-cure applications.
- Develop new synthetic pathways and chemical processes to create innovative technologies with differentiated performance.
- Investigate structure-property relationships and apply scientific insights to guide material design and product development.
- Lead experimental programs focused on polymer synthesis, reaction optimization, scale-up feasibility, and performance evaluation.
- Fully manage product analysis and testing activities while accurately documenting progress and results within Henkel systems.
- Analyze experimental data, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and propose next-step recommendations.
- Identify opportunities for new technologies, products, and performance enhancements aligned with strategic business needs.
- Lead one or more critical R&D projects from concept generation through technical validation.
- Generate, evaluate, and protect intellectual property through patents, publications, and innovative technologies.
- Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with universities, suppliers, research institutes, and external partners.
- Publish and present scientific work internally and externally, representing Henkel within the scientific community.
- Share technical expertise across the organization and support project teams in solving complex chemistry and materials challenges.
- Effectively communicate technical findings and stakeholder feedback to drive customer-focused innovation.
What makes you a good fit
- Ph.D. or Master’s Degree in chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
- Strong hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry or polymer synthesis.
- Experience designing and executing multi-step syntheses and developing new chemical materials.
- Knowledge of polymer characterization techniques and structure-property relationships.
- Experience in UV/light-cure materials, photopolymers, adhesives, coatings, or related technologies is highly desirable.
- Proven ability to independently manage scientific projects and multiple research activities.
- Experience generating intellectual property, patents, scientific publications, or technical disclosures is an advantage.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Some perks of joining Henkel
- Diverse national and international growth opportunities
- Global wellbeing standards with health and preventive care programs
- Gender-neutral parental leave for a minimum of 8 weeks
- Employee Share Plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares
- Performance bonus / incentives
- Competitive Pension & Life Assurance - Company contributes up to 10% of basic salary
- Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance - VHI
- Flexi-time Policy
At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Become part of the team and bring your uniqueness to us! We welcome all applications across different genders, origins, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, and generations.
JOB ID: 26101424
Job Locations: Ireland, Leinster, Dublin
Contact information for application-related questions: RecruitmentUKIE@henkel.com
Please do not use this email address for sending your application or CV. To apply, please click on the "Apply for this role" button below. Applications sent via e-mail will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: As long as the vacancy is listed on our Career Site, we are happy to receive your application
Job-Center: If you have an application already, you can create or log in to your account here to check the status of your application. In case of new account creation, please use your email address that you applied with.
About Henkel
FAQ
I am interested in several jobs. Can I apply for multiple positions at the same time?
Yes – simply fill out your profile in our online application system. Once your online profile is complete, you can apply for multiple positions.
The job offer is written in English – should I write my application in English as well?
Yes, please. As Henkel is an international company you will be working with colleagues from all over the world and English is our official company language. Generally, the ‘rule’ is: please write the application in the same language as the job ad.
Do I get feedback during the application process about the state of my application?
Each position that we have open with Henkel is unique, and finding the right candidate is important for both the hired candidate as well as for Henkel. We want to make sure that both the candidate and the company are a good fit for each other. We will provide feedback to the candidates throughout the entire process.
Can employees move between business areas and/or to a different country?
Yes, in fact it is an expectation within Henkel that our talent is flexible and mobile. This helps to support the company on a broad, global level.
Our “Triple Two” philosophy promotes this expectation, by allowing you to work in at least two different roles, in two different business areas and two different countries. The reason behind this philosophy is that we believe working in different roles, business units and functions is good for your personal development and improves your understanding of Henkel as a global company.
Here you will get further information on our training programs.
Whom do I contact if I have questions concerning my application?
Our recruiting team will help you with all requests regarding your application. Contact the team here.