Careers

Innovations are our drivers for growth

Set new standards in Research and Development.

As a global company BASF is already looking for the answers to tomorrow's questions today. Chemical innovations assume a key role here as they make a crucial contribution, above and beyond existing solutions, to virtually all industry sectors. We are continuously working on new products and solutions as well as on innovative technologies and modern production processes for a sustainable future. With solutions tailor-made for our customers we are setting new standards and securing our long-term business success.

Our three global research divisions are run from our key regions – Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. Together with the development units in our operating divisions, they form the core of our global Know-How Verbund. We had approximately 10,000 employees involved in research and development worldwide in 2020. Our global network of outstanding universities, research institutes and companies forms an important part of our Know-How Verbund. With our eight academic research alliances, we bundle collaborations with several research groups in a region or on a specific research focus. These are supplemented by collaborations with around 250 universities and research institutions as well as cooperation with numerous companies.

Are you ready to start in one of these job fields?

Agriculture - Learn more about agricultures at BASF here
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics & Bio Informatics
Pharmacy - Learn more about the pharmaceuticals industry at BASF here
Physics

Further information about research and development at BASF can be found here. You can find our job offers here.

An Interview with scientists at BASF

In the video, Katrin, Giuseppe, Anna Maria and Alexander talk about exciting tasks and projects from their field of work. Find out which future topics shape their work and which development opportunities BASF offers them.

Worth a thousand words

What makes up research at BASF? How does it contribute to a sustainable future? Who are the researchers and what topics do they deal with? There are no short answers to such basic questions, but this video provides an overview based on a few examples.

Finding the Right Balance for Success

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet.

How to become a part of our <Research> community?

As a graduate there are different ways you can join research at BASF - either via the classical direct entry as a laboratory team leader or for a limited time as a postdoc in one of our R&D-units or with our Academic Research Alliances.

As an alternative you can also join in selected fields via a trainee program. You can find more information on our careers portal under "Start In".

Apply to one of our job postings or send us your unsolicited application. We are looking forward to meeting you.

What we expect

As a natural scientist you are open to everything that's new and enjoy scientific and technical questions, which you approach with purpose and solve creatively with your own ideas.

You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and understand how to lead a team to achieve the best results. You can communicate self-confidently and convincingly in English and you see business travel as an opportunity to further develop your linguistic and intercultural skills.

You can join us here

You will start in one of the three global research areas:

In Advanced Materials & Systems Research we create solutions with new functional materials and systems for the automotive, construction, electronics, detergent and cleaning agents, water and wind industries.
In Process Research & Chemical Engineering we develop new and improve existing processes for the manufacture of base chemicals, intermediates and fine chemicals.We are also seeking alternatives to the raw material of crude oil and we are working on energy conversion and storage.
In Bioscience Research we seek new ways of increasing agricultural productivity and meeting the need for healthy food using biotechnological methods as well as research in new crop protection products, making sure our solutions meet the highest standards in human and environmental safety.

Which responsibilities can you expect?

In research and product development you can expect demanding tasks with a high level of personal responsibility.

As a research scientist, you will be collaborating scientifically in a specific research project.

Your area of responsibility will include project management with regular commercial evaluation of the research project entrusted to you together with the registration of patents.

You will receive on-the-job training in a committed, competent team. An essential part of your work will be the collaboration with partners from research and development, marketing and production in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams.

You will also support international research collaborations, depending on the project, or you will run a specialist laboratory team.

Your opportunities for development

We offer attractive framework conditions and excellent development opportunities in an international company. By starting in research you will become familiar with many possible future departments.

In addition to a scientific career as an expert in research, development opportunities in other areas such as marketing, production, internal management consulting, communications or human resources are also open to you.

You will discuss your next career steps regularly with your supervisor.

Many continuing education and training measures such as seminars or "on-the-job" training will support you in your career.

Your individual carreer path

Find out what your career path as research scientists at BASF could look like.

Have we raised your interest?

Great! Then take a look at our job search for suitable positions - in Germany or worldwide! Online applications via our portal simplify and speed up the process. If there is nothing suitable at the moment, you can register in our applicant portal and sign up for our job agent. It is also possible to import your profile data directly from LinkedIn or XING into our portal. We look forward to receive your application!

START IN Programs

Our START IN trainee programs offer ambitious graduates an exciting entry opportunity for various careers.