PhD Leadership Development Program (LDP) - 2026 Cohort

PhD Leadership Development Program (LDP) – 2026 Cohort

Join BASF for our 2-year cross-functional PhD Leadership Development Program (LDP), where you'll immerse yourself in our dynamic technical, production, and commercial teams. This rotational program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working on impactful projects that support our business objectives. You’ll collaborate closely with seasoned professionals, gaining insights into our technical processes and strategies.

This experience will equip you with essential skills in a variety of functional areas including research, development, production, and commercial spaces. Our program is designed to accelerate your career growth by providing you with leadership opportunities and strategic insights critical for a successful future in technical management.

We welcome applicants who are mobile-minded and open to relocation, as the program is comprised of three eight-month rotations in different locations across the U.S. This will enhance your exposure to diverse business environments and deepen your understanding of our global operations.

Are you ready to create change?

In our PhD Leadership Development Program, no two days are alike. You'll engage in a dynamic environment where you'll tackle diverse challenges, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and adapt to rapidly changing situations. This role offers the opportunity to innovate and problem-solve in real-time, making every day an exciting and unique experience.

Some key areas of impact may include:

• Technical and Engineering Rotations: Engaging in comprehensive rotations that encompass technical communication, process development, operations engineering, and application and technical services, fostering a deep understanding of engineering principles and practices.
• Research and Development Rotations: Participating in diverse R&D rotations across chemist and scientist roles, focusing on laboratory research, innovative product development, and discovery processes to drive scientific advancement.
• Sustainability and Environmental Rotations: Involved in initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation, exploring renewable materials and advancing microplastic degradation science to address pressing environmental challenges.
• Data and Digitalization Rotations: Engaging in rotations that delve into data science, technical services, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, equipping participants with cutting-edge skills to navigate the digital landscape.
• Business Development and Marketing Rotations: Gaining valuable experience through rotations in market segmentation, account management, business development, marketing strategies, and investment analysis to drive organizational growth and success.

Unlock Your Potential: More than Just a Job

Professional Development: Exposure to business and technical applications and digital tools such as PowerBI, SAP, and Tableau. At the end of each rotation, you will present your impact during your rotation to your peers, BASF employees, and senior leaders, showcasing your impact and contributions.

Mentorship Each participant will be assigned a peer mentor and Executive Mentor. Peer mentors are full-time program participants and serve as a guide throughout the program. You will develop your expertise and the ability to network at senior levels throughout BASF and establish mentoring relationships that could span your whole career. Each program participant is assigned an Executive Mentor which connects seasoned, high-level executives with individuals to offer guidance, support, and knowledge sharing. This mentorship emphasizes the development of leadership skills, the navigation of complex challenges, and the cultivation of strategic thinking, all aimed at accelerating career advancement and improving overall leadership effectiveness.

Networking Program participants have the opportunity to participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at their site. Successfully engaging across the business throughout your rotations will expand your network, allow you to grow personally and professionally, and learn a variety of valuable skill sets.

Benefits Adding value to our customers begins with adding value to you. You@BASF is the suite of benefits, perks, programs and unique opportunities we offer to support you—the whole you—in all stages of your life and career. With you@BASF, you create your own chemistry.

The total rewards that you receive as a BASF employee go way beyond a paycheck. From competitive health and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, to making sure you never stop learning, we believe investing in you is investing in our success. Working for a large, global organization, you’ll have a chance to grow professionally and personally, expand your network and build a rewarding and dynamic career.

Your Unique Blend: What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate for our PhD Leadership Development Program at BASF is a recent graduate or current PhD student studying Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biosciences, Material Science, Polymer Science, or a related field with a graduation date between May 2025 and July 2026 (must successfully defend prior to August 2026) OR completing their 1st or 2nd year of a post-doctoral position.

• Candidates must be permanently authorized to work in the U.S. without restrictions and be willing to relocate anywhere in the country during and after the program, as all assignments are in-person or hybrid.
• Candidates should demonstrate previous leadership experience and academic achievement, along with active participation in extracurricular activities and on-campus organizations.
• Previous internship/co-op experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with tools such as PowerBI, SAP, Tableau, and advanced Excel proficiency is a plus, along with a strong interest in the manufacturing or chemical industry. Project management experience is also beneficial.

Throughout the two-year program, participants will engage across various business areas, expanding their networks and developing valuable skills. Mobility is crucial, with potential locations including New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana.

We are always working to form the best team - especially from within, with an emphasis on lifelong learning and career development!