Professional Development Program (PDP) - Data Science Class of 2026
The world needs solutions, and we need you! At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world's leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation.
Join BASF for our 2-year cross-functional Data Science Professional Development Program (PDP), where you'll immerse yourself in our dynamic Production, Manufacturing, Business, and Research and Development (R&D) teams. This rotational program allows you to gain exposure to different use-cases for data science and different problem-solving approaches. You'll collaborate closely with seasoned professionals, gaining insights into our data science processes and strategies.
Our program is designed to accelerate your career growth by providing you with leadership opportunities and strategic insights critical for a successful future in data science.
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.
Embrace this opportunity to kickstart your career at BASF, where innovation and collaboration drive our success!
Are you ready to create change?
In our Data Science 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:
During the PDP program, you will get the opportunity to work within various areas across the organization such as Production, Manufacturing, Business, and Research and Development (R&D) teams.
You will work closely with talented data scientists to gain experience with the technical and scientific aspects of plant engineering. You will work with mentors and have exposure to senior leadership through high impact initiatives.
You will be "hands-on" and will have the opportunity to lead high value projects, to execute deliverables during all phases of an analytics project - starting from project definition to completion.
Some of the deliverables will include the development of appropriate machine learning and optimization models, collaborating with members from other functions to gather and validate the necessary data, and presenting the project results and benefits to key stakeholders and internal clients.
You will also be communicating ideas and solutions to a broad community of non-mathematicians and acting as a driving force in international and interdisciplinary project teams.
Unlock Your Potential: More than Just a Job
Professional Development:
Exposure to Data Science applications and digitalization tools such as Python, R, RShinv, Dash, Flask, HTML, Git, SQL, Tableau and PowerBI, AWS, Databricks, Azure, Virtual environments and Docker containers, and many more. 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 Professional Development Program at BASF is a recent graduate or current Senior with a Bachelors or Master's degree majoring in Data Science, Data Analytics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related Engineering Majors with a graduation date between May 2025 and July 2026.
Candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.2.
Candidates must be 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 must have experience with Python and R programing
Candidates must have basic knowledge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data, and new technologies.
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.
Candidates should have 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 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!
Who We Are
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $19.7 billion in 2024.
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers' green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions
At BASF, we are committed to creating an exceptional workplace that values diversity and prioritizes our employees' well-being and development. Our dedication has been recognized through various awards and accolades. In 2024-25, BASF received the Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America, as well as the Business Group on Health's Best Employers: Excellence in Health & Well-being award. We were recognized by PLANSPONSOR for having a 2025 Best In Class 401(k) Plan and ranked among the Top 50 Employers by readers of Minority Engineer Magazine. Fair360 (formerly Diversity Inc) also placed us 22nd on their 2024 Top 50 Companies List. Additionally, we were named one of America's Best Large Employers and one of the World's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista. For the 11th consecutive year, we achieved a top score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, earning the 2025 "Equality 100 Award" as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
To learn more about our programs, visit www.basf.com/universitycareers .
Privacy Statement
BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any @type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud.
Pay Transparency
BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $88,000 - $97,000 . Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Equal Employment Opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
