Scientist - Research & Development

DuluxGroup Ltd.; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive discounts on DuluxGroup and‑

Fitness Passport partnership

20 weeks paid parental leave

2 weeks partner leave

Learning, development and career paths

Wellbeing Hub and EAP support

Recognition programs

Job summary

Cabot's, proudly part of the DuluxGroup, seeks a Development Chemist/Scientist to drive innovative timber coatings from concept to market. Based at the DuluxGroup Innovation Centre in Clayton, you will work across technical, marketing, procurement, supply chain and operations to transform ideas into commercially viable products.

You will lead lab development programs, balance performance with sustainability and cost, and help shape the next generation of decking oils, stains and protective

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in chemistry, engineering or another relevant STEM discipline.
• Industrial experience in surface coatings, paint or a related industry, with formulation experience advantageous.
• Strong analytical and complex problem-solving capability with root-cause analysis and risk management.
• Collaborative communicator able to influence and build relationships with technical teams and partners.
• Organised, safety- and quality-focused with interest in sustainability; DOE or SAP knowledge is well-regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory development programs from concept through commercialisation.
• Develop timber coatings for decking oils, stains, varnishes and protective finishes.
• Collaborate with technical, marketing, procurement, supply chain and operations teams.
• Drive ideas through scale-up, manufacturing implementation and market launch.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Collaborative communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in chemistry, engineering or another relevant STEM discipline

Job description

Job Description

About Us

Proudly part of the DuluxGroup, Cabot's has been trusted by DIY enthusiasts and professionals for over 60 years. We combine heritage with innovation to deliver premium timber finishes that protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood. From decking oils to stains and varnishes, our products help Australians create homes they love.

Cabot's isn't just about woodcare - it's about helping people transform their homes and outdoor spaces. Joining us means being part of a brand that combines heritage, innovation, and purpose to make a real difference in everyday lives.

What You'll Be Doing

Join our Research & Innovation team as a Development Chemist/Scientist, creating and improving innovative timber coatings that deliver meaningful performance, quality and cost benefits. Based at the DuluxGroup Innovation Centre in Clayton, you will work across technical, marketing, procurement, supply chain and operations teams to transform ideas into commercially relevant products.

You will lead laboratory development programs from concept through to commercialisation, delivering solutions that balance performance, sustainability, manufacturability and cost. Working across a range of technologies, you will help develop the next generation of decking oils, stains, varnishes and protective timber coatings for Australian consumers.

This role offers exposure to the full product development lifecycle, from early-stage innovation and formulation through to scale-up, manufacturing implementation and market launch.

You'll join a collaborative R&D team where ideas are encouraged, experimentation is supported and innovation is translated into products used by Australians every day.

Our Benefits

• Exclusive discounts on DuluxGroup products and partner offers
• Stay active anytime, anywhere through our partnership with Fitness Passport
• 20 weeks paid parental leave (primary carers) and 2 weeks partner leave from day one
• Market leading learning, development and career pathways
• Access to our Wellbeing Hub and full EAP support
• Recognition programs that celebrate your impact

What We're Looking for

• A tertiary qualification in chemistry, engineering or another relevant STEM discipline.
• Industrial experience in surface coatings, paint or a related industry, with formulation experience considered advantageous.
• Strong analytical and complex problem-solving capability, including identifying root causes, managing technical risks and implementing practical solutions.
• A collaborative communicator who can influence and build effective relationships with technical teams, commercial functions, suppliers and external partners.
• An organised, results-focused professional who prioritises safety, sustainability and product quality; knowledge of Design of Experiments or SAP would be highly regarded.

Why Join Us

Progressing your career with the DuluxGroup means being part of a network of over 8000 employees globally who believe in our purpose to 'Imagine a Better Place'

With origins dating back to 1918, we are a leading marketer and manufacturer of iconic brands such as Dulux, Selleys, Cabots, Yates and B&D to name a few.

By joining us, you will be a part of a long term strategy to deliver profitable growth through brand leadership, innovation and customer intimacy. We are committed to internal mobility and growth while fostering an inclusive culture with flexible work options.