R&D Specialist, UV & WB

AkzoNobel; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in paints and coatings seeks an experienced chemist to lead RD&I activities focusing on waterborne and UV coatings. This role requires a minimum of 8 years of experience, hands-on capabilities with coatings systems, and strong problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will collaborate with various teams, conduct extensive lab testing, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Fluency in English is essential. A promising opportunity for those passionate about innovation in the coatings industry.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as a chemist for waterborne or UV coatings.
• Hands-on experience with full water coatings systems for furniture.
• Strong knowledge of IKEA testing methods and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Drive and execute RD&I activities for Waterborne and UV coatings.
• Lead formulation and modification projects.
• Oversee comprehensive lab testing and product evaluation.

Skills

Problem solving

Knowledge of IKEA test methods

Teamwork

Communication in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Tools

FTIR

Gas Chromatography

X-Ray Fluorescence

Moisture Analyzer

UV machines

Job description

About AkzoNobel

Since , we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

© Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

• Drive and execute RD&I activities in Wood Coatings, focusing on both product development and lab operations to support AkzoNobel Vietnam’s innovation roadmap and strategic business goals.
• Lead formulation and modification projects on Waterborn and UV coatings products, ensuring effective execution of lab work aligned with sustainability performance, and cost targets.
• Develop full waterborne coatings system for SEA.
• Develop waterborne and UV curing coatings systems for OEM customers.
• Perform and oversee comprehensive lab testing and product evaluation to ensure quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with Technical Service and Sales teams to provide expert support during customer visits and resolve product-related issues efficiently.
• Take ownership of rework and troubleshooting for WB and UV wood coatings and contribute to continuous product improvement.
• Support scale-up and first batch production, ensuring smooth technology transfer and product consistency, particularly for key customer projects.
• Proactively contribute to knowledge sharing, best practices, and continuous improvement within the RD&I team.

Key Accountabilities

• To ensure that product developed comply with the requirements of MOC and HC materials
• Raw material evaluation
• New raw material introduction making sure checking on slate , MOC & PSRA
• Customer service and trouble shooting
• To perform the analytical work with the Fourier Transform InfraRed Machine (FTIR), Gas Chromatography (GC), Moisture Analyzer (MA), X-Ray Flourescence (XRF), Taber Abraser, Centrifugue, Mar Tester, UV machines and other equipments be required
• To monitor in production the making of the first batch of the new formulation
• To prepare the Product Data Sheet and generate Material Safety Data Sheet (from Web Application) of existing or new products
• To work on VE in WB and WB products
• To implement 5S in Woodlab
• To meet with suppliers to look for new raw material or substitute.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience as chemist for waterborne or UV Wood coatings.
• Have hands‑on experience and solutions on full water coatings system on furniture or UV coatings for furniture.
• Have strong knowledge on IKEA test methods and regulations.
• Preferred to have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
• Team player, strong problem fixer and new technology learning capability.
• Must be able to write and speak fluently in English.

#LI-NP1

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.